To open a bank account in Korea only takes your passport (for most expats) so if you are arriving here on an E2 Visa to teach English or any other visa to work in Seoul or wherever you should set up an account soon and get paid by direct deposit. Do try and get a recommendation about the best bank in your area as some may have you wait 3 months before they will issue you debit card or Free Check as it is known here. What a hassle not to be able to get that debit card for and have to pay with cash. Why is it important to have and use one? Well you want to use that debit card to pay for everything so you can reap the tax benefits that come along with all that spending you will be doing. The bank issues you a yearly statement about your spending with that card and this can be used by your Employer (who is responsible for your taxes) to get you a bigger income tax refund (1 to 2 million won is nothing to sneeze at). The other way to make sure you get this tax advantage and pay cash is to go to the National Tax Service and get a cash card from them. Don’t be shy as they have dedicated English speakers too in most offices. Helpline 9:00am to 6:00pm (except 11:30am-1:00pm) 82-1588-0560.
OK, back to easier banking for foreigners in Korea with the new English service by the number 2 bank . Here is the info emailed out and it looks promising so if you have a choice then these guys might be the ones too use while paying bills and for all your high-finance.
Don’t be shocked with the spelling mistakes below as it is common by the very talented graphic teams who obviously don’t have spell check. 
Japaness & Chiness
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