The first and most crucial step to a stress-free ATM experience in Korea is locating a machine that accepts foreign cards. Not all ATMs are created equal. You will find two main types: bank-owned ATMs and non-bank brands, often found in convenience stores. While many machines are available, only those labeled as "Global ATM" or "Global Services" will work with international debit or credit cards. These machines are typically marked with logos of major international card networks like Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and sometimes American Express or Discover. Major banks like KB Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, and KEB Hana Bank are your best bet. You can often find these global ATMs in well-populated areas such as airports (Incheon, Gimpo), subway stations, and popular tourist districts like Myeongdong or Gangnam. Convenience stores like GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven often have ATMs as well, many of which are now equipped for global transactions. When you spot a row of ATMs, take a moment to look for the specific logos or the "Global" sticker to save yourself time and frustration.
Once you've found a suitable global ATM, the process is straightforward. First, insert your card face-up with the chip going in first. The machine will likely present you with a language selection screen. Select "English" or your preferred language. You may be asked to confirm that you have checked for card skimmers, so simply press the green "confirm" or "yes" button. Next, you will be prompted to enter your 4-digit PIN. Korean cards use 4-digit PINs, so if your home card has a longer PIN, you should check with your bank beforehand to see if a specific 4-digit PIN is set for international use. After entering your PIN, select "Withdrawal" and then choose the account type, typically "Savings" or "Checking." You will then enter the amount you wish to withdraw in Korean Won (KRW). The ATM will dispense the cash and your card. Remember to take both before you leave!
Before you even travel, it's essential to ensure your debit or credit card is ready for international use. The most common and reliable card networks in Korea are Visa and Mastercard.
Discover and American Express are also accepted at some global ATMs, particularly those run by Citibank, KEB Hana, or Busan Bank, but they are less universally available. A critical pre-travel step is to notify your bank of your travel plans to South Korea.
This prevents your bank's fraud department from flagging your transactions as suspicious and blocking your card. Also, double-check your PIN. As mentioned, most Korean ATMs are configured for 4-digit PINs. If your home country uses a different length, contact your bank to get a compatible PIN.
Cards without a PIN, such as some older US magnetic stripe cards, may not work at all. Lastly, ask your bank about their specific international withdrawal fees and foreign transaction fees to prepare your budget and avoid any surprises.
Most global ATMs in Korea are multilingual, offering a choice of languages including English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian. The language selection is usually the first screen you see after inserting your card. Look for a button that says "Foreign Language" or "English" and press it to switch the interface.
Even with English selected, you might encounter some pop-ups or warnings in Korean. A common one is a security warning. When in doubt, pressing the green "confirm" button (확인 - hwagin) is usually the correct action to proceed. The basic transaction flow—withdrawal, balance inquiry, etc.—will be clearly labeled. Don't be afraid to take your time and read the options carefully.
If you get lost, there's always a "cancel" button (취소 - chwiso) which you can press to safely end the transaction and get your card back.
Encountering an error message can be stressful, but understanding the possible causes can help. The most common reason for a transaction failure is using a non-global ATM. If an ATM displays a message saying "Card is not supported" or something similar in Korean, it's a clear sign you need to find a different machine.
Another frequent issue is an incorrect PIN. After three incorrect attempts, your card may be blocked for security reasons, so be careful. System maintenance is another possible cause; many ATMs, especially in-bank machines, perform daily maintenance between 11:50 PM and 12:30 AM.
Insufficient funds or daily withdrawal limits from your home bank can also cause a transaction to fail. If a specific ATM gives you trouble, the best course of action is to try another global ATM from a different bank brand, such as switching from a Kookmin Bank ATM to a Shinhan Bank one. If the problem persists, contact your home bank's customer service.
Using ATMs in a foreign country often comes with a set of fees, but you can minimize them with a little knowledge. There are typically three types of fees: a local ATM fee (charged by the Korean bank), a foreign transaction fee (charged by your home bank), and a dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fee.
The local ATM fee can range from ₩500 to ₩1,500 per transaction, and some banks charge more than others. Your home bank's foreign transaction fee is usually a percentage of the withdrawal amount, often 2-3%. To avoid these, consider using a travel-friendly debit card from a financial service like Wise or Revolut, which offer lower or no foreign transaction fees and favorable exchange rates.
Some international banks like Citibank may also have partner agreements that allow for fee-free withdrawals. Always check with your home bank before your trip to understand their specific fee structure.
This is a critical point that can save you a significant amount of money. When you withdraw cash from a global ATM in Korea, the machine might ask if you want to be charged in Korean Won (KRW) or your home currency (e.g., USD, GBP, EUR).
