Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gillod]

So, I need to get my internet banking set up so I can send some $$$ home. I went to the website and it's asking for either a certificate or a login/pw for online banking. I don't ever remember setting one up! If I walk into my local KB, what're the odds that someone will speak English enough to help me? Or do I need to draft a Korean?

[hockeyguy109]

It's pretty hit or miss. One branch I go to, a lady there speaks almost fluent English. Another one I go to, they can only say a few words but usually understand what I'm saying.

Just as a back up, ask your co-teacher or boss to write down what your asking for in Korean and bring them the note. It'll probably make things go a lot faster.

[JF]

I went through this the other day at KB. You have to go to the branch to set up online banking but you can't wire money using the online system; however you can use bank machines to do it. If you go to thebank and find the desk responsible for remittance, import and export (2nd floor of my branch) they should speak fairly good English. I went the other day and sent money back home and then had it set up so that I could wire money using a bank machine. Bring a blank cheque from your account at home that you want to wire the money to or know the account number, transit number, branch number and bank address and phone number and you can get it set up that way. Hope this helps.

[ThingsComeAround]

KB is the most difficult bank when it comes to dealing with foreigners.

Since you are a foreigner, you may not send money home.
You may send money to another bank in Korea.
Credit cards are a whole other issue. They refuse to issue a card (to a public school employee, like myself) and they explained that it was impossible for any foreigner to get one: unless you are willing to give at least a million won as a security deposit. That makes it a glorified debit card. Which is another thing I have asked them for, and have been refused.

I have dealt with them for two years. Currently they are only there for taking the direct deposit from my school, however I wont use them for remittances nor credit card services.

Use NongHyup, SC, or KEB as a foreigner friendly alternative

Edit: you may use the bank machine, but only the one at your local branch.

[Alaskaman]

Side note ThingsComeAround if you go to Samsung Credit Card they will issue a credit card because you are a public school teacher and they see it as less risky. I went there with my wife who is Korean. They told her that she is not working now so she does not qualify. (at home mom) But, that I qualify for this as I am a public school teacher. This makes going to Costco a lot easier too as this is the only credit card that they accept. Beats carrying 300k worth of cash to pay the bill there.

[black spring]

Since coming to Korea I have banked with IBK, KEB, KB, and Nong Hyup (different employers insisting on different banks...grrr...).

In my experience, the only bank that allowed me to make overseas transfers online was KEB. I'd get an account with them, even if there isn't a branch where you live. Once the online banking is set up, you can do most things from home, and they have great internet banking support in English.

[Ukon]

Likely, but screw KB and go to KEB bank....it's the best for foriegners.

[byrddogs]

[ThingsComeAround]

[Xuanzang]