Open Bank Account Korea Foreigner?The #1 reason foreigners in Korea end up “going to the bank once, then coming back two or three more times” to open a bank account is missing documents, and #2 is underestimating the waiting time. If you prepare using the checklist below, your chances of finishing in a single visit go way up.

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1) Why do banks require so many “things to bring”?

When opening a new demand deposit account in Korea, banks have a process to verify your purpose of financial transactions (salary, business, studies, etc.), and if documentation is insufficient, your account may be opened as a limited-transaction account. This system was introduced to prevent mule accounts and voice phishing, and the government has also promoted “reducing inconvenience (raising limits, strengthening guidance on required documents, using MyData)” under the premise of maintaining the system. (Financial Services Commission)

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2) “Basic items to bring” before visiting a branch (for foreigners)

The four items below are safe to prepare in almost all cases.

(1) ID

• Alien Registration Card (ARC) / Permanent Resident Card / Domestic Residence Report Card (if applicable)
• If possible, bring your passport as well (in case a branch/task requires additional verification)

Especially for non-face-to-face/app-based openings, a common pitfall is that a passport alone may not be accepted, and only an Alien Registration Card (or Permanent Resident Card/Residence Report Card) is recognized in some cases. (KB Kookmin Bank)

(2) A Korean mobile phone under your name (the most commonly missed point)

• Because of “identity verification/SMS/app sign-up,” a Korean carrier mobile phone registered under your name is often the key requirement. (KB Kookmin Bank)

✅ Tip: If your phone is not yet under your name (short-term stay, prepaid SIM, etc.)
even if you “open the account at the counter,” you may get blocked later with internet banking/easy authentication/easy transfers.
Before visiting, call the branch and confirm “what’s possible if I don’t have a phone under my name.”

(3) Korean address/contact information

• Your residential address (note it down so you can write it in both English/Korean)
• Email (for internet banking/alerts)

(4) 1–2 supporting documents for your “purpose of financial transactions” (details in section 3 below)

• If you have just 1–2 documents that fit your situation—salary/employment, enrollment, business, etc.—the chance of getting a “limited-transaction” account drops significantly. (Financial Services Commission)

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3) The key to finishing in one go: a “purpose of financial transactions” documentation checklist

What happens if your documentation is insufficient?

If your new account is designated as a limited-transaction account, your daily transaction limits are restricted. However, starting 2024-05-02, the daily limits for limited-transaction accounts were eased and raised to around KRW 1,000,000 for internet banking/ATM and KRW 3,000,000 at the counter. (Financial Services Commission)

Examples of documents that “work best,” by purpose

Based on guidance from the Financial Services Commission (representative examples), you can prepare as follows. (Financial Services Commission)

• Employees (for salary deposit)
  • National Health Insurance Eligibility/Enrollment & Loss Certificate / wage & salary income withholding receipt, etc. (or employment/salary-related documents)
• Pension recipients
  • Pension certificate / benefit recipient confirmation, etc.
• Students (for tuition/living expenses)
  • Certificate of enrollment / admission letter / tuition payment-related documents (the combination your school provides is usually the strongest)
• Self-employed/freelancers (for business)
  • Business registration-related documents + contract/transaction proof (as much as possible)

✅ Tip: If you prepare “one original + one set of phone photos (or PDFs),” you can respond quickly even if the counter asks for additional items.

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4) A major change starting in 2025: account opening is possible with a “mobile Alien Registration Card”

This is one of the most welcome updates for foreign customers.

• From 2025-03-21, it became possible to handle financial services such as account opening at banks using a mobile Alien Registration Card, and
• In 6 banks (Shinhan, Hana, iM Bank, Busan, Jeonbuk, Jeju), it was applied first for in-person services (for non-face-to-face, Jeonbuk was first). (Financial Services Commission)

✅ Practical tip
If you’re in a situation like, “I left my physical ARC at home, but I really need to open an account today,”
first check whether the bank you’re going to is one of the 6 banks above.
(As expanded rollout may continue, it’s recommended to check the latest notice before visiting.) (Financial Services Commission)

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5) 7 practical tips to reduce branch waiting time

Tip 1) Check “mobile queue ticket/wait status” first

For example, in KB’s case, you can view the number of waiting customers and the estimated wait time in the app and issue a queue number in advance, and they 안내 that issuance is available up to 40 minutes before closing. (KB’s THINK)

Tip 2) If “visit reservations (consultation reservations)” are available, booking is overwhelmingly better

At KB, for example, the “Branch Visit Reservation Service” allows you to reserve services such as new openings/closures and consultations for deposits, loans, FX, etc.,
and reservation requests have conditions such as D-5 business days to 3 hours before the same day (restrictions may also vary by service/branch). (Otalk)

Woori Bank also explains the reservation-consultation flow via WON Time (request reservation → visit at the reserved time → receive a reserved queue ticket). (Woori Bank)

✅ Point
“New passbook/account opening” may or may not be reservable depending on branch policy.
First check whether “New Deposit Account” is selectable in the reservation menu.

Tip 3) Avoid bank peak hours (the difference is big)

• Monday mornings, right before/after lunch, and around month-end/paydays are more likely to be crowded
• If possible, right after opening in the morning or after 2 p.m. is relatively better (varies by branch)

Tip 4) Prepare your “purpose” in one sentence (shortens counter time)

What takes the most time at the counter is “explaining.” If you prepare a single sentence like below, things move faster.

