Opening a bank account is a crucial step when settling in Korea. This guide provides the essential Korean vocabulary and phrases you’ll need to navigate the process smoothly at a Korean bank, from stating your purpose to understanding the requirements and services.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
This is the fundamental term for opening a bank account.
- Expression: 계좌 개설 (Gyejwa gaeseol)
Pronunciation: Gye-jwa Gae-seol
Meaning: Account opening (계좌: account, 개설: opening/establishment)
Essential Banking Phrases
Use these basic phrases to communicate your needs at the bank.
- Expression: 은행에 왔어요. (Eunhaeng-e wasseoyo.)
Pronunciation: Eun-haeng-eh wah-ssuh-yo
Meaning: I came to the bank. - Expression: 계좌를 만들고 싶어요. (Gyejwareul mandeulgo sipeoyo.)
Pronunciation: Gye-jwa-reul man-deul-go ship-uh-yo
Meaning: I want to make an account. - Expression: 계좌를 개설하고 싶습니다. (Gyejwareul gaeseolhago sipseumnida.)
Pronunciation: Gye-jwa-reul gae-seol-ha-go ship-seum-ni-da
Meaning: I would like to open an account. (More formal) - Expression: 어떤 서류가 필요해요? (Eotteon seoryuga piryohaeyo?)
Pronunciation: Uh-ttuhn suh-ryu-ga pil-yo-hae-yo?
Meaning: What documents are needed? - Expression: 번호표를 뽑아야 하나요? (Beonhopyoreul ppobaya hanayo?)
Pronunciation: Bun-ho-pyo-reul ppo-ba-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to take a number ticket? - Expression: 외국인도 계좌 개설이 가능한가요? (Oegugindo gyejwa gaeseori ganeunghangayo?)
Pronunciation: Wae-gook-in-do gye-jwa gae-suh-ri ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
Meaning: Can foreigners also open an account? - Expression: 여기서 기다리면 되나요? (Yeogiseo gidarimyeon doenayo?)
Pronunciation: Yuh-gi-suh gi-da-ri-myun dwe-na-yo?
Meaning: Should I wait here? - Expression: 제 차례는 언제쯤 되나요? (Je charyeneun eonjejjeum doenayo?)
Pronunciation: Jeh cha-rye-neun uhn-jeh-jjeum dwe-na-yo?
Meaning: About when will it be my turn? - Expression: 도와주셔서 감사합니다. (Dowajusyeoseo gamsahamnida.)
Pronunciation: Do-wa-ju-shyuh-suh gam-sa-ham-ni-da
Meaning: Thank you for your help. - Expression: 신청서를 작성해야 하나요? (Sincheongseoreul jakseonghaeya hanayo?)
Pronunciation: Shin-chung-suh-reul jak-sung-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to fill out an application form? - Expression: 펜 좀 빌릴 수 있을까요? (Pen jom billil su isseulkkayo?)
Pronunciation: Pen jom bil-lil soo iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Could I borrow a pen?
Required Documents and Information
Be prepared to provide these documents and details.
- Expression: 신분증 (Sinbunjeung)
Pronunciation: Shin-boon-jeung
Meaning: Identification Card - Expression: 외국인등록증 (Oegugin deungnokjeung)
Pronunciation: Wae-goo-gin deung-nok-jeung
Meaning: Alien Registration Card (ARC) - Expression: 여권 (Yeogwon)
Pronunciation: Yuh-gwun
Meaning: Passport - Expression: 비자 (Bija)
Pronunciation: Bi-ja
Meaning: Visa - Expression: 거주 증명서 (Geoju jeungmyeongseo)
Pronunciation: Guh-joo jeung-myung-suh
Meaning: Proof of residence - Expression: 재직 증명서 (Jaejik jeungmyeongseo)
Pronunciation: Jae-jik jeung-myung-suh
Meaning: Certificate of employment - Expression: 연락처 (Yeollakcheo)
Pronunciation: Yuhl-lak-chuh
Meaning: Contact information - Expression: 전화번호 (Jeonhwabeonho)
Pronunciation: Juhn-hwa-bun-ho
Meaning: Phone number - Expression: 주소 (Juso)
Pronunciation: Joo-so
Meaning: Address - Expression: 서명 (Seomyeong)
Pronunciation: Suh-myung
Meaning: Signature - Expression: 도장 (Dojang)
Pronunciation: Do-jang
Meaning: Personal seal/stamp (sometimes used instead of a signature) - Expression: 개인 정보 (Gaein jeongbo)
Pronunciation: Gae-in jung-bo
Meaning: Personal information
Account Services
Learn phrases related to different account types and banking services.
