Korean Job Discussion Forums

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

JackTheCat mentioned an interesting situation worth a post...

He had problems getting a new bank card with just his passbook at Kookmin Bank (his wallet was stolen). They told him that there is a new rule to deter illegal teachers. You can't get an account without a visa, I gather.

It's kind of funny, because this will only make for more shady and illegal banking practices. That or illegal foreigners keeping a lot of the money entirely off of the radar.

Anyone know more about this?

peppergirl · Joined: 07 Dec 2003

I opened a bank account before I got my alien registration card, all I had was a 3 month tourist visa (or visa waiver, as I'm from the EU) in my passport. This was at Woori bank, about 1,5 years ago.

dogbert · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Location: Killbox 90210

You can open a bank account at a Korean bank without a visa, or better said, while on a tourist visa.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

to open an account at any bank all you need is your passport.

Unfortunately some of the people who work in banks are ignorant as to the laws and will tell you that you need other documentation as well.

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

Who knows what was up with that.

Power games, not wanting to show lack of knowledge, that certain time of the month, maybe even a real new rule; whatever.

Third KB bank I tried gave me a new ATM card no problems or questions asked. (actually got 2 of 'em, just in case this happens again.)

And oh yeah, don't bother with the police if your wallet is ever stolen. They could care less about crimes committed against foreigners. Crimes committed BY foreigners, real or imagined, now that is a different matter.