Banking & ATM
Cards with the Plus and Cirrus logos are the easiest to use and most widely accepted in Korea. Some places even accept international cards like China UnionPay, Maestro, Electron, and JCB cards.
Banks as well as other sites have ATMs (automatic teller machines), where customers can make withdrawals, deposits, and fund transfers. However, as all ATM transactions require an account with a Korean bank, ATMs are not particularly convenient for international travelers except for getting cash advances on a credit card. If you have an account with Citibank, however, you can enjoy a more extensive range of banking services. Just visit a Citibank location nearby for ATM or counter services. Some ATM/CD machines operate 24 hours a day, while others are open from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Cash dispenser machines, called CDs, which only offer cash withdrawal services, can be found in subways, convenience stores, railway stations, bus terminals, and department stores. Most are open 24 hours a day and dispense cash in 10,000 won units. Most machines display English directions on the monitor, and others also have Japanese and Chinese.
>When using your international debit card at a CD machine, even one displaying the debit card logo, you may get an error message. If that occurs, look for a CD in more populated places like train stations, bus terminals, or department stores. If you get the same error message at a bank, ask a bank representative at the counter to help you.
If you have any questions while using ATM/CD machines, call the Korea Travel Phone at 1330.
Banks Offering Cash Service in Korea / Credit Card
Cash Advance Service
▶ Click on ‘Foreign card’ or ‘English/日本語/中國語’ at the bottom right-hand side of the screen and insert your card to proceed with your bank transaction.
Bank Services
Korea Exchange Bank
With VISA, PLUS, MASTER CIRRUS, and JCB cards, you can get a cash advance up to 700,000 won per transaction and up to 2 million won a day. For late-night services (10 p.m. to 7 p.m.), you can withdraw up to 700,000 won. The cash withdrawal fee will be post-charged at the foreign exchange rate of that day. Services are available in English and Japanese.
→ Go to Korea Exchange Bank (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Shinhan Bank
When using a PLUS card for cash advances and an error message appears in the monitor of the ATM machine, visit a representative at the bank counter. Services are available in English and Japanese. ATM machines in the Shinhan Bank, located on the first floor of the Korea Tourism Organization building, operate during the hours of 8 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Other locations operate 24 hours a day.
→ Go to Shinhan Bank (Korean, English, Japanese)
Citibank
With a Citibank checking account, you can withdraw, deposit and enjoy other types of banking services. Citibank has 240 locations throughout Korea, but most are located in the Seoul and Gyeonggi-do area. About 10 Citibank locations are available in Gangnam, Myeong-dong, Euljiro and at other tourist destinations.