Should I choose a Seoul bank by brand?

Brand matters less than whether the specific branch can handle foreign ID, phone verification, app access, salary, and remittance.

What areas are practical?

Branches near universities, business districts, and foreign resident areas may have more experience, but you still need to ask direct questions.

Test mobile banking login, transfer limits, debit card, name spelling, and phone verification.

/Seoul banking for foreigners

Last verified 2026-07-01

Seoul has many bank branches, but foreigners should choose by branch competence, not only brand name.

Prepare Residence Card, phone verification, address, salary or school purpose, and remittance needs before picking a Seoul branch.

In Seoul, branch experience matters more than bank logo.
Residence Card plus Korean phone number makes app, card, and salary setup much easier.
Ask about account limits and remittance before relying on the account for rent or salary.