- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
🌍 Foreign Residents in Korea Series
Step-by-step guides for foreigners living in Korea — from address registration and visa to banking, taxes, and digital certificates.
Don’t be afraid of Korean banking apps — they’re easier than you think once you start.
In short
After opening a bank account in Korea, register your device in the bank app, issue a digital certificate or enable PASS-based login, set transfer limits, and activate overseas remittance. You’ll need your ARC, a Korean phone number under your name, and your debit card or account details.
Table of Contents
What You Need
- Alien Registration Card (ARC) and a Korean mobile number registered in your name.
- Bank account details (account number, debit card) and initial PIN set at the branch.
- Bank app (KB/SH/Woori/Hana/NH or your regional bank) updated to the latest version.
- Verification method: PASS app, bank/Naver/Kakao certificate (민간/공동인증서), and/or bank OTP.
💡 Tip If you just received your ARC, wait 1–3 days for
systems to sync before registering for mobile/Internet banking.
Mobile Banking Setup (Step-by-Step)
1) Install App & Register Device
- Install your bank’s app and set English (if available).
- Enter your phone number and basic info; complete SMS/PASS verification.
- Bind the device by creating a login PIN and enabling Face/Touch ID.
2) Link Your Account
- Authenticate with account number + debit card or a small micro-deposit code.
- Create a separate transfer password (often 6 digits) for sending money.
3) Issue a Certificate or Enable PASS
- In the app, open Certificates/인증서 and issue a bank certificate or connect PASS certificate.
- Set certificate validity reminders (usually 1–3 years).
4) Enable Transfers & Favorites
- Add payees, set daily/one-time limits, and enable fast transfers (open banking/간편이체) if supported.
- Turn on push alerts for every incoming/outgoing transaction.
⚠️ Note First 30 days may have lower transfer limits for
new accounts. Limits increase after additional ID checks or salary
history.
Internet Banking Setup (PC/Web)
A) Enroll for Internet Banking
- From the app or website, find Internet Banking Registration and agree to online terms.
- Verify with PASS or your certificate; set a web login ID and web transfer password.
B) Use Certificates on PC
- Export your mobile certificate to PC via QR or cloud storage provided by the bank.
- If prompted, allow the bank’s security module; then log in with your certificate and password.
C) Enable Open Banking & Auto-Transfers
- Link accounts from multiple banks to view balances and make interbank transfers in one place.
- Set scheduled transfers (rent, utilities) and e-receipts for record-keeping.
💡 Tip If PC login is difficult due to plugins, use the
bank’s QR login: scan a QR on the web page with your app
to sign in instantly.
Limits, Overseas Remittance & Security
Raising Transfer Limits
- Complete face-to-face verification at a branch with ARC and debit card.
- Register or upgrade to a stronger method: bank certificate + PASS and/or OTP token.
- Provide transaction purpose (salary, tuition, rent) if requested.
Overseas Remittance
- Activate International Transfer in-app or at the branch; initial monthly limits apply.
- Prepare recipient info: SWIFT/BIC, account number, bank address, purpose of remittance.
- Compare fees and FX rates; consider global transfer partners offered in the app.
Security Best Practices
- Use different passwords for login and transfers; enable biometrics.
- Turn on transaction alerts and review app login history regularly.
- Never approve PASS or certificate prompts you did not initiate.
- When changing phones, de-register the old device and reissue your certificate.
Troubleshooting
- Identity mismatch: Your telecom record must match ARC exactly. Ask the carrier to fix name/birth format.
- Certificate expired: Reissue in the app; export to PC again if needed.
- App shows “limit restricted”: Visit a large branch with ARC to request higher limits or register OTP.
- No PASS push received: Check notifications/data, or use SMS code/certificate fallback.
- Plugin problems on PC: Switch to QR login or mobile app transfer as a workaround.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q. Can I set up mobile banking without an ARC?A. Most banks require ARC-based ID for full features. Some limited app functions may work with passport, but transfers and cards usually need ARC.
-
Q. Do I need a physical OTP device?A. Not always. Many banks support mobile OTP or strong certificate + PASS. A hardware OTP can help raise limits faster at some banks.
-
Q. My app is in Korean only—can I switch to English?A. Many major banks have English toggles in Settings. If not, use the bank’s global app variant or enable system-wide translation features on your phone.
-
Q. How do I increase my daily transfer limit?A. Visit a branch with ARC and debit card, register stronger authentication (certificate/PASS/OTP), and request higher limits based on your needs and transaction purpose.
-
Q. Can I do international transfers only with the app?A. Yes, after activation. Some banks require first-time activation at a branch; others allow full in-app setup with proper verification.
Notes
Note. Menu names and requirements vary by bank and branch. If your setup fails, try a larger city branch familiar with foreign customers, bring your ARC, debit card, and proof of phone ownership, and ask to register stronger authentication for higher limits.
Related Reading
- How to Open a Bank Account in Korea
- How to Use the PASS App for Verification in Korea
- Government24 Login Options for Foreign Residents
Explore the Series
More step-by-step guides for foreigners in Korea. Browse them on the hub, or jump directly below.
🌏 View Full Series Hub🏛 Government & Visa
💳 Finance & Tax
📱 Digital & Mobile
- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
Comments
Post a Comment