How to Use Internet Banking in Korea: A Foreigner’s Step-by-Step Guide

Everything You Need to Know to Access and Use Online Banking in Korea


1. Can Foreigners Use Internet Banking in Korea?

Yes! Once you open a Korean bank account, you can use internet and mobile banking services.

But it’s not as simple as logging in with a password — Korean banks use multi-step security systems including:

  • Digital certificates

  • OTP (One-Time Password) generators

  • Security apps

📲 You’ll also need a Korean phone number and Alien Registration Card (ARC) to register.

2. What You Need to Set Up Internet Banking

To get started, you’ll need:

  • A Korean bank account (e.g., KEB Hana, KB, Woori, Shinhan)

  • Alien Registration Card (ARC)

  • Korean mobile number linked to your account

  • Public digital certificate (공동인증서)

  • Optional: Security card or OTP device

💡 Ask your bank to help you set up “인터넷뱅킹” (internet banking) and “모바일뱅킹” (mobile banking) at the same time.

3. How to Register for Internet Banking (At the Bank)

  1. Visit a physical bank branch with your ARC and phone

  2. Request to sign up for internet banking

  3. Set up:

    • User ID & password

    • Digital certificate issued to your computer or phone

    • Register your device for mobile access

  4. Optional: Get an OTP generator (recommended for security)

🏦 Bank staff will walk you through this process — most banks offer limited English support.

4. Logging In to Internet Banking (Desktop Version)

To log in at home:

  1. Visit your bank’s official site (e.g., kb국민은행, 신한은행)

  2. Download required security programs (ActiveX or EXE files)

  3. Enter your ID + password + digital certificate password

  4. Use OTP if requested

  5. Access account info, transfers, and bill payments

🔐 Korean banking sites often require Internet Explorer/Edge or Chrome with special security plugins.

5. Using Mobile Banking Apps

All major Korean banks have mobile apps (mostly in Korean):

  • KEB Hana Bank (하나원큐)

  • Shinhan SOL (신한SOL)

  • Woori WON

  • KB StarBanking

  • Toss – Simplified app with easy transfers (requires Korean ID)

🛠 Mobile banking usually needs:

  • App installation

  • Registration with your digital certificate

  • Identity verification via SMS or app code

  • Setting up biometric login (fingerprint or face ID)

📱 Some apps now have English modes, especially Shinhan and KEB Hana.

6. Sending Money Online (Domestic Transfers)

To transfer money within Korea:

  1. Log in to your internet/mobile banking

  2. Choose “이체” (Transfer)

  3. Enter recipient’s bank name, account number, and amount

  4. Use OTP or security card to confirm

  5. Submit — done!

🚨 Double-check account numbers — Korean banks don’t auto-correct errors.

7. Important Korean Banking Terms You Should Know

  • 이체 (iche) – Transfer

  • 계좌번호 (gyejwa beonho) – Account number

  • 잔액 (janaek) – Balance

  • 출금 (chulgeum) – Withdrawal

  • 입금 (ipgeum) – Deposit

  • 인증서 (injeungseo) – Digital certificate

  • 보안카드 (boan card) – Security card

Knowing these will help you navigate screens faster.

#태그

#KoreanInternetBanking #MobileBankingKorea #ForeignerBanking #DigitalCertificateKorea #OnlineBankingTips #LivingInKorea

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