• (Korean) “급여 수령용 계좌로 만들고 체크카드/모바일뱅킹까지 같이 신청하고 싶어요.”
• (English) “I need a bank account for salary/tuition. I also want a debit card and mobile banking.”

Tip 5) Put documents in a “ready-to-submit format”

• Paper originals + phone photos (organize your gallery folder)
• Long file names waste time while searching → simplify like “ARC.jpg / Passport.jpg / Enrollment.pdf”

Tip 6) Check whether the branch offers extended hours like “9 to 6”

KB’s guidance also mentions that you can use the mobile queue ticket feature to see branches that are open until 6 p.m. (9 to 6). (KB’s THINK)
(Not all banks/branches offer this, so confirm via the branch finder.)

Tip 7) One phone call to the branch = save one return visit

Your success rate increases if you ask just these three questions by phone.

1. “Can I open a new account as a foreigner? (based on my visa/status of stay)”
2. “What documents do I need? (salary/student/business—whichever applies)”
3. “How busy is it today / do you support reservations / can I use a mobile queue ticket at this branch?”

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6) A surprisingly common trap: the “20 business-day rule (restriction on opening multiple accounts in a short period)”

If you recently opened a demand deposit account, you may be restricted from opening an additional demand deposit account at another financial institution within 20 business days. KB’s financial content also introduces this policy and explains that if you have an account-opening history within 20 business days, there may be restrictions. (KB’s THINK)

Media reports also frequently cover cases where this regulation becomes an obstacle to joining savings/deposit products or special-rate promotions. (Donga)

So what should you do?

• If you have a recent account-opening history: be prepared to explain “why I absolutely need a new account today”
• Because exception criteria can vary by bank/branch/situation, contacting the branch in advance is the safest approach

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7) Final checklist before visiting a branch (copy and use)

Must-haves

• Alien Registration Card (ARC) or Permanent Resident Card/Residence Report Card
• Passport (if possible, bring it too)
• A Korean mobile phone under your name (able to receive SMS) (KB Kookmin Bank)
• A note with your Korean address/contact details

Extra documents to finish in one visit (highly recommended)

• Employment/salary documents or enrollment/admission documents or business-related documents (Financial Services Commission)
• (If possible) document originals + photo/scan copies

Save time

• Check mobile queue ticket/wait status (KB’s THINK)
• Check whether visit/consultation reservations are available (Otalk)
• Check whether you opened an account within the last 20 business days (KB’s THINK)

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Wrap-up

• For “documents,” the 핵심 3-piece combo is ID + a phone under your name + purpose documentation. (KB Kookmin Bank)
• For waiting time, the game changes with mobile queue tickets/reservations. (KB’s THINK)
• Starting in 2025, mobile Alien Registration Cards also began being used for actual bank services (initially at 6 banks), and the trend is toward gradual expansion. (Financial Services Commission)

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FAQ (Open Bank Account Korea Foreigner)

Q1. Can I open an account with only a passport, without an Alien Registration Card (ARC)?

It can vary by branch, status of stay, and the purpose of the account, but non-face-to-face (app) opening is often difficult with only a passport, and there is clear guidance showing cases where an Alien Registration Card (or Permanent Resident Card/Residence Report Card) is required. (KB Kookmin Bank)

Q2. What is a limited-transaction account, and why does it happen?

It’s an account type that may be opened when you lack sufficient documents to prove your purpose of financial transactions, and it is operated to prevent voice phishing and mule accounts. (Financial Services Commission)

Q3. What is the daily transfer limit for a limited-transaction account?

From 2024-05-02, the daily limits for limited-transaction accounts were eased and raised to KRW 1,000,000 for internet banking, KRW 1,000,000 for ATMs, and KRW 3,000,000 at the counter, according to the guidance. (Financial Services Commission)

Q4. What should I prepare as “documentation for the purpose of financial transactions”?

For employees, salary/employment documents; for students, enrollment/admission documents; for business owners, business/transaction documents—1–2 documents that most directly prove your purpose are effective. (Financial Services Commission)

Q5. What’s the most reliable way to reduce bank waiting time?

If possible, the most reliable combination is mobile queue tickets (check wait status) + visit reservations (consultation reservations). (KB’s THINK)

Q6. Can I really open a bank account with a mobile Alien Registration Card?

Yes. From 2025-03-21, a government press release stated that financial services such as account opening are available with a mobile Alien Registration Card at six banks. (Financial Services Commission)

Q7. They said I can’t open a new account because of the 20 business-day rule. What is that?

This policy is designed to prevent multiple demand deposit accounts from being created in a short period, and guidance states that if you have an account-opening history within 20 business days, you may be restricted. (KB’s THINK)

Q8. Different branches ask for different documents. Which one is correct?

It can vary depending on the bank, branch, and customer situation. The government also recommends “checking in advance, as required documents may differ depending on each bank’s business characteristics.” (Financial Services Commission)

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In international student housing Korea, there are exactly three housing-related regret points that come up the most often.

