Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Darkeru]

What is the problem that people tend to have with banks?

I've seen people complain about them having Mon - Fri 9-5 opening hours, which cetainly isn't helpful. What do people need to do at banks though?

I get the feeling it's an obvious answer question that I'm just missing, but here I only ever go into the bank if the ATM's outside aren't working or the rare occasion I physically deposit money instead of having it paid from somewhere.

Is it something like there are no ATMs/cards aren't accepted in most places/payment is given in a pay-stub or something needing to be deposited in the bank?

[drama_addict]

Paying Bills.

Unless you set up Internet Banking with your Korean Bank (which can be a hassle depending on which bank you use), you need to pay bills at a bank.

Some utility companies allow you to do a transfer into their accounts using ATMs (which have longer hours than banks, but not 24), but many require you to pay bills using special ATM machines that can only be used during banking hours.

[Italy37612]

Most of the hassle comes with making changes to your account, having to transfer money back home or paying bills. Which needs to be done inside the bank. Most banks here close around 4:30 pm (with some exceptions) M-F. However, with my bank I can wire transfer money back to the states using internet banking.

There are tons of ATM's all over Korea. The majority of places do accept credit and debit cards, but first you have to go to the bank when it is open to get one . After one or two trips to the bank and if you have opened an internet banking account you really have no reason to go there ever again.

[Patrick Bateman]

I have to use an ATM to pay my bills. This requires a special ATM. This ATM, for whatever reason, is only located inside the actual bank.

Also, I have a savings account that expires every few months, so I have to go close that account and open a new one. Note, I've only done this 2 times in 2 years.

Lastly, banks issue bank books. When your bank book is full, you need to go to the bank and have them issue you a new one for your account.

That's why I have to go to the bank somewhat regularly. The hours are annoying, but luckily there are no shortages of branches in my town.

I use NH by the way.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[Patrick Bateman]

[ThingsComeAround]

+1 drama_addict

International ATM/debit/check cards

These aren't given to foreigners (not at every bank anyway)

Also, the deposit you need before you can make a secured credit card with a bank. The deposit will be your limit, effectively making that your debit card with limits.

[Kaypea]

I've just been paying my bills doing the transfer option at *any* ATM.

I have to go into the bank soon in order to get a Security Certificate for buying stuff online with my Korean credit card. You have to show your face in person for that.

[NYC_Gal]

[mogbert]

No one here sets up auto-payments for their bills? I just asked my co-teachers to help me set it up.

[Big Mac]

I am having a pretty serious problem with my online banking these days.

Ever since I upgraded my computer to Windows 7, I have been unable to use KEB's English online banking. It just automatically switches to Korean every time I try to log in. It's very annoying.

I called KEB and they spent about 3 hours trying to help me fix it, but they were unable to do anything.

The best they could do was tell me that I must downgrade my computer to Windows XP and use only Internet Explorer 7. Pretty ridiculous request. I can't even downgrade Internet Explorer below 8 with Windows 7.

It never occurred to them that they should try to make their website compatible with the newer versions of Windows rather than ask their customer to downgrade just for their website.

I'm in Australia and have no other way to access my money in Korea, so hopefully they fix it soon.

[alwaysbeclosing100]

i have accounts at two different korean banks and the reps at english phone banking speak poor english at both banks. reps in branch banks usually speak no english and cannot accomplish a transaction. the credit card portion of KBstars internet banking is all in korean. and that is just the beginning........i could write 10 pages about difficulties with korean banks.......

[cassimira]

[languistic]

[Darkeru]

Are any banks particularly good for their online banking and paying bills with it? Or their paying bills via normal outside ATMs? Does the company the bills are for matter, as to how you pay them?

I'm curious about how KEB does specifically, since they seem to have English support.