은행
Living in Korea
Banking, Post Office, and Government Offices: Getting Things Done in Korean
Every phrase below is tappable — press it and your browser speaks it aloud, so paperwork day doesn’t have to be the scary part of living here.
Take a numbered ticket at most banks and government offices — 번호표 (beonhopyo) — and wait for your number to be called.
Opening a Bank Account
The core phrases for the counter conversation.
통장을 만들고 싶어요
tongjangeul mandeulgo sipeoyo
I’d like to open a bank account
외국인등록증 가져왔어요
oegugin-deungnokjeung gajyeowasseoyo
I brought my alien registration card
체크카드도 만들어 주세요
chekeukadeudo mandeureo juseyo
Please also make me a debit card
인터넷뱅킹도 신청할 수 있어요?
inteonet baengkingdo sincheonghal su isseoyo?
Can I also apply for internet banking?
Worth knowing: foreign residents usually need an 외국인등록증 (Alien Registration Card) and a Korean phone number before a bank will open an account — bring both.
At the Post Office (우체국)
For mailing letters and packages home or locally.
이거 영국으로 보내고 싶어요
igeo yeongugeuro bonaego sipeoyo
I’d like to send this to the UK
얼마나 걸려요?
eolmana geollyeoyo?
How long will it take?
빠른 우편으로 보내주세요
ppareun upyeoneuro bonaejuseyo
Please send it by express mail
우표 몇 장 주세요
upyo myeot jang juseyo
A few stamps, please
Bring your Alien Registration Card to almost any official errand — it’s the ID most staff will ask for first.
At the Government Office (주민센터)
For registrations, certificates, and the paperwork side of living here.
전입신고 하러 왔어요
jeonipsingo hareo wasseoyo
I’m here to register my new address
서류가 필요해요
seoryuga piryohaeyo
I need a document/certificate
어느 창구로 가야 돼요?
eoneu changguro gaya dwaeyo?
Which counter should I go to?
번호표 어디서 뽑아요?
beonhopyo eodiseo ppobayo?
Where do I take a queue ticket?
Worth knowing: 주민센터 (community service centre) handles most everyday registrations — address changes, certificates, ID matters — and is usually far less crowded than a larger government building.
These phrases are just the start
Getting through a counter transaction is one thing — understanding the follow-up questions staff ask you needs real Korean underneath it.
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