Korean Job Discussion Forums

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

I've moved very little money out of Korea. Probably should have given the crappy rate but anyway. Over the last month I've been trying to move about $30,000 to Canada. I've got income tax documents for 2005 and 2006 showing I've made over $45,000. As far as I can tell, you're allowed to transfer exactly as much as you can prove you've made.

(I'm dealing with Woori Bank.)

Anyway, I presented these documents to a woman teller first off, she scanned the info. Everything went well. Went back 3 more times. No probs. Always bring my GF to do the tricky stuff. Anyway, today we got a guy. Korean male. I don't like dealing with males. I knew this was going to be trouble.

Anyway, he starts claiming I can only transfer a percentage because I'm a foreigner and not a resident. I point out I've got documentation for $45K in salary. I'm transferring less than that. What's the problem? He wonders why I haven't transfered it back every year. I explain a person might retain his earnings in Korea on the off chance he might plan himself for a long time, you know have enough cash for key money. So what if he decides he has no future here and wants to go home with his earnings? Ummm one can't transfer the money home?

Hemmm hawwww teeth sucking he makes some calls. Finally decides its okay. And meanwhile wants to know from my GF what the state of our relationship is.

Is this rocket science for Koreans? Does the woori bank near city hall really not deal with foreigners transferring large sums of money out of the country?

Korea sparkling!

ChopChaeJoe · Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Location: Seoul

That black dude in your avatar looks familiar. Who is he? one of the wayan brothers?

agoodmouse · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Location: Anyang

Joe.In.Seoul · Joined: 19 Feb 2008

Temporary · Joined: 13 Jan 2008

just racist policies.. Idiots..

I have the same problems here. I transfer at least 60% of my income every month.. Always get the same stupid question from the same semi retarted teller. Its none of your facking business.

davai! · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Location: Kuwait

sorry to hear that.

I got denied a check card last week and I hadn't even applied for one! I told the man I wanted an ATM card. He said no, because "you aren't Korean." After I started to bitch and moan, he agreed to give me a "cash card" only. The worst part... as he was entering my information, he asked me, "Do you like Ramen?"

My God, will it ever end? Yes it will. On Sunday. Woo hooo!

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

Beej · Joined: 05 Mar 2005 Location: Eungam Loop

crazy_arcade · Joined: 05 Nov 2006

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

agoodmouse · Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Location: Anyang

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Yep.. Woori is the worst place in Korea to do your banking, if you're a foreigner.

As I've mentioned before, the branch manager near here called my school to complain that I was sending money home. Very, very weird.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

normalcyispasse · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:04 pm Post subject:

Transfer fees are high for me, so I've been getting traveler's checks in $5,000 bundles. I mailed one bundle home earlier this year and my folks deposited it for me in my American bank account, and I'll be splitting up this bundle between my wife and me so I can get through the green line with "under $10,000 each."

Doing TCs in smaller amounts -- like US 5k -- doesn't raise as many eyebrows and I haven't been hassled about it.

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

I think the girl on mindmetoo's avatar is cute.
You guys must have really really high standards.