- Expression: 보통 예금 계좌 (Botong yegeum gyejwa)
Pronunciation: Bo-tong yeh-geum gye-jwa
Meaning: Regular savings account / Passbook account - Expression: 입출금 계좌 (Ipchulgeum gyejwa)
Pronunciation: Ip-chool-geum gye-jwa
Meaning: Deposit and withdrawal account (Checking/Current account) - Expression: 적금 계좌 (Jeokgeum gyejwa)
Pronunciation: Juk-geum gye-jwa
Meaning: Installment savings account - Expression: 체크카드 (Chekeukadeu)
Pronunciation: Che-keu-ka-deu
Meaning: Debit card - Expression: 현금카드 (Hyeongeumkadeu)
Pronunciation: Hyun-geum-ka-deu
Meaning: Cash card (often same as debit card) - Expression: 인터넷 뱅킹 (Inteonet baengking)
Pronunciation: In-tuh-net baeng-king
Meaning: Internet banking - Expression: 모바일 뱅킹 (Mobail baengking)
Pronunciation: Mo-ba-il baeng-king
Meaning: Mobile banking - Expression: 공인인증서 (Gongininjeungseo)
Pronunciation: Gong-in-in-jeung-suh
Meaning: Digital certificate (often needed for online banking) - Expression: OTP 카드 (O-Ti-Pi kadeu)
Pronunciation: Oh-Tee-Pee ka-deu
Meaning: One-Time Password card/generator - Expression: 통장 (Tongjang)
Pronunciation: Tong-jang
Meaning: Bankbook / Passbook - Expression: 수수료 (Susuryo)
Pronunciation: Soo-soo-ryo
Meaning: Fee / Commission - Expression: 해외 송금 (Haeoe songgeum)
Pronunciation: Hae-weh song-geum
Meaning: Overseas remittance / International money transfer
Asking for Help and Clarification
Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need clarification.
- Expression: 다시 한번 설명해 주시겠어요? (Dasi hanbeon seolmyeonghae jusigesseoyo?)
Pronunciation: Da-shi han-bun suhl-myung-hae joo-shi-ge-ssuh-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain that again? - Expression: 이것은 무엇을 의미하나요? (Igeoseun mueoseul uimihanayo?)
Pronunciation: Ee-guh-seun moo-uh-seul eui-mi-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What does this mean? - Expression: 여기에 서명하면 되나요? (Yeogie seomyeonghamyeon doenayo?)
Pronunciation: Yuh-gi-eh suh-myung-ha-myun dwe-na-yo?
Meaning: Should I sign here? - Expression: 비밀번호를 설정해야 하나요? (Bimilbeonhoreul seoljeonghaeya hanayo?)
Pronunciation: Bi-mil-bun-ho-reul suhl-jung-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I need to set a password? - Expression: 계좌 개설하는 데 얼마나 걸려요? (Gyejwa gaeseolhaneun de eolmana geollyeoyo?)
Pronunciation: Gye-jwa gae-suhl-ha-neun deh uhl-ma-na guhl-lyuh-yo?
Meaning: How long does it take to open an account? - Expression: 수수료는 얼마예요? (Susuryoneun eolmayeyo?)
Pronunciation: Soo-soo-ryo-neun uhl-ma-yeh-yo?
Meaning: How much is the fee? - Expression: 체크카드는 언제 받을 수 있어요? (Chekeukadeuneun eonje badeul su isseoyo?)
Pronunciation: Che-keu-ka-deu-neun uhn-jeh ba-deul soo iss-uh-yo?
Meaning: When can I receive the debit card? - Expression: 인터넷 뱅킹은 어떻게 신청해요? (Inteonet baengkingeun eotteoke sincheonghaeyo?)
Pronunciation: In-tuh-net baeng-king-eun uh-ttuh-keh shin-chung-hae-yo?
Meaning: How do I apply for internet banking? - Expression: 영어로 된 안내문이 있나요? (Yeong-eoro doen annaemuni innayo?)
Pronunciation: Yung-uh-ro dwen an-nae-moon-ee it-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there information available in English? - Expression: 천천히 말씀해 주시겠어요? (Cheoncheonhi malsseumhae jusigesseoyo?)
Pronunciation: Chun-chun-hee mal-sseum-hae joo-shi-ge-ssuh-yo?
Meaning: Could you please speak slowly? - Expression: 이 양식을 작성하는 것을 도와주실 수 있나요? (I yangsigeul jakseonghaneun geoseul dowajusil su innayo?)
Pronunciation: Ee yang-shi-geul jak-sung-ha-neun guh-seul do-wa-joo-shil soo it-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you help me fill out this form?
Korean Culture Notes
Understanding these points can make your banking experience easier.
- Alien Registration Card (ARC) is Key: For foreigners residing long-term in Korea, the 외국인등록증 (ARC) is almost always required to open a full-service bank account. A passport might suffice for temporary or limited accounts, but the ARC is standard.
- Number Ticket System (번호표): Most Korean banks use a number ticket system (번호표 – Beonhopyo). Upon entering, look for a machine dispensing tickets, often with different options for services (e.g., deposits/withdrawals vs. new accounts/consultations). Take a ticket and wait for your number to be displayed or called.
