Korean Job Discussion Forums

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

I was pickpocketed on Sunday and the thieves made off with my wallet containing around 200k won and my ATM cards (Korean and American).

The money I can deal with losing, 'cest la vie. Unfortunately the ATM cards are proving a pisser to replace.

As I am between E2 visas at the moment, I don't have an ARC card (and won't have one for another month). Kookmin Bank has told me: no ARC, no new ATM. So I am presently unable to withdrawl money from my Korean bank account. And a new atm card from my American bank will take at least two weeks at the earlist to get. I have a little emergency fund, but it won't be enough to cover moving expenses and my upcoming visa trip to Japan. And as my new employeer is Gyeonggido school district, a loan is out of the question.

Anyone had this problem before? Does anyone know a way to access my Korean bank account without an ARC? Or am I SOL and will have to depend on the generousity of my friends for a month?

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

Do u have the passbook for the account? If so, they should let you withdraw with that.

If they ask for ID, a driving licence will do.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

a passport is all the ID they need

peppermint · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:44 pm Post subject:

I lost my wallet a couple of years ago and my ARC along with the ATM cards went missing. They should let you get a new card with your passport, especially if you bring the passbook too.

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

Nope.

They said a passport is insufficient, that I need an ARC and a valid visa.

I argued with them about this and had them call up the KB head office and someone higher up the food chain confirmed this. No ARC, no access to my KB bank account.

The main point they made was not having a valid visa (as I am between E2 visas), something about immigration rules

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

Use your passbook to withdraw from the ATM.

peppermint · Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2005 11:27 pm Post subject:

try another branch with your passport and tell them your ARC got stolen too.

sistersarah · Joined: 03 Jan 2004 Location: hiding out

Yeah, that's bull. a couple years ago, my wallet was stolen with everything in it. i took in my passport and bank book and had my ATM card replaced in 20 minutes.

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

After trying 3 KB bank branches I finally found one that would issue me a new ATM and allow me access to my bank account without an ARC and a valid visa.

The banks that refused me said something about a new KB\immigration rule designed to deter illegal teachers. Whatever.

On the plus side, the branch that did give a new ATM issued me an international ATM that I can use outside Korea. Assa!

peppermint · Posted: Wed Feb 23, 2005 7:22 pm Post subject:

Glad to hear things worked out for you!