1. Underestimating upfront funds (security deposit)
2. A mismatch with your commute & daily life routine (meals/laundry/noise/public safety)
3. Missing contract & reporting steps (residence/move-in report/confirmed date), increasing risk

So instead of “emotional reviews,” this post will compare things coldly based on money, lifestyle, and risk only.

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1) At-a-glance conclusion: Which option is right for you?

• If your goal is your first semester + adapting to Korea → Dorm (safest, with the fewest variables)
• If privacy, freedom, and daily routines (cooking/gym/part-time work) matter → Living alone (studio/officetel)
• If you want to lower the deposit but still get furniture/management/community → Share house/coliving

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2) Cost comparison table (Seoul-based “feel” summary)

Costs vary widely by area, building, and room type. The comparison below is to understand the “structure.”

Category	Upfront cost (lump sum)	Monthly fixed cost (approx.)	Included/extra (commonly confusing)	Typical risks
Dorm	Low to medium	Low	Often includes some utilities; meals are optional/extra	Rules (curfew/overnight stays/guests), roommates
Living alone (studio/officetel)	High (deposit)	Medium to high	Management fee/utilities/internet often billed separately	Deposit risk, contract/registry checks, repair disputes
Share house/coliving	Low to medium	Medium	Many plans include furniture/utilities/cleaning	House rules, roommate conflict, deposit settlement

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3) Getting a sense of “real numbers” (official/media-based examples)

(1) Dorm cost example: SNU Gwanak Student Residence (monthly)

For Seoul National University undergraduate dorms, the guidance indicates a monthly fee of about KRW 139,800–278,100, and at initial move-in you typically pay a security deposit (generally around one month’s amount) together. (Gwanak Student Residence)

• Pros: Predictable regardless of rental market fluctuations
• Cons: Competitive for popular buildings/rooms + rules directly affect daily life

Key point: Depending on the school, dorm payment may be “paid per semester in a lump sum vs. paid monthly.” Always check the school notice first for the exact payment method.

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(2) Living alone (studio) cost example: Seoul studio monthly rent trend

Based on recent media reports, there is an analysis (using MOLIT actual transaction data) stating that the average monthly rent for Seoul studios (≤33㎡ exclusive area, row-house/multi-family) is around KRW 720,000 with a KRW 10,000,000 deposit. (YTN)

• And it doesn’t end there—living alone usually also includes
  • Building management fee (elevator/cleaning/security/common-area electricity, etc.)
  • Electricity, gas, and water
  • Internet/TV
    which can be added on top.

Another key point: Asking prices and actual transaction prices can differ, so it’s safer to build the habit of checking nearby real transactions through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Real Transaction Price Disclosure System. (Real Transaction Disclosure System)

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(3) Share house/coliving cost example: deposit 1–5 million, monthly rent 390k–1.21M range

As one coliving (shared common areas + private rooms) example, a “wide range” has been mentioned, such as a KRW 1,000,000–5,000,000 deposit and KRW 390,000–1,210,000 monthly rent. (Korea Joongang Daily)

Looking at actual operator examples,

• Some WOOZOO locations show low-entry products such as a KRW 500,000–1,000,000 deposit and KRW 350,000–380,000 monthly rent (woozoo.kr)
• Some Mangrove locations also offer formats like a KRW 3,000,000 deposit + from KRW 540,000/month (utilities included per the guide). (mangrove.city)

Conclusion: With share houses, it’s not “cheap vs. expensive”—total cost depends on (1) the deposit structure (2) whether utilities are included (3) the contract term/penalty fees.

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4) Lifestyle experience comparison: when “your personality” matters more than cost

The experience dorms provide

• Pros
  • Easier to focus on adapting to life in Korea (administration/campus/classes)
  • Minimized commuting stress
  • Relatively simple safety/facility management/complaint handling
• Cons
  • Clashes over roommates/noise/temperature/lifestyle patterns
  • Stress from rules such as guest limits, overnight stays/curfew (varies by school)

Best for: First semester, international students new to Korean language/administrative processes, majors with tight schedules

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The experience living alone (studio/officetel) provides

• Pros
  • Maximum privacy (your routine 100%)
  • Freedom for cooking, workouts, part-time jobs, dating, hobbies—everything
  • More choice of homes (near a station/quiet neighborhood/new building/sunlight)
• Cons
  • Breakdowns/repairs/cleaning/recycling/utility settlement are “your job”
  • You must manage contract and deposit risks yourself

Best for: Long-term stay (1 year+), people with a clear daily routine, privacy-first

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The experience share houses/coliving provide

• Pros
  • Furniture/appliances/common areas are set up, so you can “move in and live immediately”
  • Community helps reduce loneliness (especially in the first semester)
  • Deposits are often lower than studios
• Cons
  • Roommate risk (cleanliness, noise, shared items, guests)
  • House rules/penalties/deposit settlement vary by operator

Best for: International students who feel “living alone is too much, but I also hate dorm rules” / short-term stays (3–6 months)

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5) Risk comparison: for international students, this is where it’s decided

(1) The 3-piece set that dramatically reduces living-alone risk

In Korea’s housing lease system, the key to protecting your deposit is usually explained as:

• Opposability: arises from 12:00 a.m. the next day once you take possession (actually reside) + complete move-in reporting
• Priority repayment right: if you meet the opposability requirements + obtain a confirmed date, you may receive priority repayment of your deposit in situations such as auction

That’s the structure. (Easy Law)

And for international students (foreign nationals), this matters even more.
There is guidance stating that, in principle, foreigners may not be protected parties; however, there is also guidance that if you file a “change of residence report,” which is equivalent to move-in reporting, you may exceptionally become a protected party. (Easy Law)

Practically, it’s safest to understand it as “move-in report = Korean nationals,” “change of residence report = foreign nationals.”