- Bankbooks (통장): While digital banking is prevalent, physical bankbooks (통장 – Tongjang) are still commonly issued and used, especially for initial account setup. They serve as a physical record of transactions.
- Digital Certificates (공인인증서): Accessing full online and mobile banking services often requires a digital certificate (공인인증서 – Gongininjeungseo), which involves a separate registration process that can sometimes be complex. Banks are gradually introducing simpler authentication methods.
- Banker Assistance: Bank tellers are generally helpful but may have varying levels of English proficiency. Using basic Korean phrases, having documents ready, and using translation apps if needed can facilitate the process. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification (천천히 말씀해 주세요 – Please speak slowly).
Real Conversation Example
This dialogue shows a typical interaction when opening a bank account.
- Situation: Alex, a foreigner who recently arrived in Korea, goes to a bank to open an account.
-
Roles:
- A: Alex (Customer)
- B: 은행원 (Eunhaengwon – Bank Teller)
-
Expression: A: 안녕하세요. 계좌를 개설하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: Annyeonghaseyo. Gyejwareul gaeseolhago sipeoyo.
Meaning: Hello. I want to open an account. - Expression: B: 네, 고객님. 이쪽으로 앉으세요. 신분증 좀 보여주시겠어요? 외국인이시면 외국인등록증이랑 여권 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: Ne, gogaengnim. Ijjogeuro anjeuseyo. Sinbunjeung jom boyeojusigesseoyo? Oeguginisimyeon oegugindeungnokjeungirang yeogwon piryohamnida.
Meaning: Yes, customer. Please sit here. Could I see your ID, please? If you are a foreigner, I need your Alien Registration Card and passport. - Expression: A: 네, 여기 있습니다. 외국인등록증하고 여권이요.
Pronunciation: Ne, yeogi itseumnida. Oegugindeungnokjeung-hago yeogwoniyo.
Meaning: Yes, here they are. My ARC and passport. - Expression: B: 감사합니다. 어떤 종류의 계좌를 원하세요? 보통 예금 계좌로 만들어 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: Gamsahamnida. Eotteon jongnyuui gyejwareul wonhaseyo? Botong yegeum gyejwaro mandeureo deurilkkayo?
Meaning: Thank you. What kind of account would you like? Shall I make a regular savings account for you? - Expression: A: 네, 그걸로 해주세요. 그리고 체크카드도 신청하고 싶어요. 인터넷 뱅킹도요.
Pronunciation: Ne, geugeollo haejuseyo. Geurigo chekeukadedo sincheonghago sipeoyo. Inteonet baengkingdoyo.
Meaning: Yes, please do that one. And I also want to apply for a debit card. And internet banking too. - Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 그럼 이 신청서를 작성해 주세요. 연락처와 한국 주소도 적어주셔야 합니다.
Pronunciation: Algesseumnida. Geureom i sincheongseoreul jakseonghae juseyo. Yeollakcheowa hanguk jusodo jeogeojusyeoya hamnida.
Meaning: Understood. Then please fill out this application form. You need to write your contact number and Korean address as well. - Expression: A: 네. (작성 후) 다 됐습니다.
Pronunciation: Ne. (Jakseong hu) Da dwaetseumnida.
Meaning: Okay. (After filling it out) It’s all done. - Expression: B: 확인해 보겠습니다… 네, 다 됐습니다. 비밀번호 4자리를 설정해 주세요. 체크카드는 바로 발급해 드리고, 통장도 여기 있습니다. 인터넷 뱅킹은 별도로 신청 절차가 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: Hwaginhae bogetseumnida… Ne, da dwaetseumnida. Bimilbeonho ne jarireul seoljeonghae juseyo. Chekeukadeuneun baro balgeupae deurigo, tongjangdo yeogi itseumnida. Inteonet baengkingeun byeoldoro sincheong jeolchaga piryohamnida.
Meaning: Let me check… Yes, it’s all set. Please set a 4-digit PIN. I’ll issue the debit card right away, and here is your bankbook. Internet banking requires a separate application process. - Expression: A: 감사합니다! 인터넷 뱅킹은 어떻게 신청해요?
Pronunciation: Gamsahamnida! Inteonet baengkingeun eotteoke sincheonghaeyo?
Meaning: Thank you! How do I apply for internet banking? - Expression: B: 제가 안내해 드릴게요. 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: Jega annaehae deurilgeyo. Jamsiman gidaryeo juseyo.
Meaning: I will guide you through it. Please wait a moment.
Practice Tips
Now that you have these phrases, try practicing them!
- Review the vocabulary list regularly~
- Role-play the conversation example with a friend or language partner!
- Try visiting a bank, even just to observe or ask a simple question. Real-world exposure helps a lot!
- Listen to how Koreans interact at banks if you get the chance. Pay attention to the flow and common expressions.
Banking in a new language can seem daunting, but with preparation, you can handle it confidently. 화이팅! (Hwaiting! – You can do it!)
