Foreign banks (Citibank, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, etc.) which have a presence in ROK are not international branches, but rather wholly Korean entities, due to Korean law.[1] The branches must obtain a banking license from the Korean Financial Services Commission (FSC).[2]
International ATMs
Korean citizens may apply for an international ATM card corresponding to an interbank network such as Cirrus or PLUS, but foreign residents may not.[3]Foreign residents in ROK, however, may use such interbank networks at ATMs in ROK through ATM cards procured in foreign countries. Foreigner can open an account in a local bank and get a local ATM Card if they have a residence card. Shinhan Bank and Woori bank allow foreigners to open bank accounts without a residence card.[4]
Interbank ATMs are common throughout the country, especially in densely populated urban areas such as Seoul.[5]