This is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Always, and without exception, choose to be charged in the local currency, which is KRW. If you choose your home currency, the ATM provider will use a much less favorable exchange rate and add an extra fee for the conversion.
By selecting KRW, the currency conversion is handled by your own bank or card network (Visa/Mastercard), which almost always provides a better, more accurate exchange rate. This simple choice can mean a difference of 5-10% in the total cost of your withdrawal.
While South Korea is a very safe country, it’s always wise to be vigilant when handling money. Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas, such as inside bank lobbies, airports, or major convenience stores, rather than isolated machines in dimly lit alleys.
When entering your PIN, always use your other hand to shield the keypad from view. This prevents "shoulder surfing," where someone could try to see your PIN. Before inserting your card, quickly inspect the card slot and keypad for any signs of tampering, like loose parts or attached devices, which could be part of a card skimmer scam.
After completing your transaction, remember to take your card and cash, and keep the receipt. The receipt can be very helpful if you need to dispute a transaction with your bank.
In major cities like Seoul and Busan, ATMs are widely available and often operate 24/7. However, there are some important distinctions to be aware of. ATMs located inside a bank branch will only be accessible during bank hours, which are typically 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
After these hours, the lobby may be locked. Look for a "365 Corner" sign, which indicates a separate area with 24-hour ATMs. Convenience stores like CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven are excellent places to find ATMs that are generally available around the clock.
Keep in mind the daily maintenance window, usually around midnight, when some ATMs may be temporarily unavailable for a short period. In more rural or less populated areas, ATM availability might be more limited, so it's a good idea to withdraw enough cash in a major city before heading out.
While most global ATMs offer an English interface, knowing a few key Korean terms can be incredibly helpful, especially if you find yourself at a machine without a language option. Here's a quick cheat sheet to get you started:
- 인출 (in-chul): Withdrawal
- 예금조회 (ye-geum-jo-hwe): Balance Inquiry
- 입금 (ip-geum): Deposit
- 계좌이체 (gye-jwa-i-che): Transfer
- 비밀번호 (bi-mil-beon-ho): PIN / Password
- 확인 (hwagin): Confirm
- 취소 (chwiso): Cancel
- 외국어 (we-guk-eo): Foreign Language
- 카드 (ka-deu): Card
- 금액 (geum-aek): Amount
This simple vocabulary can help you navigate basic transactions and feel more confident, even if the English option is temporarily unavailable or you are using a more basic machine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Korean ATMs
Q: Do all Korean ATMs accept foreign cards?
A: No, only ATMs labeled "Global ATM" or "Global Services" will accept foreign debit and credit cards. Look for the logos of international networks like Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus.
Q: What is the maximum I can withdraw from a Korean ATM?
A: The daily withdrawal limit is set by both the Korean bank and your home bank. Your home bank's limit will likely be the more restrictive one, so check with them before you travel. Local ATMs typically have a per-transaction limit, often between ₩300,000 and ₩700,000.
Q: What should I do if my card gets stuck in the ATM?
A: If your card is swallowed by the ATM, do not leave. If it's a bank-branded ATM during business hours, go inside and talk to a teller. If the bank is closed or you are at a convenience store, call the customer service number on the machine or the number for your home bank to report the issue.
Q: Is it better to exchange currency at an airport or withdraw cash from an ATM?
A: Withdrawing cash from a "Global ATM" generally offers a better exchange rate than a currency exchange counter, especially at an airport. However, be aware of the fees from both the local bank and your home bank.
Q: Why does the ATM keep asking me about a 4-digit PIN? My PIN is longer.
A: Korean banking systems are designed for 4-digit PINs. You need to use the specific 4-digit PIN associated with your card for international transactions. Contact your home bank to confirm or set this PIN before you travel.
Q: Can I use my credit card to withdraw cash at an ATM?
A: Yes, you can use a credit card to get a cash advance from a global ATM. However, this is generally not recommended as cash advances often come with high fees and interest rates that start accumulating immediately.
Q: How can I tell the difference between a global and a local ATM?
A: Global ATMs will have stickers and signs with the logos of international card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and will often explicitly say "Global ATM" or "Foreign Card." If a machine only has Korean text and logos, it's likely a local ATM.
Q: Are ATMs available 24/7 in South Korea?
A: Many ATMs, especially those in convenience stores and designated "365 Corners," are available 24/7. However, ATMs inside bank lobbies are only accessible during bank operating hours (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM).
Q: Should I tell my bank I'm traveling to Korea?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended to inform your bank of your travel dates and destination. This prevents your card from being flagged for suspicious activity and being frozen.
Q: What is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)?
A: DCC is a service that allows you to pay in your home currency instead of the local currency (KRW). Always decline DCC and choose to be charged in KRW to get a better exchange rate and avoid extra fees.
.jpg)