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(2) Change of residence report: “Within how many days after moving?”

Government civil-service guidance and laws state that you should report within 15 days from the day you move in. (Government 24)
Also, international student guidance pages clearly mention penalties for violating the reporting obligation. (Easy Law)

Recommended operating tip: If you’re unsure, finish it within 7 days after moving. (Removes variables like document prep, weekends, and waiting times at service centers.)

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(3) Also check rental reporting (lease contract reporting)

Korea’s rental reporting system has regional/amount requirements; for example, if the deposit and monthly rent exceed certain thresholds, it becomes reportable. (Easy Law)
Seoul City guidance also explains a method where if you file the report by submitting the contract together, a confirmed date number is shown and the effect begins from the date of receipt. (Open Government Seoul)

In other words, “report → confirmed date in one go” may be possible, so it’s good to build it into your post-contract routine.

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(4) How not to get ripped off on brokerage fees (agent commission)

If you sign through a real estate agent when living alone, you’ll pay a brokerage fee.
The transaction amount for leases is typically calculated as deposit + (monthly rent × 100) (or × 70 in certain cases). (My Home Portal)

Example (Seoul): If your deposit is KRW 10,000,000 + monthly rent KRW 720,000
Transaction amount ≈ 10,000,000 + 72,000,000 = KRW 82,000,000
→ Depending on the bracket, a maximum rate/cap amount applies (see government/local rate tables). (My Home Portal)

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6) Make the choice easier: recommended “first-semester strategy” plans

Plan A: Dorm for the first semester → move to living alone/share next semester

• Pros: Your failure rate drops sharply because you choose after understanding admin/classes/neighborhoods
• Cons: If dorm competition/rules feel burdensome, it can be stressful

Plan B: Share house for 3–6 months → switch to a studio

• Pros: Lower deposit 부담 and save time on furniture/life setup
• Cons: If roommate variables are big, it can drain your mental energy

Plan C: Go straight to living alone (studio) from the start

• Pros: Privacy and routines fully set; efficient for long-term stays
• Cons: Early-stage contracting/reporting/building life infrastructure is tough (high difficulty for beginners)

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7) Pre-contract checklist (for international students—copy and use as-is)

Common (dorm/living alone/share—applies to all)

• Commute time (door-to-door): which is OK—30/45/60 minutes?
• Soundproofing (university area/main road/exam-taker village), sunlight (north-facing?), mold/condensation
• Heating/cooling (central/individual), laundry (shared/private), recycling rules

Living alone (studio/officetel) — additional

• In the contract, clearly state what’s included in the management fee (water? internet? common electricity?)
• Check nearby price levels with actual transaction prices (MOLIT system) (Real Transaction Disclosure System)
• Post-move-in routine:
  • (As soon as possible) Change of residence report (foreign nationals) (Government 24)
  • (Deposit protection) Follow the opposability/confirmed-date routine (Easy Law)

Share house/coliving — additional

• “Included in monthly rent” items: utilities/cleaning/detergent/toilet paper/Wi‑Fi
• Contract term, early move-out penalties, deposit deduction standards (cleaning fee/repair fee)
• Roommate composition (gender/nationality/age group), guest/cooking/noise rules

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FAQ (international student housing Korea)

Q1. What is the safest choice for an international student coming to Korea for the first time?

For the first semester, a dorm or operator-managed coliving (a well-managed place) usually has fewer variables. Dorms tend to have a more predictable monthly cost structure (e.g., monthly fee + deposit structure) and often come with life infrastructure already in place. (Gwanak Student Residence)

Q2. For a Seoul studio, what budget should you typically plan for?

Based on recent media reports, there’s a case showing an average monthly rent of about KRW 720,000 with a KRW 10,000,000 deposit. Since management fees/utilities may be added, it’s risky to set your budget based on “rent only.” (YTN)

Q3. Do share houses really have low deposits?

It depends on the product, but ranges such as KRW 1–5 million for deposits and KRW 390,000–1,210,000 for monthly rent are mentioned. Since variation is large by operator, location, and room type, check included items and contract conditions first. (Korea Joongang Daily)

Q4. Can international students (foreign nationals) receive protections like move-in reporting/confirmed date?

Guidance explains that foreigners may not be protected parties in principle, but that if you file a “change of residence report,” which is equivalent to move-in reporting, you may exceptionally become a protected party. (Easy Law)

Q5. By when do you need to file a change of residence report?

Government guidance and laws state within 15 days from the day you move in. Since delays may lead to disadvantages (penalties), it’s recommended to handle it quickly after moving. (Government 24)

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How to Get “Views + Alleyway Vibes” in Tongyeong in Just One Day

If you can hang out in Tongyeong for just one day, this is the combo I recommend first.

