How to Use an ATM in Korea

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A Complete Guide for Foreigners Living and Traveling in Korea

※ This article is based on official information as of August 2025.
Cover image credit: Image generated by AI (ChatGPT, 2025).

Summary at a Glance

If you are a foreigner living in Korea or just visiting for a short time, one of the most common challenges you will face is withdrawing cash or checking your balance at a local ATM. Unlike in many countries where the process feels standardized, ATMs in Korea come with their own quirks: multiple banks, a mix of English and Korean interfaces, unique card options, and specific service hours.

This guide will walk you through everything step by step—from eligibility and card types to regional differences, real-life case examples, and cultural tips. By the end, you’ll know how to confidently walk into any Korean bank branch, convenience store, or subway station and use an ATM like a local.

We will also cover what to do when your card doesn’t work, how to send money abroad using ATMs, common mistakes foreigners make, and how regional habits differ between Seoul and other provinces.

Think of this article as your ultimate survival guide for using an ATM in Korea. Whether you’re a student, English teacher, business traveler, or long-term expat, this resource is tailored for you.

Eligibility & Conditions

For foreigners, the ability to use an ATM in Korea depends mainly on what type of card or bank account you hold.

1. Bank Account Holders

  • If you opened a Korean bank account (e.g., KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, NongHyup, or Citibank Korea), you will automatically be issued a cash card (현금카드) or check card (체크카드).
  • These cards are ATM-enabled, meaning you can withdraw cash, deposit money, transfer funds, and check balances.
  • Foreigners usually receive a check card instead of a simple cash card, since it doubles as a debit card for daily purchases.

2. International Card Holders

  • If you don’t yet have a Korean bank account, you can still withdraw cash using international cards (Visa, MasterCard, Plus, Cirrus, Maestro, UnionPay).
  • However, not all ATMs in Korea accept foreign cards. Look for machines with an “Global ATM” sign or English menu option.
  • These are commonly found in airports, large bank branches, and convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, GS25, CU, and E-Mart 24.

3. Operating Hours

  • Unlike in some Western countries where ATMs run 24/7, in Korea, bank-based ATMs often close after midnight (usually 12:00–1:00 AM).
  • Convenience store ATMs are available 24/7, but fees are higher.

4. Fees & Limits

  • Korean bank cards: Withdrawals are usually free during working hours (09:00–18:00) but cost 500–1,000 KRW after hours or at different-bank ATMs.
  • International cards: Expect to pay 3,000–6,000 KRW per transaction. Withdrawal limits typically range from 100,000 KRW to 1,000,000 KRW depending on your card issuer.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Here’s a breakdown of how to use an ATM in Korea effectively.

Step 1: Locate the Right ATM

  • Look for ATMs inside banks, subway stations, or convenience stores.
  • If you need English service, select ATMs labeled “외국인/English/Global ATM.”

Step 2: Insert Your Card

  • Insert your Korean bank card or international debit/credit card.
  • Many machines now accept tap-to-insert (chip) cards, but the traditional insert method is still the most common.

Step 3: Choose Your Language

  • Most ATMs in Korea provide at least three language options: Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese.
  • Select English if you are not confident in Korean.

Step 4: Enter Your PIN

  • The PIN pad is covered by a plastic shield for privacy.
  • Korean ATMs usually require 4–6 digit PIN numbers.

Step 5: Select the Transaction Type

Common options include:

  • Withdrawal (출금)
  • Deposit (입금)
  • Balance Inquiry (조회)
  • Transfer (송금)
  • International Services (해외서비스)

Step 6: Enter the Amount

  • Amounts are entered in multiples of 10,000 KRW bills (no coins).
  • Example: If you want 70,000 KRW, the machine will dispense seven ₩10,000 bills.

Step 7: Confirm Fees

  • The screen will display applicable fees before completing the transaction.
  • For foreigners, always double-check the amount to avoid extra charges.

Step 8: Collect Cash & Receipt

  • Take your cash first, then the receipt, then your card.
  • Some ATMs in Korea return your card last—don’t forget it!

Regional Differences (Seoul vs Other Regions)

While the overall process is the same, the experience of using an ATM in Korea differs by region.

  • Seoul:
    • Nearly all ATMs have English menus.
    • More ATMs accept international cards.
    • Fees are slightly higher in tourist areas.
  • Busan, Daegu, Incheon:
    • Large cities still have English-friendly ATMs, especially in subway stations and tourist zones.
    • Smaller bank branches may only provide Korean menus.
  • Rural Areas (Chungcheong, Jeolla, Gyeongsang provinces):
    • Convenience store ATMs may be the only option.
    • English menus may be limited or unavailable.
    • It’s best to carry some Korean cash if traveling outside metropolitan regions.

