Korean Job Discussion Forums

[buildbyflying]

I just got back from KB* and while it wasn't a horrible experience it certainly didn't give me the impression that my experience there would improve.
They had no English reps and didn't offer to call an English helpline. The English lang docs were poorly documented and I wasn't even offered internet banking.
This is a big change from my experience with the pre-2k6.

I found some older threads (circa 2003-7):
What happened to int'l bank cards?: http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=88740&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Best Banks 2003: http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=6639

So for new year, what bank do you use and what do you think?

Criteria (off the top of my head):
-- internet banking (interactivity, cost)
-- English face to face service (availability, ease of trasactions, personability)
-- Bankcards (availability, usability, fees, deposits)
-- rates and fees (transfers, money market)
-- and whatever else you care to add.


--

[winterfall]

For Face to Face English Service. It doesn't really matter what brand it is. It depends on what district your in. If your in the central areas or heavy foreigner areas like Gangnam, Apku, Itaewon. The English speakers will really be English speakers.

Elsewhere the English speakers will tell you to write down what you wanna say. Plug it into an online translator then get back to you. (I'm not joking). And you'll spend about 20 minutes rewriting your sentence till you've ultra simplified it otherwise it won't translate right

[Murakano]

Standard Chartered or KEB.......I bank at both and both provide very good services for foreigners.

I favor SC at the moment .......because of their "do dream" account. Regular account, free withdrawals all the time/any time ,4.2% interest (not savings account either) and international card that charges 1% of the amount you withdraw abroad.

I think at KEB its a set charge (5k?) even if you withdraw a tiny amount. But overall their service is good.

forget the other banks.

[buildbyflying]

4%? That's an incentive.
KB*'s rate is... oh, right they never told me.

[Murakano]

[Xuanzang]

KEB

-- internet banking (interactivity, cost) -

site has improved immensely. It wasn't bad before but now it has even more options and ease of use.

-- English face to face service (availability, ease of trasactions, personability) -

Better than average. winterfall is right that it depends on your district in Seoul. Apgujeung VIP KEB will definitely have a better English speaker than Jungang or an outlying area. Either way, you`re going to get what you need. Their English helpline is what it should be - helpful.

-- Bankcards (availability, usability, fees, deposits) -

I have a VISA from them that worked for abroad purchases online and in real life. No complaints. -- rates and fees (transfers, money market) -

I don`t deal with securities. Maybe someone else can shed some light.
-- and whatever else you care to add -

they have the most currencies for exchange. I remember a friend going to Hana Bank for AU dollars and they didnt carry any. You can also exchange foreign currency coins.

CONS - ATMs and branches are less common than KB or Hana. Banking hours are EARLIER for opening and closing 9-3:30pm. Not every neighbourhood will have one.

[You]

NH. I do everything online ^^

[ieatsmurfs6]

You forgot Shinhan... I know a lot of people who use it. Even though its horrible.

[buildbyflying]

Crapsticks. Knew there would be a few I'd miss. I can't change the poll though. Maybe some people could descibe their experiences (with Shinhan)?

[Xuanzang]

You forgot HSBC as well.