Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TheEdUpKid]

If you need a credit card while in Korea, Samsung Visa Card is great...plus they speak English at their call center.

Give Carl Rhee a call or an email, and he'll help you apply for the card. Your limit will be between 3,000,000 W - 10,000,000 W. How interest works in Korea is totally different from back in America, so beware.

His number is 82-10-2971-6907
Email is [email protected]

[Kaypea]

So, will Carl Rhee tell me all the ins and outs about this card and this ominous Korean interest (ooooohhhh)? I want a card.

[rowdie3]

Don't get all excited. They are not that easy to get. You have to work for an international school, a public school (not an afterschool), or a publicly traded company.

They expect you to pay 100% of your balance every month.
If you don't, they kill you with interest.

If you fall behind on your payments, they will call you 20 times a day and even come to your workplace to harrass you.

About six of the foreign teachers in my office got Samsung cards, and I would say that all of them wish they hadn't.

My roomate applied for one and was rejected even though she worked at a public school and had a Korean co-signer.

Just the other side of the coin...

[ekimswish]

I'm actually thinking to get one myself. Almost did last year and then stopped out of fear of interest penalties and stuff.

I heard if you borrow too much to pay back all at once, you can work out a monthly repayment system with them. If you were to work it out with them before your payment is due, would you still be penalized? I'm considering a Shinhan card as well.

[Ukon]

Others have told me the benefits rock...i it true....the air miles on my KEB "global traveler" card are pathetic

[alwaysbeclosing100]

i would consider getting a samsung card as i have had a KB star card for about a year and a half. my card is secured with a deposit that is the same as my credit amount as i used to work for a private school. i really dont have too much of a problem with this. the KB card is ok except the major problem i have found is the internet banking part of the KB star website for credit cards is not in english. i have paid my bill in full every month. i have found the lack of english on the KB star credit card website to be HIGHLY HIGHLY annoying and i would change to another company if their website was in english.

[ACT III]

I've had a samsung card now for almost two years. Never a problem, I just sceduled the withdrawls the day after my payday so if I ever spent that much money I'd be covered. Beware that you need to register your card with the bank And on the samsung website (you need a special certificate) if you want to buy stuff online with it. Interest is like credit cards back home. Bad. Also know you could always get a Visa check card from you bank.

[fustiancorduroy]

[ThingsComeAround]

[ekimswish]

My wife and I are investing heavily in a business at the moment that will take a few months to see a return, so I'm considering getting a Korean credit card for local spending. All my salary and then some will be going to this investment for a couple of months.

So I was wondering if I were to spend more than I make, on this card, could I arrange ahead of time a repayment schedule without taking too much of a hit on interest?

Obviously if they're expecting complete repayment in one month and if it doesn't happen, they'll hit me with huge fees and interest rates. But if they know ahead of time what's up and when I can pay them, will they accomodate me with a little bit of mercy?

(Thanks for any advice on the credit card. Please withold advice on the business investment.)

[T-dot]

Ive applied for a Samsung Card a few times, but was rejected each and every time (Ive been at the same private HS for 4 yrs.).

KB Bank on the offer hand just gave me a full fledged CC without a deposit or anything. I was allowed to dictate my own limit up to 10 mill.

I was told that I was given a CC as a valued customer (been with KB since my arrival in Korea) and I have monetary investments through them (funds, savings etc..).

[mishlert]

To get a Samsung card call (02) 2000 8438 and tell the person you want a card, they will do the rest.
By the way, it's an English line and the phone will be answered in English.
Good luck.

[Steelrails]

Samsung AMEX is the only way to fly.

[Draz]

[canale226]

Strange... I applied for and received my Samsung Amex after only living in Korea for 2 weeks! 3.000.000 credit limit, but I must pay the balance in full every month (NO exceptions). Rarely ever use it, but it comes in handy when purchasing flights and hotels abroad.