Value context and insight. lkm@koreatimes.co.kr
Hana Bank to provide fast, simplified bank account opening for foreign customers
Foreign tourists rest under cooling fog in Busan, Tuesday. Yonhap
By Lee Kyung-min
Hana Bank will introduce fast, simplified account opening for foreign customers to help them with easier access to financial services during their stay, the lender said Wednesday.
The service allows travelers to use QR code-enabled registration system to share key information needed to open bank accounts before arriving in Korea.
Upon arrival, they can visit any Hana Bank branch to activate the service. The service is available in 16 languages including English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Spanish.
Hana said the service will help foreign customers access banking services more easily in Korea.
“More foreign customers will have easier access to financial services, contributing to a more convenient experience in the country,” the lender said.
Meanwhile, Hana launched “Hana the EASY,” a service for foreign customers whereby tailored services are provided in accordance to their personal situations.
They can seek information on entering Korea, temporary stays and permanent residency.
Hana’s drive is part of broader efforts by Korean lenders seeking to enhance their foreign customer services.
In March, Woori Bank signed a business agreement with JobKorea, the country’s leading job search platform, to provide job matching services and enhance employment support for foreign residents.
Foreign nationals seeking jobs in Korea will be able to easily access job listings and recruitment information provided by JobKorea through the bank’s foreigner-exclusive platform, Woori WON Global.
The mobile banking service enables foreign customers to access account inquiries, transfers and international remittances in 17 languages, as well as everyday services such as departure maturity insurance, which is paid to foreign workers upon leaving the country.
The number of inbound travelers to Korea reached 7.21 million in the first five months of this year, up 14.7 percent from the previous year, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. This represents an increase of 103.5 percent compared to 2019.