Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Enigma]

After looking at a lot of the threads here about South Korean banks, I decided to go to Standard Chartered to open my first account as I got the impression they were willing to give foreigners international ATM cards. I made a trip to the branch near Daejeon Station on Friday, however they told me they can only give domestic ATM cards to foreigners. The teller was very polite (and cute) and so I didn't see any point in getting indignant and arguing with her. I opened an account with them, but the more I think about it, if they won't give me an international ATM card, there's not much reason for me to use them. Their branch network is quite small, they have limited English options on their ATMs, and they don't have a branch near my apartment.
So, Kookmin and Nonghyup each have branches near me and seem to have pretty extensive networks. The only thing I'll probably want to do on the ATMs is withdraw cash and possibly a few transfers to pay for purchases within Canada (preferably in English). Any preferences between these two banks?

Thanks

[the ireland]

i use nonhyup, they are a pretty good bank, my one has pretty competent english speaking staff and the guy who transfers the money to my bank account back home gets it done in about 5 minutes so it's nice not to have to wait around.

the atms also have good english settings and you can transfer money to other korean accounts from their machines

[Ya-ta Boy]

I also prefer Nong Hyup Bank. I used to bank with Kook Min, but they gave very inefficient service with the credit card, so I switched to Nong Hyup and have had no problems with them at all.

[TeeBee]

Yip, also with Nonghyup and I've had good experiences. The branches that I work with don't have much in the way of English-speaking staff, but I've still been able to sort out most of my banking and international money transfers. They also have online banking in English.

Just make sure you open an account that is capable of making international transfers. My first account with Nonghyup (opened by my school) wasn't, and it was a bit of a hassle to sort it out. Though I won't blame the bank for this.

[Temporary]

Nonghyup isn't great but its better then the bulk of Korean shit banks.

[Scouse Mouse]

Nonghyup are decent enough - the banks are everywhere and they have good English options on the ATM's. The English option doesn't cover getting your passbook printed, and you can not pay bills (eg. gas bill) using English, but everything else (including money transfers) has full English Menu's. Even the voice on the machines is in English.

Their online banking is great. Up to the minute balance checking (to make sure the feckers pay you), and you can do all of your bank transfers from there. I love being able to shop online in Korea (whatthebook and gmarket) without having to own a debit/credit card, or visit a bank!

[crusher_of_heads]

I'm quite happy with Nonghyup.

MrsSeoul and komerican are dullards.

[Temporary]

[maingman]

Temporary wrote :
Nonghyup isn't great but its better then the bulk of Korean shit banks.


good... positive comment there

[KYC]

i have nonghyup. do they have online banking?? if so, how do i sign up??

[samoanz]

Do Nonghyup issue credit cards to foreigners?? I need a Korean-based one for a hospital stay in a few months (the hospital does not accept overseas credit cards and the bill is huge)... I've seen the KEB website that says how easy it is to get a card from them BUT then I read recent posts by foreigners about how they could not get credit cards or even international ATM cards from KEB. Can anyone share their experiences about getting a credit card from Nonghyup please!!!

[i4NI]

Nonghyup banks are harder to come by in Seoul, Nonghyup is mostly a country side bank. KB is around every other corner. The service will vary on the branch you go to, just because one Nonghyup bank someone went to had someone that could speak English doesn't mean most of the others will.

[ytuque]

Nonghyup would not give me a credit card or an ATM card which can be used outside of Korea. It's tough to be a foreigner in Korea. The manager said that perhaps it would be possible after I have been in Korea for one year.

[Konglishman]

[The Great Toad]