Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Keepongoing]

The IBK below Gecko's now has painted on its window, :FOREIGNERS ONLY."

I saw angry locals taking photos of the sign.

I appreciate banks trying to be more foreign friendly, but to make a bank exclusive like that will just exacerbate the hard feelings. Many locals used that bank and will now have to go farther to do their banking or change banks. While saying this, I did have the thought " It doesn't feel good does it?" So many double standards are at play here that favor Koreans over foreigners. But I wish it could be an even playing field for everyone.

I thank IBK for becoming more accommodating to foreigners. Of course, if I was going to make a little branch specialize in the foreigners' banking needs, I would place it in Itaewan

[Jeonmunka]

I have seen also several NO FOREIGNER signs in Seoul.

I figure this is reciprical.

[Kimchi Cha Cha]

I think Korean citizens in Itaewon have a definite right to angry about their local bank suddenly becoming unuseable for them. While, it's nice to see a Korean bank trying to be more accommodating towards the non-Korean population, I think it's a step backwards to suddenly bar the local population at the same time. The best and most practical solution is to have an inclusive bank which at the same time provides extra assistance for non-Korean residents. Blatant discrimination sucks no matter what group it's applied to and would never flow back home.

[BoholDiver]

I hate the no foreigners crap that happens. In their defense, I don't think it's very common.

The reverse is equally bad.

[Ruthdes]

I have also noticed that the International taxis have "foreigner only" written on them...but only in English! Seems a bit weird. As far as I know they should only charge extra when they are called out (or that's what was said when they were launched). I believe they were also supposed to be available to be hailed for the same price as a normal taxi. I haven't taken one yet b/c I don't want to get into an argument about whether I should pay extra cos I'm white, when I'm quite capable of directing a taxi driver who speaks no English.

[rkc76sf]

There's probably a dozen of those taxis on the Yongsan Army post, I'm afraid to see the jacked up price, so I don't bother to take one.

[hockeyguy109]

Do the "no foreigners" rules really bother you? I've been not let into a few clubs for being a foreigner but I wasn't terribly excited to go into them anyways.

Curious, is there a place you really wanted to go into but couldn't because of the no foreigners rule?

As for the bank, the locals should buck up. Can't feel sorry for them. That's like giving pity to a white southerner (USA) in the 1920s who wanted to drink out of the black water fountains but couldn't.

[T-J]

[Yangachi]

[hockeyguy109]

[redaxe]

Blah... people are always looking for something to be offended by.

[cdninkorea]

I wonder by what process the bank in question decided this would be a good long-term business strategy.

[itaewonguy]

It wont last long...bad banking practice and really makes no sense..

[sendittheemail]

It's a brilliant business strategy.

Haven't you ever been in line at an ATM machine (especially the ones that accept foreign cards, because each bank usually has just ONE of these precious machines), and then had a slime ball ajumma slice in front of you without waiting in line? Problem solved!

Better yet, ever noticed how long it takes Koreans on average to use the ATM machine? What in the HELL can possibly take 10+ minutes to perform at an ATM machine? Don't lie, every single one of you has seen a Korean person standing in front of an ATM machine for extended period of time, and wondered what they possibly could be doing that takes so long. I've personally paid all of my utility bills in like 4 minutes flat, what takes them so long? They are probably sending their money to voice phishers in China or Nigeria.

Foreigner: Insert card -> Enter pin -> select option -> retrieve money -> Finished

Korean Old Person: Insert card -> enter pin -> (10 minutes pass, what are they doing??????? -> get receipt -> remove card -> stand in front of ATM machine staring at receipt for another 2 minutes....

This "foreigner only" solution is a brilliant way to reach out to the foreign community, who usually just want to go in, get our task accomplished, and get out as quickly as possible.

Is it really bad business strategy to have a bank catering to foreigners in the middle of the largest foreigner district in the biggest city in Seoul? The only problem is the "Foreigners Only" sign. That is blatant discrimination, and they need to change the wording to something like "Express Banking" (ie no ajumma allowed) or "Premium Banking" (ie no peasants allowed) or "English Banking Only" (ie no old Korean people allowed).

[hogwonguy1979]

sorry folks its not about a bank saying "no koreans" what they are doing is opening a special section where you can do remittances etc outside of normal banking hours. it will be open nights/weekends

move along now