• Morning: Ride the Mireuksan (Tongyeong) Cable Car for a panoramic view of Hallyeohaesang National Park
• Afternoon: Lunch near Jungang Market + an alley stroll through Dongpirang Mural Village
• Evening (optional): Gangguan night view or add Seopirang/Dpirang briefly

Plus, the route between the two is efficient, so it’s the lowest-risk “day trip” plan.

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Recommended Itinerary at a Glance (Day Trip)

Time	Course	Key Point
09:30~10:00	Arrive at Tongyeong Cable Car / buy tickets	On weekends and peak season, “arriving in the morning” makes the biggest difference
10:00~12:00	Ride the Mireuksan Cable Car & enjoy the upper observatory	Operations may stop if winds are strong → 반드시 check the weather (Cable Car)
12:00~12:30	Cable car → move to Jungang Market/Gangguan	Official guidance: about 25 minutes one-way toward Dongpirang (Cable Car)
12:30~13:30	Lunch (near Jungang Market/Gangguan)	Plenty of options like Chungmu gimbap/seafood/mulhoe
13:30~15:30	Walk around Dongpirang Mural Village	Free & open year-round; use public parking lots (Visit Korea)
15:30~17:00	Café/Gangguan stroll (optional)	Wrap up the view at a rooftop café
17:00~	Head home	Clean route flow by bus/car/taxi

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1) Tongyeong Mireuksan Cable Car: Key Info on Fares, Operating Hours, and Closures

Location & Contact (for Navigation)

• Address: 205 Balgae-ro, Donam-dong, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
• Phone: 1544-3303 (Cable Car)

Cable Car Fare (Official, as of Jan 2026)

• Adult Round trip 17,000 KRW / One-way 13,500 KRW
• Child (ages 4/48 months to elementary school) Round trip 13,000 KRW / One-way 11,000 KRW (Cable Car)

Discounts (for eligible visitors) require proof, and discounts cannot be combined. (Cable Car)

“Truly Important” Operating Notes

• May close/suspend due to weather (Cable Car)
• Ticket sales may close early 2–3 hours before the end of operations (Cable Car)
• Regular closure day: the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month (if it’s a holiday, the next day) (Cable Car)

👉 So here’s the one conclusion: the safest move is to check the official “Operating Hours Guide” notice the day before/day of your visit.

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2) (Reference) Summary of the Cable Car Operating Hours (Jan 2026)

Tongyeong Cable Car hours vary by month. Below is a summary based on the official notice for Jan 2026.

Period	Weekdays	Saturday	Sunday/Holidays	Notes
1/1	06:00~16:30	(Same)	(Same)	Special operation
1/2~1/15	10:00~16:30	09:30~17:00	09:30~17:00
1/16~1/31	10:00~17:00	09:30~17:00	09:30~17:00	Extended from the 16th

• January regular closure (maintenance day): 1/14 (Wed) (Cable Car)
• Also, according to the notice, due to major first-half maintenance from 2/2 to 2/6, there is guidance that 1/28 (Wed) will operate as normal. (Cable Car)
• It also states that on weekends, operations may start earlier or be extended depending on visitor flow.

In winter (January), the notice also provides Tongyeong sunset times (e.g., 17:26 on the 1st, 17:33 on the 10th, 17:43 on the 20th, 17:54 on the 31st).

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3) Easy Transportation for Walkers/Foreign Travelers (How to Get to the Cable Car)

The question I get most often when guiding foreign guests is, “Can I get there by bus?” And yes, you can.

Bus (Tongyeong Intercity Bus Terminal ↔ Cable Car)

• No. 141: Tongyeong Intercity Bus Terminal ↔ in front of the cable car bus stop
• Other routes (101/104/105) are also provided in the guide. (Cable Car)

Taxi (Fast and Low-Stress)

• Official guidance: About 20 minutes from the terminal to the cable car, around 10,000 KRW (when there’s no traffic) (Cable Car)
• If you’re worried about talking with the driver because you’re not confident in Korean
  • One line to show the driver: “통영 케이블카(발개로 205)로 가 주세요.”

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4) Getting from the Cable Car → Dongpirang Village (Route Planning Points)

Once you come down after riding the cable car, the most efficient next move is to head to the Dongpirang + Jungang Market area.

• According to Tongyeong Cable Car’s official “Nearby Attractions” guide, it’s shown as about 25 minutes one-way to Dongpirang. (Cable Car)
• In other words, it’s great for bundling lunch/cafés/market browsing into one smooth block.

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5) Dongpirang Mural Village: Location, Parking, and Vibe (Key Points)

What Kind of Place Is Dongpirang?

“Dongpirang” is a name made from “east” + “pirang” (a Tongyeong dialect word meaning slope), and there’s an explanation that in October 2007, the village was reborn with murals by gathering people to paint. (Visit Korea)
Thanks to that, now there are paintings in every alley, and from the hilltop you can also enjoy the Gangguan sea view. (Visit Korea)

Location/Hours/Fee

• Location: 6-18 Dongpirang 1-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
• Hours: Open year-round
• Admission: Free (Visit Korea)

Parking (Read This If You’re Driving)

Dongpirang itself is made of narrow alleys, so parking can be tight; official travel articles recommend using public parking lots. (Visit Korea)

• Public parking lots mentioned as examples: Tongyeong Jungang Market Public Parking Lot / Tongjeyeong Parking Lot / Taepyeong Public Parking Lot (Visit Korea)

Etiquette You Must Follow in Dongpirang

Because residents actually live here, there’s guidance asking visitors to avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior. (Visit Korea)
Just following this one line makes the trip far more satisfying (the village vibe truly changes).

