Opening a salary account

Receiving wages into a bank account is safest, because it leaves a record.

Why bank payment matters

• It provides proof that you were paid — decisive in wage disputes. See unpaid-wages-evidence.
• It serves as proof of income, needed for visa extensions, loans and welfare applications.
• Cash-only payment proves nothing at all.

How to open one

1. Visit a bank. Checking in advance for a branch handling foreign customers helps.
2. Prepare documents.
   • Alien Registration Card
   • Passport
   • Employment certificate or contract where required
   • A seal or signature
3. Open the account and apply for a debit card and mobile banking.
4. Give the account number to your employer for salary transfers.

Required documents and limits differ by bank and by anti-fraud policy. Phone ahead to confirm.

Initial limits are common

To prevent financial fraud, new accounts often carry transfer and withdrawal limits. These can be raised with a record of salary transfers or additional documents. Ask the bank.

Where to go

• The bank branch you wish to use
• 1332 Financial Supervisory Service (financial complaints)
• 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation
• Local migrant workers' support centres (accompaniment)

Questions people ask

I was refused an account. It may be a documents or length-of-stay requirement. Try another bank or the post office. You can also consult 1332. See post-office.

I don't speak Korean. Find a branch with a foreign customer desk, or go with 1577-1366 interpretation. Support centres sometimes accompany you.

My company wants to pay in cash. Ask for bank transfer. If that fails, note the date and amount each time and keep photos.

My company says it will manage my bankbook. Never hand it over. Giving up your bankbook, seal and PIN is a sign of forced labour. Consult 1577-0071. See forced-labor.

Take care

Never lend your bankbook, card or PIN to anyone. Offers to "pay you for it" are voice phishing crime. Lending them means your account is frozen, you face prosecution, and your residence status is affected. See job-scam and voice-phishing.

Related

bank-account · unpaid-wages-evidence · remittance-guide · job-scam · forced-labor

Source

Financial Supervisory Service www.fss.or.kr / As of 2026-08