Korean for opening a bank account — 계좌, 통장 and what to say at the bank

You just got your first job in Korea, or your landlord wants the rent by bank transfer. So you walk into a bank. The guard points you to a machine, a number pops out, and everything on the wall is in Korean. Here are the words that get you through it.

This guide teaches the language. It isn't financial or legal advice. Every bank sets its own rules, so ask your branch what you need before you go.

What do you say at the bank?

Staff often start with 어떻게 오셨어요? (eotteoke osyeosseoyo?). Word for word, it's "How did you come?" But nobody is asking about the bus. It means "What brings you here?" or "How can I help you?"

If you remember one sentence, make it the first one. It tells them what you need, and the staff can guide you from there.

What will the staff say to you?

You'll hear these at the counter. All of them are polite requests. Listen for the main word, like 번호표 or 신분증.

You may also hear 고객님 (gogaengnim), which means "customer" with respect added. That's you. Our guide to 씨 and 님 explains why staff add 님 to it.

What's the difference between 계좌 and 통장?

The two words point to different things, but people mix them all the time.

• 계좌 (gyejwa) is the account itself. Bank forms and apps often say 계좌, and your account number is 계좌번호 (gyejwabeonho).
• 통장 (tongjang) is the bankbook, the small book that shows money going in and out.

People also use 통장 for the account itself, and banks do too, in product names like 급여통장 (geubyeotongjang, "salary account"). So 통장 만들러 왔어요 (tongjang mandeulleo wasseoyo) is fine too. The teller will understand both.

Words you'll see on forms and screens

The ATM and the banking app use these all day.

You'll also hear 계좌 이체 (gyejwa iche), "bank transfer." It's a common way to pay rent or repay a friend. A friend might say 계좌 보내 줘 (gyejwa bonae jwo), which means "Send me your account number."

Need to say a phone number or an amount of money out loud? Our Korean numbers guide covers both.

What should you bring?

Check with your branch first, because this varies from bank to bank. Here's what official guides say:

• Woori Bank's guide lists a real-name ID. It says a foreigner registration card or a passport can be accepted as that ID. It also asks for a 도장 (dojang), a personal name stamp, unless you register a signature. This page shows no date.
• The Seoul city guide tells foreign residents to bring both the registration card and the passport. It gives bank hours as 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. The page shows no date, and a hidden note in its code says 2017, so treat it as a starting point.

An ID may not be enough. A KOTRA guide says you should also show papers that prove why you need the account. For a salary account, one example is a certificate of employment. A useful question to ask before your visit is 뭐 가져가야 돼요? (mwo gajyeogaya dwaeyo?), "What do I need to bring?"

Easy mistakes

• Thinking 체크카드 means a checkbook. A 체크카드 (chekeukadeu) is a debit card, and it uses the money in your account. A credit card is 신용카드 (sinyongkadeu).
• Thinking 비밀번호 is only for websites. It's the word for your PIN too. If the teller slides a keypad toward you, this is what they want.
• Signing when your names differ. If your passport and your registration card show your name differently, ask before you sign.

Quick check

1. What do you say when you walk up to the counter? → 계좌 만들러 왔어요
2. A teller says 비밀번호 눌러 주세요. What should you do? → Enter your PIN
3. Your app shows 잔액. What is it telling you? → Your balance

In one line: Say 계좌 만들러 왔어요, hand over your ID, and ask what else your bank needs.