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6) Dongpirang + Jungang Market Lunch Combo (A No-Fail Choice)

Dongpirang is a “hill walk,” so it quietly drains your energy. So for route flow, I recommend this:

1. Have lunch first near Jungang Market/Gangguan
2. Walk up Dongpirang and stroll the alleys while you digest
3. Come back down and hit a café (even better if it’s a rooftop)

Typical signature Tongyeong menu picks are:

• Chungmu gimbap (simple, fast turnover)
• Mulhoe/hoe-deopbap (that seaside-city feel)
• Oysters/seafood hot pot (satisfaction varies a lot by season)
  This kind of lineup is easy to fit into a “one-day course” without feeling heavy.

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7) Estimated Cost for Today’s Course (Per 1 Adult)

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Tongyeong Cable Car (round trip)	17,000 KRW	Official fare (Cable Car)
Dongpirang	0 KRW	Free (Visit Korea)
Transportation	0~ (depends)	Choose bus/taxi/car (Cable Car)
Food	Varies	Market snacks + meals

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8) (Optional) If You Have Time, Add Just One More Thing Like This

• Seopirang: Great to pair as a hill course facing Dongpirang (lots of photo points) (Visit Korea)
• Gangguan stroll: Walk toward the sea after coming down from Dongpirang for a “very Tongyeong” finish.

If your day is packed, even stopping at “Dongpirang” only is enough to make it a full, satisfying day.

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Tips Especially Useful for Foreign Travelers (Expats in Korea)

• The cable car is heavily affected by weather, so plans may change on windy days. If you set a Plan B of market/cafés/alley walks, you won’t be caught off guard. (Cable Car)
• Sentences to show the driver (for taxis):
  • “통영 케이블카(발개로 205)로 가 주세요.”
  • “동피랑 벽화마을(동피랑1길 6-18)로 가 주세요.”

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FAQ (Tongyeong Cable Car)

Q1. How much is the Tongyeong Mireuksan (Tongyeong) Cable Car fare?

For adults, it’s 17,000 KRW round trip and 13,500 KRW one-way. There is a separate child fare for ages 4 (48 months) through elementary school. (Cable Car)

Q2. When is the regular closure day for the Tongyeong Cable Car?

Based on the official guidance, the regular closure day is the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, and if it’s a holiday, it is 안내ed as closed the next day. (Cable Car)

Q3. Until what time are cable car tickets sold?

According to the official guidance, ticket sales may close early 2–3 hours before the end of operations. If you arrive late, you may not be able to ride, so a morning visit is recommended. (Cable Car)

Q4. Is there an admission fee for Dongpirang Mural Village? What are the hours?

Dongpirang is free and is 안내ed as open year-round. (Visit Korea)

Q5. How long does it take from Tongyeong Cable Car to Dongpirang Village?

In Tongyeong Cable Car’s official “Nearby Attractions” guide, Dongpirang is shown as 25 minutes one-way. (Cable Car)

Q6. Is a one-day course (cable car + Dongpirang) possible without a car?

Yes. According to the official “Getting Here” guide, Bus No. 141 runs between Tongyeong Intercity Bus Terminal ↔ in front of the cable car bus stop. Also, taxis are 안내ed as about 20 minutes/~10,000 KRW from the terminal. (Cable Car)

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To live in Korea, you often need to use a variety of mobile apps. However, foreigners are surprisingly often unable to use them due to issues with mobile phone verification. So today, we’ll look at the Top 10 apps that get blocked because of “identity verification” and a checklist to fix the problem. In real life in Korea, the #1 source of stress isn’t the app—it’s “identity verification.” You install a delivery app and registration gets blocked, a payment app blocks you at login, and government sites demand a certificate from the start.

The key point is this:

• Korea’s “mobile phone identity verification” is linked to your carrier information under your name. In other words, it’s not just a problem of receiving a text—it’s a structure where name/identity information matching issues can occur. (Minwon)
• PASS is ultimately based on “a line that can perform mobile phone identity verification.” Official guidance says foreigners can use it too if they meet the conditions. (PassAuth)

Below are the Top 10 apps foreigners especially often get blocked on, and a checklist for “where to fix first” when you’re stuck.

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Top 10 Apps Blocked by Identity Verification (For Foreigners)

How to read this: If you look at the “moment you get stuck,” it will match your situation immediately.

