Opening a Bank Account in Korea: What to Bring and Say
Written and reviewed by Jun and Jin, native Korean speakers
Published · How we write & review
After this page, you can open a Korean bank account — bring the right documents and get through the counter conversation in Korean.
10-second answer
The short answer
To open a Korean bank account (계좌 개설, gyejwa gaeseol), bring your Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증, oegugindeungnokjeung), passport, and a Korean phone number — most banks require all three. Say 계좌 만들고 싶어요 (gyejwa mandeulgo sipeoyo, I'd like to open an account) at the counter, and expect to leave with a 통장 (tongjang, bankbook) and, if you ask, a 체크카드 (chekeukadeu, debit card).
Quick check — did that land?
1. Which two IDs do most Korean banks require to open an account?
Opening a Korean bank account?
Full Dialogue Walkthrough
Opening the account, then asking for the extras. Try "Practice as You" and answer each line before checking.
계좌 만들고 싶어요.
gyejwa mandeulgo sipeoyo.
I'd like to open an account.
외국인등록증 있으세요?
oegugin-deungnokjeung isseuseyo?
Do you have your Alien Registration Card?
네, 여기 있어요.
ne, yeogi isseoyo.
Yes, here it is.
체크카드도 만들어 주세요.
chekeukadeudo mandeureo juseyo.
Please make me a debit card too.
네, 알겠습니다.
ne, algetseumnida.
Okay, got it.
인터넷 뱅킹도 신청할 수 있어요?
inteonet baengkingdo sincheonghal su isseoyo?
Can I also sign up for internet banking?
See also: -고 싶다 — wanting to do something
What to Bring
- 외국인등록증 (Alien Registration Card) — the primary ID for foreign residents
- 여권 (passport) — as backup ID
- A Korean phone number — many banks won't open an account without one, since it's needed for security verification
- Proof of address or student/work status, depending on the bank and your visa type
Since 2021, Korean banks apply stricter anti-fraud screening for new foreign accounts — some ask for proof of purpose (a work contract, student ID, or enrollment certificate). Requirements vary noticeably by bank and even by branch, so calling ahead helps.
At the Counter
계좌 만들고 싶어요.
gyejwa mandeulgo sipeoyo.
I'd like to open an account.
The core opening line — ~고 싶어요 states what you want.
체크카드도 만들어 주세요.
chekeukadeudo mandeureo juseyo.
Please make me a debit card too.
체크카드 = debit card (Korea rarely uses "debit card" as a loanword).
인터넷 뱅킹도 신청할 수 있어요?
inteonet baengkingdo sincheonghal su isseoyo?
Can I also sign up for internet banking?
신청하다 = to apply for/sign up — used for most official registrations.
Key Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 계좌 (gyejwa) | Bank account (the general term) |
| 통장 (tongjang) | Bankbook — a physical passbook still common in Korea |
| 체크카드 (chekeukadeu) | Debit card (linked directly to your account) |
| 신용카드 (sinyongkadeu) | Credit card |
| 공인인증서 (gongininjeungseo) | Digital certificate — historically required for Korean online banking/payments |
| ATM / 365코너 | ATM — 365코너 refers to 24-hour unstaffed banking booths |
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1 — Showing up without a Korean phone number
Most banks require one for verification — get a SIM card first if you don't already have a number.
Mistake #2 — Assuming every branch has the same requirements
Foreign-account policies vary by bank and branch — a quick call ahead saves a wasted trip.
Mini Quiz
2. What is 체크카드?
3. Why might a bank require a Korean phone number to open an account?
Related Knowledge
Learn Next
Korean Trash & Recycling Rules
Banking sorted — next, the settling-in-Korea topic almost every foreign resident searches for eventually.
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