Korean Job Discussion Forums

Jane99 · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

Hi everyone, I thought I'd do a poll and see what is the most popular bank in Korea with the expat community. I'm wondering which bank is the most convenient for:

- wire transfers
- buying other currencies
- buying travellers cheques
- communication (ie. staff who can speak English)
- card services (obtaining an intern'l card or credit card)
- etc.

Thanks.

Butterfly · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: Kuwait

I couldn't tell you which is the best because I haven't banked at all of them just one, KEB, which I'm pretty happy with, wiring no problem etc etc.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

I'm happy with Hana Bank which isn't in the poll.

They don't have an international bank card but they do have excellent service plus it takes them only 2 days to wire money back to the States.

I've had no problems with them.

Very Happy

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

I've been with Wooribank for over two years. They try very hard but some of their staff seem poorly trained.

For instance, sending money home as an account-to-account transfer takes the clerks in my local branch about 45 minutes!!! They spend sooo much time clicking on the computer obivously looking for what to do next.

The funny thing is that they must do this at least a couple of times every day because my area is crawling with foreign teachers. I always see other foreigners there wiring home money when I go in. So why can't they do it by now!!??

Grumbling over and done.

applepie · Joined: 30 May 2003

I voted for woori because it is everywhere. And I've been going there for over five years, back when they used to be call the Sang-up Bank.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Was very happy with Hana, and anything they couldn't handle I went over to KEB with. Give 2 thumbs up to both. Seoul and Citi-banks, on the other hand, get the finger.

kimcheeking · Guest

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

dogbert · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Location: Killbox 90210

Holyjoe · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Location: Away for a cuppa

I use Chohung Bank, and picked it purely on the basis that it had the biggest stand-alone building with a colourful sign in my town when I arrived here.
It's not bad, but the branch is located in the downtown area and it takes around 20 minutes to walk there from my house, whereas a Shinhan Bank has opened up in the part of town where I live and I do most, if not all my banking there.
I don't send money home because I'm going to be here for a good wee while, so I've never needed to use that facility. Just withdrawing/depositing and paying bills.

I'll probably be changing banks when I get married, I'll leave it up to the future missus to decide which bank is the best for us Smile

Zyzyfer · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2003 6:12 pm Post subject:

I use NongHyup. Because I'm an idiot.

makushi · Joined: 08 Jun 2003

I chose Wooribank cuz the name "Worry" makes me feel really safe Rolling Eyes

Of course, in line with the Korean trend to copy any new name, we now have "Wooritax" and "Woorilaw" just a couple blocks from our bank.

Don't Woori...be happy....

jjurabong · Joined: 22 Jan 2003

Cho Heung gave me a credit card - can't beat that. Smile

Mind you I've been here for 7 years and work for a university that banks with them.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2003 6:49 pm Post subject:

makushi · Joined: 08 Jun 2003