1) Baedal Minjok (Baemin)

• When you get stuck: During sign-up, it asks for name/resident registration number (or real-name info)/mobile number/carrier selection and proceeds with verification
• Why it gets stuck: If the name/owner formatting registered with the carrier differs from what you enter, it’s easy to fail
• Source: Baemin’s easy-use guide clearly lists the sign-up flow including entering name·resident registration number·mobile number + selecting a carrier + entering the SMS verification code. (easybaemin.com)

Fix tip:

• A line under your name (ideally postpaid) + entering your name exactly as registered with the carrier (spelling/spacing) is the most important

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2) Coupang

• When you get stuck A: During the first purchase/payment, an additional identity check pops up
• When you get stuck B: When finding your ID/password, it asks you to “verify with a mobile phone under your name”
• Source (1): Coupang states in its privacy policy that for identity verification at purchase, it collects a resident registration number or alien registration number once (first time only). (Coupang Privacy Center)
• Source (2): On the account info recovery screen, it also instructs you to verify whether your name + registered mobile number match. (login.coupang.com)

Fix tip:

• Before focusing on “receiving SMS,” check whether the name/number registered in Coupang = the carrier account holder information

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3) Yogiyo

• When you get stuck: It requires “mobile phone identity verification” for sign-up/coupons/membership/some services
• Source: In Yogiyo’s privacy policy
  • For email sign-up, a mobile phone number is required, and
  • Under “Identity Verification,” it states that when using [mobile phone identity verification], it collects DI/date of birth/gender/Korean or foreigner status, etc. (Yogiyo)

Fix tip:

• Foreigners often fail especially at Korean/foreigner selection or due to mismatched carrier registration information (standardizing name formatting is key)

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4) Kakao T (Kakao Mobility)

• When you get stuck: The mobile number verification step at the start of sign-up
• Source: Kakao Mobility’s support guidance includes wording that “verification is required with the mobile number you will use.” (Kakao Mobility)

Fix tip:

• If you need a taxi urgently, check SMS reception first before signing up (carrier blocking/spam inbox/number input format)

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5) NAVER Account

• When you get stuck: Sign-up/account protection measures/SMS verification reception issues
• Source: NAVER’s Help Center states that there is a limit to how many IDs you can create within a certain period via mobile number verification. (Naver Help Center)

Fix tip:

• If verification texts don’t arrive, don’t suspect only “carrier issues”—also suspect attempt limits/issuance limits

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6) Naver Pay (Npay)

• When you get stuck: During payment, a “security procedure 강화” pop-up appears requiring ARS verification (phone call verification)
• Source: In Naver Pay Help
  • It says ARS verification may be required if suspicious activity is detected, and
  • That you can use the service normally only after completing ARS verification with a mobile phone under your name. (Naver Pay Help Center)

Fix tip:

• If you have a data-only eSIM or a plan that only receives texts, you may get stuck at ARS → a line that can receive voice calls is safer

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7) KakaoPay

• When you get stuck: During identity verification, you see “Carrier information does not match” / verification fails
• Source: KakaoPay Support notes that identity verification can be difficult if there is a mismatch in entered info or if the phone is temporarily suspended, and recommends checking the carrier-registered information/status. (KakaoPay Support)

Fix tip:

• Before thinking “Did I type it wrong?”, check whether the name/date of birth/gender/residency info registered with your carrier is accurate

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8) Toss

• When you get stuck: Sign-up/login itself is blocked (especially for short-term stays or lines under someone else’s name)
• Source: Toss FAQ states that starting October 23, 2023, sign-up/login requires mobile phone identity verification under your own name. (Toss Support)
• Extra: If you changed your number, you must complete a new-number verification process in Toss. (Toss Support)

Fix tip:

• Toss offers little room for “alternative verification” → the correct answer is to set up a line under your own name from the start

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9) Gov 24

• When you get stuck: During sign-up/login/civil service processing, at the simple 인증 or mobile phone identity verification step
• Source: In a Toss Payments guide, during the Gov 24 sign-up process
  • After checking “I will use simple verification,”
  • It instructs you to proceed with mobile phone identity verification. (Toss Payments)
• Reference (official context): Government portals also display notices requiring certificate/simple verification registration. (Gov 24)

Fix tip:

• To use simple verification like PASS/Naver/Kakao, in many cases that authentication app is itself based on mobile phone verification under your name (meaning you must fix the “phone issue” first)

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10) HomeTax (SonTax)

• When you get stuck: The identity verification step during sign-up
• Source: HomeTax usage guidance states that individuals can sign up via identity verification using a joint certificate/mobile phone/credit card. (HomeTax)

Fix tip:

• If mobile phone identity verification doesn’t work, consider using a joint certificate or credit card verification as a workaround route (feasibility varies by situation)

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Foreigner “Identity Verification” Fix Checklist (Follow this and your success rate goes way up)

This checklist is a cause classification table made so you can review it “at a glance.” As you check each item, fix only what applies to you.

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1) First, identify which type of verification you’re stuck on

A. SMS verification (receiving a 6-digit text)

• The text arrives but the app fails → likely mismatched account holder info
• No text arrives at all → possible spam blocking/overseas device/number input format/carrier outage

B. Mobile phone identity verification (carrier/KCB/NICE integration)

• Typical signs: A screen asking for name/date of birth/gender/carrier selection, etc.
• Core principle: It’s an identity verification service linked to a carrier line registered under your name. (Minwon)

C. ARS verification (pressing numbers on a phone call)

• Often appears during enhanced security, like with Naver Pay (Naver Pay Help Center)
• If you have a data-only eSIM / no-voice plan, you often get stuck here

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2) Is it a “line under my name”? (80% of foreigners’ verification issues end here)

• Some services, like Toss, explicitly require “identity verification under my name.” (Toss Support)
• Coupang also guides users that the name/mobile number must match the member information. (login.coupang.com)

✅ Check

• Is the number opened under my name? (If it’s under a company/friend/family member’s name, it usually gets blocked sooner or later.)
• Is it not data-only—can it receive SMS + voice calls? (for ARS)
• If it’s an MVNO, did you check in advance whether PASS is supported / identity verification is possible? (PASS certificate FAQ also mentions MVNO support) (PassAuth)

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3) Match the “name format” registered with your carrier 100% with what you enter in the app

This is the classic pattern of verification failure:
Your passport/ARC/carrier/bank/app all store your name differently.

