Korean Job Discussion Forums

[raketbaler]

I've hear there's a Western Union in Itaewon, I'm wondering where exactly? Also, is there anywhere in the Gangnam area where you can fave money sent from the US to here?

[southern boy]

only IBK and KB bank are affiliated with Western Union here in Korea. I think the KB branch in Itaewon is opposite to the Hollywood bar and grill, the Western union is on the second floor of the bank. Failure to accurately specified the receiver's amount will give you some hassle and remember your passport.

[ytuque]

I just sent money today via Western Union at Nonghyup Bank in Taejeon. Only the larger branches offer the service, and for some bizarre reason, they do not advertise this service. There is not a single Western union sign/poster anywhere. There is no reference on their English language website about this service. If I hadn't asked, I would have never known.

[teacherinseoul]

I haven't personally seen a Western Union in Gangnam, but I wouldn't be surprised if there's a branch. If you're also wondering about sending money in the other direction, it's relatively simple to send money transfers home, even without a Korean bank account. The fee is about $15 on the Korean bank's end. All you need is cash and a passport.

[shaunew]

Can you cash oversea cheques at the western unions here. I get get bi weekly cheques from my university and have to give them to the bank to cash it takes 1 month and cost 10,000 won each. I would rather pay a bit more but get the cash right away.

[tob55]

If you have a PayPal account through the US you can send your money to a Korean bank for a small fee. They will allow you to transfer up to $1000 per day, and I have usually got a fairly good rate. (no fees for transferring more than 150,000 KRW, other than the exchange rate) )Right now the exchange is virtually dollar for won once the fees have been deducted for the for currency exchange between US dollars and Korean won. There is a 3% fee from PayPal which amounts to about $10 on every $250 US deposited into your personal fund account, so it isn't too terrible. You can also transfer money to banks in the US by depositing your funds into PayPal by going the other direction as a bank draft withdrawal. Again, you pay the small fees for adding funds to your PayPal account, but it is minimal in my estimation. the whole process usually takes between 3 - 5 business days for everything to hit. So if you have times set up in advance it is a good system. I have been using this system since 2005 with absolutely no difficulty at all.

[raketbaler]

thanks guys, look like KB bank is my best bet. I'll give it a try.

[nautilus]

[happeningthang]

Just check their web site - they list all their agents by city and country.

[ytuque]

Last week when I checked, the Western Union website didn't list agents or representatives in Korea. I sent in a complaint.

[raketbaler]