Korean Job Discussion Forums

amberflannery · Joined: 25 Oct 2006

I'm just about to move to Seoul in a few days and was wondering about the money thing. I saw it posted somewhere a while ago, but wasnt paying attention and cant find it now. Should I bring it all in cash? And can I just deposit my US dollars into my Korean account? Or should I get travelers checks for the money I want to put into my account? And I'm going to have to change in a little bit at the airport to get to the city, but I should change in the rest of it at the bank?

Please please any advice would be most appreciated.

thanks.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

amberflannery · Joined: 25 Oct 2006

thanks so much.

i just need enough won to get a bus ticket. i'll change in the rest at the bank.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Do you have someone who's going to set you up with a bank account right away?

What I did was bring $1,000 in Korean money. I rolled it up tight, stuffed it into the "hidden compartment" in my backpack, and made sure the backpack never left my sight. Of course, it's not necessary that you bring so much, but I would recommend at least $300 worth, just to be prepared for whatever mishaps may arise. But you usually have to order Korean money from banks, and it will take about 2-4 days, so.. you may just end up having to change your US money in the airport.

As for accessing it from an ATM, that's a risk. Sometimes it will be impossible for you to access your American bank account from a Korean ATM. Other times, you may have to go searching for an hour or more to find one that will let you. And then, when you least expect it, you'll get lucky and your first attempted machine will work. Solution: don't make that your only source of money.

Have a good trip!