Korean Job Discussion Forums

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

I'm faced with a decision today. I will be going to the bank to send my money home, and I am trying to decide whether or not to close my bank account.

I am going home to Canada, for at least 6 months. I am unsure about whether or not I will be coming back to Korea. I won't say NEVER, because it is always a possibility.

However if I come back, I don't want to have to deal with the new banking rules that are in place. I've had this account for just over two years now, with no problems.

So, should I go home with this bank account left open, could it cause me any problems in the future? What if I leave it open, but never come back? Could that cause any problems?

Thanks.

livinseoul · Joined: 28 Nov 2007

How is it going to cause you problems by leaving it open. Just leave it open with a minimum amount in it.

twg · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Location: Getting some fresh air...

Close it if you're unsure you're coming back. You'll need all your money when you get home anyway.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

I had an international atm card, from my Korean Bank, when I went home to Australia last year. I drew out almost all of the funds that way. (down to only 8000 won). When I returned to Korea, the account was still there, & is now in substantial credit again. The PS also pays my salary directly into this same account. No need to close it, unless you're never coming back.

Atavistic · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 6:41 pm Post subject:

Leave 5,000 won in it.

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

See the thing is I'm not sure if I'm coming back or not. It could be never.

I just really don't know.

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

What could be the harm of leaving an account open with <10,000 in it? You know you will be glad you did if you come back.

poet13 · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 6:59 pm Post subject:

You won't miss the 5 or 10 bucks you leave there, and it can be very convenient in the future...

Atavistic · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008 6:59 pm Post subject:

Well, is 5,000 won worth the lack of possible hassle in the future? It may be wasted, they may close the account after several years, hell next year they might decide to do a sweep on foreigners' accounts, since apparently all we do is scam.

Or, it could just sit there and if you do decide to come back, it will be there. That would be a help if they still have these dumb three month rules in the future.

If 5,000 won worth it?

To me, it would be. I'm leaving 5,000 won in it.

RJjr · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Location: Turning on a Lamp

According to one KB branch, you can leave an account open with a zero balance...not sure what the other branches say.

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

Keep your options open, is my advice.

Reduce the value to less then Man won, and just let it be.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

I agree with everyone else, leave it open. If you decide to come back at some point, it will make things easier for you. I have some accounts that are still open from when I first got here.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

Yeah I'm doing the same thing. Going to leave a small balance and then give my GF my ATM card and 10,000. She can deposit and withdraw it a couple times a year.

KYC · Joined: 11 May 2006

anyone know the min balance for nonghyup? At one time I had only 3,000 won in there..but only for a few days lol. I'm also leaving my bank account open...I think it'll be easier.

poet13 · Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 2:17 am Post subject:

Another reason to leave it open is if you come back and experience any kind of grief from an employer. For those of you who have ever wondered how it's possible that your boss knows you withdrew half a million won on the weekend....