Korean Job Discussion Forums

GoodMike · Joined: 18 Jun 2009

Anybody have experience with the KEB bank in Pohang? I am fed up with my current bank and their stupid policies. They told me it was no problem getting an international check card, went through the process, got the card. When they gave me the card, they told me because im a foreigner its been restricted to use WITH IN KOREA. What was the point of doing the extra applications when the week before I got a check card for in the country. I applied for both at the same time, now have two cards that only work in the country.

I keep reading good things about KEB, just curious if the branch in pohang is as friendly as their website makes it seem. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appriciated.

roadwork · Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Location: Goin' up the country

You're partly right on that. I went to KEB and got a Visa debit card that would work like a check card in Korea but internationally I can ONLY use an ATM. The way she explained it was, because of the systems and the processing time it would be easy for a foreigner to overdraw his/her account before the card couldn't be used anymore.

azzwell · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:01 pm Post subject:

there are two branches in Pohang, one next to Jukdo market, one down by the bus station. I have dealt with both. The one by Jukdo is the best but they are both awesome.
My card has worked all over the world, but as previously noted, it is only for ATM's, but I have no problem with that, just happy to have the card.
while you are there be sure to set up your easy one remittance account. Never even go to the bank again, you get a better rate and 30% off the wire fees.
Oh, and use IE for their website.

GoodMike · Joined: 18 Jun 2009

Thank you very much azzwell! You have helped make my decision easier. On their website they talk about foreigner credit cards and things like that, have you tried to get one. Mostly, i would like a debit type card that i can use on the internet! Having trouble finding that, but the KEB website does say it is available. Thanks for the tip on the remittance, will do that as well. Would love to not have to go to the bank to do that.

Your ATM card works on other machines around Korea with no problems too i assume. I do not actually live in pohang, im in a smaller city nearby, but my only option where i am is NongHyup, and im way beyond ready to close that account!

Again, thanks for the help!

roadwork · Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Location: Goin' up the country

zstar5000 · Joined: 23 Feb 2009

GoodMike · Joined: 18 Jun 2009

No it was not KB, but NH. I do not hear good things about KB though. Seems very hit or miss with many of the banks. I know some people with NH have an international debit card, my bank thought i could, but BC card turned me down cause i was a foreigner. It all depends on who you talk to i guess. I would just rather support the place that is making an honest effort to make things easier on us. KEB seems to be the one to go to for that.

zstar5000 · Joined: 23 Feb 2009

FWIW, there is an assistant manager at the main KB branch near Jukdo who speaks English and is pretty helpful. We'll probably go there next week sometime to try and secure an international debit and/or ATM card and I'll post an update here. I'm primarily concerned with getting an ATM card so that we can pull cash out of our KB account while we're stateside.