Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gobbledygook]

I heard that a 'foreigner's ID' is required to open a bank account there. Well, I will be going to Korea pretty soon on a short-term student visa (3 months). Would I be able to apply for a foreigners ID? If not, does this mean that no bank will be willing to open an account for me? (dont they have bank accounts for people like me?)

Then is bringing cash/travellers' cheques into Korea my only option..(I think cashing travellers' cheques incurs a commission, though I'm not sure how much, does anyone know?)

[coralreefer_1]

Even if you are coming for only three months..if you will have a student visa, you will be required to file for the alien registration card.

However..by the time you actually get it back it might not even be worth opening an account...especially if you let the university process it for you. The last time I changed my visa (from D4 to D2) and went through the process to get a card It took more than two months to get it back..filed in March...didnt get the card until late May)

[detonate]

some branches of some banks (not all branches of one bank) will let you open an account with just a passport. search some more or just try a bunch in person when you're here. i bet it won't take too long to find one.

[Chris.Quigley]

I had some friends that were exchange students in Korea. They got their bank account a lot faster than I did. I think you should talk to the school. (They were only in Korea for 4 months- they had an account within a week)

I don't know how or what the process is though. Most of the people on this forum probably can't help you as we are processed differently.

[Adventurer]

I did open up a bank account last year using my passport. Then, when I got my card I brought my card in. That is possible in some cases with some banks. It depends on who you talk to.

[UknowsI]

I was here on a 2 months holiday working visa the first time I got here. I had no problem getting a bank account with Woori bank just using my passport.