Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Konglishman]

Hello, everyone.

Thus, far, I have been in Korea for nearly 2 years now. I had decided that I was going to switch my bank account to Shinhan. So, I opened a Shinhan account last week.

Unfortunately, the bank would not give me a bank card. I was told that I must have the account open for 3 months before I can get a bank card. So, I was only given a bank book. Since you can use the bank book at many of the ATM machines, I decided not to argue about this.

Last weekend, I got around to testing out using the bank book with the ATM machine. I was able to deposit money into the account, but to my surprise, I could not take money out or even transfer money to another account.

So, I went back to the Shinhan bank at the beginning of this week to get them to correct the problem. I told the manager that I wanted to be able to withdraw money from the ATM. Then, I was told that it was not possible. Since I am a foreigner, I am not allowed to have those bank account privileges until after 3 months have passed. So, the only way for me to withdraw money is to go to bank counter during banking hours.

Needless to say, I was quite irritated by this. Nonetheless, I kept the anger out of my voice and tried to find a compromise. I explained that with my other bank account, I never had to wait 3 months. Surely, there must be some exception to this rule. I then asked if I could get around the problem by having a Korean friend cosign the account. I was told "no".

Later on, I talked to a friend of mine in Seoul who has a Shinhan account. He said that he never even had to wait to get a bank card.

I wonder if I were to simply go into a different Shinhan bank branch, a different outcome would occur. Unfortunately, my working hours prevent me from having the time to go to another bank branch.

Does anyone have any thoughts on how I might convince this Shinhan bank manager to give me regular access to my bank account?

[Ukon]

Go to KEB bank...much better and easier for foreigners....

But yes, going to different branches will likely result in a different outcome....but screw shinhan and got to KEB.

[blaseblasphemener]

I agree, try another bank. I bank at KB and haven't had any problems. You can do online transfers overseas for 7,000 won.

[aphase]

wow, i never heard of that kind of rule before. I've opened something like 4 different bank accounts at different banks since I've been here and they always just gave the bank card right then after making the account.

I would say get another bank, that sounds like a really ridiculous rule.

[afsjesse]

I used KEB my first year here in Korea and had no problems. Money transfers were easy, but costly. Around 18k. Not sure about online transfer. I now use Nonghyup because I'm in a rural area and there's no other option really. Good Luck!

[Binch Lover]

Standard Chartered gave me an INTERNATIONAL ATM card right away last summer. I had to prove I was a public school teacher though.

[travelingfool]

Shinhan bank is the worst. They told me that they couldn't issue me a domestic debit card because foreign customers commit crimes and fraud. A card with international access was also out of the question. I actually did get a card right away though it was only good at ATM's and had a 100,000 per day limit.

[jdog2050]

[jdog2050]

[jdog2050]