🏦Open a Bank Account in Korea

Түргэн мэдээлэл

Core documents

Residence Card, passport, Korean phone number

Before ARC

A limited account may be possible with a passport

Best for English

International branches and English banking apps

Setup time

About 1–2 hours at the branch

Mobile banking

Needs an OTP and identity verification

Limits

Transfer caps may apply, raised after 3–6 months

Алхам алхмаар

1. 1

   Get your Residence Card first

   Full accounts almost always require the Residence Card plus passport and Korean contact details. If you do not have it yet, ask about a limited account.

   • ▸Bring your immigration application receipt if the card has not arrived
2. 2

   Choose a bank

   Compare English service, branch access, app language, remittance fees, and any employer or school recommendation before deciding.

   • ▸International branches in Seoul are easier for English
   • ▸App-only banks need Korean verification
3. 3

   Visit the branch with documents

   Bring your Residence Card, passport, Korean phone number, and proof of address, school or employment if you have it.

   • ▸Bring originals and photocopies
   • ▸Go on weekdays 9am–4pm and avoid the lunch hour
4. 4

   Complete the application

   Staff walk you through the forms, which are often available in English. You choose account type and set up a PIN.

   • ▸Ask about foreigner transfer limits up front
5. 5

   Set up mobile and internet banking

   Install the bank app, enable internet banking, and set up an OTP for transfers so you can pay rent and bills online.

   • ▸English apps include KakaoBank and Shinhan SOL
   • ▸Enable overseas remittance if you need it
6. 6

   Raise limits over time

   Initial foreigner accounts may cap transfers. After a few months of use, ask the branch to review and increase your limits.

   • ▸Keep salary or rent records to support a limit increase

Түгээмэл асуулт

Can I open an account without a Residence Card?

Some banks offer a limited account with only a passport, but most full-service accounts require the Residence Card. Ask each branch directly, as policy varies.

Which banks are best for foreigners?

Banks with international branches and English apps are easiest. Employer- or school-recommended banks are often the smoothest for a first account.

Do I need a Korean phone number?

Usually yes. Banks send OTP verification codes to a Korean number, and app-only banks require Korean identity verification.

Why does my account have transfer limits?

New foreigner accounts often have caps to prevent fraud. These can typically be raised after several months of normal use.

Can I use app-only banks like KakaoBank or Toss?

Yes, once you have an ARC and a Korean phone for identity verification. They are convenient but the sign-up flow is mostly in Korean.

How long does it take?

Opening an account in person usually takes about one to two hours, and mobile banking can be set up the same day.