Real-Life Case Examples

  1. Student in Seoul – Sarah from Canada uses her KB check card daily. She withdraws cash at GS25 convenience stores near her dorm. Fees are 1,000 KRW, but it saves her from walking to the bank.
  2. English Teacher in Busan – David uses his Woori Bank card to pay rent. His landlord insists on cash, so David withdraws 600,000 KRW once a month at a bank ATM.
  3. Business Traveler in Gangnam – Maria uses her U.S. Citibank debit card. The Citibank Korea ATMs in Seoul let her withdraw KRW directly without currency exchange.
  4. Tourist in Jeju – Ahmed struggles at a rural Jeju ATM. The machine had no English option, but luckily a local helped him select “출금” (withdrawal).
  5. Long-term Expat in Daejeon – James uses his Shinhan card. He prefers to withdraw money at Shinhan ATMs to avoid inter-bank fees.
  6. Backpacker in Gyeongju – Chloe uses her UK Barclays card. She finds that only certain ATMs in CU convenience stores accept foreign cards.
  7. Retiree in Seoul – George transfers money abroad for his children in the U.S. directly via KEB Hana Bank’s ATM “Overseas Remittance” service.

FAQ

  1. Can I use foreign cards at any ATM in Korea?
    No, only Global ATMs accept foreign cards.
  2. What if my card is rejected?
    Try another bank’s ATM or a convenience store ATM with a Global logo.
  3. Do Korean ATMs dispense U.S. dollars or only KRW?
    Only Korean Won. For USD, visit a bank counter or currency exchange booth.
  4. Are Korean ATMs 24/7?
    Bank ATMs close around midnight, but convenience store ATMs run 24/7.
  5. Can I send money abroad using an ATM in Korea?
    Yes, some bank ATMs allow overseas remittance if you hold a registered account.
  6. Is there a daily withdrawal limit?
    Yes, usually 600,000–1,000,000 KRW depending on your bank.
  7. Do ATMs in Korea accept contactless cards?
    Some newer ATMs support chip tap, but inserting is still the norm.
  8. Can I pay bills via ATM?
    Yes, utility bills with barcodes can be paid via ATM scanning.
  9. What languages are available?
    Most ATMs support English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.
  10. Do Korean ATMs issue coins?
    No, only paper bills.
  11. Are there extra fees for using convenience store ATMs?
    Yes, usually 1,000 KRW per transaction.
  12. How do I know if an ATM accepts foreign cards?
    Look for Visa/MasterCard/UnionPay logos and the “Global” sign.
  13. Can I check my balance with a foreign card?
    Usually no—foreign cards allow only withdrawals.
  14. Is my PIN secure?
    Yes, Korean ATMs use protective shields to prevent spying.
  15. What should I do if I forget my card in the machine?
    The machine swallows it for security. You must visit the bank branch with ID.
  16. Can I change my PIN via ATM?
    Yes, for Korean-issued cards.
  17. What happens during ATM maintenance?
    Machines shut down for about 5–10 minutes. Try another ATM nearby.

Cultural Tips + Common Mistakes

  • Koreans often use ATMs to pay utility bills. Don’t be surprised to see someone scanning a barcode bill.
  • Avoid late-night withdrawals in quiet areas for safety.
  • Don’t forget to collect your card—foreigners often walk away without it.
  • If the ATM menu confuses you, don’t hesitate to ask a passerby; Koreans are generally helpful.

Insurance & Airlines + Psychological Support

If your foreign card is swallowed or lost in an ATM, check if your travel insurance covers emergency cash support.

  • Major airlines at Incheon Airport (Korean Air, Asiana, Delta) have customer desks where you can request help if you’re stranded without cash.
  • Many embassies also provide emergency support for lost cards.
  • Don’t panic: Korea is a very safe country, and most banks can issue replacement cards quickly.

One Thing Worth Sharing

If you learn just one thing today: Always look for the “Global ATM” sign when using a foreign card in Korea. It saves you time, stress, and unnecessary fees.

A Last Line to Keep in Mind

Living in Korea comes with challenges, but even something as simple as using an ATM can feel like a small victory. Each time you confidently complete a withdrawal, you’ll feel more at home. And little by little, Korea will stop feeling foreign—it will start feeling familiar.

Official Application Links

Official References

  • Bank of Korea (2025).
  • Shinhan Bank Global Services (2025).
  • KEB Hana Bank International ATM FAQ (2025).
  • Image generated by AI (ChatGPT, 2025).

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