KB enhances in-person customer banking during lunch hour

KB Kookmin Bank said, Monday, every employee will stand by and help customers during lunch hour at five of its branches in Seoul’s heavily populated business districts.

The experimental, temporary measure will come as customers, regardless of the digital transformation, often find in-person banking services more efficient than online services.

The banking industry on the other hand has been reducing staff numbers while enhancing digital technology.

“Under the measure, customers are welcome to visit any of the five branches from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.,” the bank explained.

Of the five branches, three of them are in southern Seoul — Gangnam, Secho and Songpa districts. Another one is in the financial district of Yeouido while the remaining one is in downtown Seoul.

The five branches, according to the company, have been overcrowded with salaried workers during lunchtime as it is the most convenient time for them to take care of their personal banking during the day.

Many of the KB Kookmin Bank branches are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during weekdays, largely as a consequence of the emergence of digital banking and the dwindling number of clients visiting branches.

Some branches, however, have extended working hours until 6 p.m., while others operate flexibly — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.