🏦 How to Open a Bank Account in Korea as a Foreigner
🏦 How to Open a Bank Account in Korea as a Foreigner
This guide reflects the latest typical requirements and learner questions about banking in Korea (ARC, mobile number, branch visit, and simple Korean phrases).
이 글은 한국에서 외국인이 계좌를 개설할 때 자주 묻는 질문과 실제 절차를 기반으로 2025년 11월 24일 기준으로 리라이팅되었습니다.
Staying in Korea for work, study, or long-term travel? This step-by-step guide shows you what documents you need, which banks are foreigner-friendly, and exact Korean phrases (KR · RR · EN) you can use at the counter when opening your first Korean bank account.
📑 Table of Contents
Open / Close
- Why Opening a Korean Bank Account Matters
- Core Requirements & Documents
- Best Banks for Foreigners in Korea
- Step-by-Step: At the Bank Counter
- Useful Korean Phrases (KR · RR · EN)
- Tips for a Smooth Process
- Did You Know? — Banking in Korea
- FAQ — Bank Account in Korea
- Related Posts
- Site Info & Policies (E-E-A-T)
- Update & Transparency
📍 Why Opening a Korean Bank Account Matters
If you plan to stay in Korea for more than a few weeks, a local bank account makes life much easier. Many employers, schools, landlords, and apps prefer—or require—a Korean account number (계좌번호) for salary, rent, tuition, and refunds.
한국에서 몇 주 이상 머무를 계획이라면 한국 은행 계좌가 있으면 월급, 월세, 등록금, 환불 등 대부분의 생활비를 훨씬 편하게 관리할 수 있습니다.
🧾 Core Requirements & Documents
Most Korean banks commonly ask for the following items (requirements can differ slightly by bank, branch, and your visa status):
- Valid passport — identity and nationality check.
- Alien Registration Card (ARC · 외국인등록증) — usually required for regular accounts.
- Korean phone number — for SMS authentication and mobile banking.
- Local address — dorm, apartment, or long-stay accommodation.
- Sometimes: proof of employment (employment contract) or school enrollment (재학증명서).
✅ Tip: Bring original documents and, if possible, a photo copy of your passport and ARC. It can save time at the counter.
🏛 Best Banks for Foreigners in Korea
Many major banks offer foreigner support, but some are especially beginner-friendly:
- KB Kookmin Bank (국민은행) — English service at selected branches, user-friendly mobile app.
- Woori Bank (우리은행) — Known for foreigner-friendly policies and branches at airports and busy areas.
- Shinhan Bank (신한은행) — Multi-language support and good global network.
- KEB Hana Bank (하나은행) — Strong for international transfers, travel cards, and exchange services.
🧭 For your first visit, search in English with the city name + “global branch” (for example, “Seoul KEB Hana global branch”) to find branches that handle many foreign customers.
🔀 Step-by-Step: At the Bank Counter
- Take a queue ticket (번호표)
Look for a small machine with buttons like “입출금 (deposit/withdrawal)” or “상담 (consultation)” and pick the one that seems closest to “account opening”. - Say you want to open an account
When your number is called, go to the desk and say:
계좌를 만들고 싶어요.
gyejwareul mandeulgo sipeoyo.
I’d like to open a bank account. - Show your documents
Hand over your passport, ARC, and phone number. The staff may ask about your purpose (salary, living expenses, study, etc.). - Fill out forms
You may need to sign or write your name, address, and email. If unsure, you can point and ask:
여기는 어떻게 쓰면 돼요?
yeogineun eotteoke sseumyeon dweoyo?
How should I fill in this part? - Choose options
You might be asked about internet/mobile banking, ATM card, or overseas transfer options. If you feel overwhelmed, you can say:
기본으로만 해 주세요.
gibon-euroman hae juseyo.
Just the basic options, please. - Receive your account number & card
At the end, they will give you your account number (계좌번호) and often a debit card. Take a photo of your account information so you can share it easily with your employer or landlord.
💬 Useful Korean Phrases (KR · RR · EN)
- 계좌를 만들고 싶어요.
gyejwareul mandeulgo sipeoyo.
I want to open a bank account. -
외국인도 계좌 개설할 수 있어요?
oegugindo gyejwa gaeseolhal su isseoyo?
Can foreigners also open an account? -
월급 받는 계좌로 쓰고 싶어요.
wolgeup batneun gyejwaro sseugo sipeoyo.
I’d like to use it for my salary. -
인터넷뱅킹 / 모바일뱅킹도 신청할 수 있을까요?
inteonet-baengking / mobail-baengkingdo sincheonghal su isseulkkayo?
Can I also apply for internet/mobile banking? -
영어로 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
yeongeoro seolmyeonghae jusil su innayo?
Could you explain it in English? -
전화번호 / 주소 여기 적으면 돼요?
jeonhwabeonho / jus o yeogi jeogeumyeon dweoyo?
Should I write my phone number / address here?
👩🏫 Tips for a Smooth Process
- Go in the morning. Banks are less crowded right after opening hours (usually 9:00–10:00).
- Prepare screenshots. Save your Korean address in Hangul and your phone number in your notes app so you can quickly show them.
- Use simple polite patterns. “~하고 싶어요 (… I want to do)” and “~해 주세요 (please do …)” are enough for most situations.
- Keep your ARC updated. When you renew or change your visa, update your bank information as well to avoid problems with online banking.
🌀 Did You Know? — Banking in Korea
In Korea, you can even open a bank account at major airports like Incheon International Airport. Banks such as Woori Bank and KEB Hana Bank have branches in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, which can help new arrivals set up accounts before heading into the city.
한국에서는 인천국제공항 같은 대형 공항 안에도 은행 지점이 있어, 우리은행·하나은행 등에서 도심으로 이동하기 전에 계좌 개설을 도와주기도 합니다. 장기 체류 예정이라면 입국 초반에 계좌를 만들어 두면 여러모로 편리해요.
❓ FAQ — Bank Account in Korea
Q1. Can I open an account without an ARC?
A. Some banks or special products may allow limited accounts with only a passport, but in most cases, you will need an ARC for a full-featured account with online banking. Check with the branch first.
Q2. Do I really need a Korean phone number?
A. Yes, for SMS verification and mobile banking, a Korean number is usually required. If you don’t have one yet, ask if you can start the process and update the number later.
Q3. How do I say “Is there someone who speaks English?” politely?
A. 영어로 설명해 주실 수 있는 분 계실까요?
yeongeoro seolmyeonghae jusil su inneun bun gyesilkkayo?
Q4. Is it safe to use Korean online banking as a foreigner?
A. Yes, but expect extra security steps (certificate, OTP, apps). Start with simple functions (checking your balance and receiving salary) and then slowly add more features.
🔗 Related Posts
📎 Site Info & Policies (E-E-A-T)
👨🏫 Learn Practical Korean with Me
Want to practice real banking conversations—phone calls with the bank, fixing online banking issues, or asking about fees? Work through custom dialogues and role-plays with me in a 1:1 online class.
🗓️ Update & Transparency
Last updated: 2025-11-24 (KST) · Contact: Contact page
This article will be continuously revised and improved based on new regulations, bank practices, and feedback from Korean learners and expats living in Korea.
Living in Korea Money & Banking Intermediate Korean Practical Korean