✅ Check

• Is the name registered with the carrier (English/Korean, spacing, hyphens) the same as your ID documents/app input?
• If you see “carrier information mismatch” like in KakaoPay, check carrier-registered info/suspension status first (KakaoPay Support)
• Services that use DI/Korean-foreigner status like Yogiyo can fail if even one input option is off (Yogiyo)

Fastest fix route (practical tip)

• Check your “subscription information (account holder/DOB/status)” at a carrier store/customer center → enter it in the app exactly as shown

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4) Set up PASS first, and identity verification becomes much easier afterward

The PASS certificate FAQ also states that “foreigners can use it too (if conditions are met).” (PassAuth)

✅ Check

• Can you sign up for the PASS app?
• Does PASS authentication (push/biometrics) work?
• If not: it’s highly likely a line ownership/registered information problem (go back to #2/#3)

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5) If you get stuck at ARS (phone): secure “voice call reception” first

Naver Pay notes that ARS verification may be required, and that it must be done with a mobile phone under your name. (Naver Pay Help Center)

✅ Check

• Can my line receive voice calls?
• Are calls being blocked due to an overseas device or blocking apps?
• Are call forwarding/spam blocking settings too aggressive?

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6) Government/tax sites may allow “workarounds” via alternative verification methods

• HomeTax states there are options such as a joint certificate/mobile phone/credit card. (HomeTax)
• Gov 24 frequently uses flows involving simple authentication/mobile phone identity verification. (Toss Payments)

✅ Check

• If mobile verification doesn’t work, did you try alternatives like a joint certificate or card verification?
• If the authentication app (Kakao/Naver/PASS) itself is “based on a mobile phone under your name,” the conclusion is that you must normalize your phone info first

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7) “Shortcuts” you should never take

While searching, you may come across risky posts about “010 verification” or “proxy services”, but these can lead to account suspension, payment issues, and legal problems.
Identity verification is literally based on the “person themself,” and many services like Toss and Socar explicitly require “under my name.” (Toss Support)

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(For saving) Foreigner identity verification problem—“What to bring” checklist

If you prepare the items below when contacting customer service or visiting a carrier, resolution will be faster.

• Passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC)
• A mobile phone under your name (including SIM)
• Screenshots of the blocked screen (including the error message)
• Which type of verification it is: notes on SMS / mobile phone identity verification / ARS / simple authentication (PASS, etc.)
• Proof to confirm whether it’s a “line under my name” (check carrier subscription information)

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FAQ (Foreigners’ mobile phone identity verification)

Q1. Can foreigners do mobile phone identity verification in Korea?

Yes. However, mobile phone identity verification is structured to be linked to a carrier line subscribed under your own name, so ownership/registered information is the key. (Minwon)

Q2. Can foreigners use PASS?

According to the PASS certificate FAQ, it states that foreigners can use it if they can receive mobile phone identity verification and can sign up for the authentication app. (PassAuth)

Q3. Why is Toss so strict?

Toss announced that starting October 23, 2023, sign-up/login requires mobile phone identity verification under your own name. (Toss Support)

Q4. What’s the most common reason sign-up gets blocked on delivery apps (Baemin/Yogiyo)?

In most cases, it’s a mismatch in carrier-registered information (name formatting/account holder). Baemin’s sign-up flow includes carrier selection + SMS verification (easybaemin.com), and Yogiyo also specifies an identity verification item based on mobile phone identity verification. (Yogiyo)

Q5. If ARS verification appears during a Naver Pay payment, do I have to do it?

Naver Pay explains that ARS verification may be required for risky transactions/suspicious activity, and that you can use the service normally after completing ARS verification with a mobile phone under your name. (Naver Pay Help Center)

Q6. Coupang shows a message saying “Check whether your name/mobile number match.” Why?

Coupang provides guidance during identity verification that requires the member information to match the name/mobile number you enter. (login.coupang.com)

Q7. Does Gov 24 always require mobile phone identity verification?

It depends on the task/login method, but in real sign-up guides, the flow of choosing simple authentication and then proceeding to mobile phone identity verification is frequently shown. (Toss Payments)

Q8. If KakaoPay says “Carrier information does not match,” what should I do?

As KakaoPay Support explains, it may be due to mismatched entered information or a temporarily suspended phone, so checking your carrier-registered information/status comes first. (KakaoPay Support)

K-Name Studio: Create your perfect Korean name based on your personality and style.
What’s My K-Beauty Personal Color?
WeBring Service : Provides personalized services to foreigners living in Korea
Exclusive offer: Introducing foreign car rental in Korea, WeBring-SoCar