Set Up Mobile & Internet Banking in Korea

🌍 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.

Set Up Mobile & Internet Banking in Korea

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.

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

  1. Install your bank’s app and set English (if available).
  2. Enter your phone number and basic info; complete SMS/PASS verification.
  3. Bind the device by creating a login PIN and enabling Face/Touch ID.
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.


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More step-by-step guides for foreigners in Korea. Browse them on the hub, or jump directly below.

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