Post, bank and exchange

❃ Post, bank and exchange

달러를 원화로 환전하고 싶어요. [ Dalleoreul wonhwaro hwanjeonhago sipeoyo. ]: I want to exchange dollars for won.
오늘 환율이 어떻게 되나요? [ Oneul hwanyuri eotteoke doenayo? ]: What is the exchange rate today?
수수료가 얼마인가요? [ Susuryoga eolmaingayo? ]: How much is the commission fee?
잔돈으로 섞어서 주세요. [ Jandoneuro seokkeoseo juseyo. ]: Please give it to me in mixed small bills.
현금을 인출하고 싶어요. [ Hyeonggeumeul inchulhago sipeoyo. ]: I want to withdraw cash.
에이티엠(ATM) 기기가 어디 있나요? [ Eitiem(ATM) gigiga eodi itnayo? ]: Where is the ATM?
기계가 제 카드를 먹었어요. [ Gigega je kadeureul meogeosseoyo. ]: The machine swallowed my card.
이 편지를 프랑스로 보내고 싶어요. [ I pyeonjireul peurangseuro bonaego sipeoyo. ]: I want to send this letter to France.
소포를 보내려고 합니다. [ Soporeul bonaeryeogo hamnida. ]: I want to send a package.
얼마나 걸릴까요? [ Eolmana geollilkkayo? ]: How long will it take?
국제특급(EMS)으로 보낼게요. [ Gukjeteukgeup(EMS)euro bonaelgeyo. ]: I will send it by EMS (Express Mail Service).
우체국 박스 하나 주세요. [ Ucheguk bakseu hana juseyo. ]: Give me one post office box, please.
우표는 어디서 사나요? [ Upyoneun eodiseo sanayo? ]: Where can I buy stamps?
저울 위에 올려 주세요. [ Jeoul wie ollyeo juseyo. ]: Please put it on the scale.
통장을 개설하고 싶어요. [ Tongjangeul gaeseolhago sipeoyo. ]: I want to open a bank account.
여권이랑 외국인 등록증이 필요합니다. [ Yeogwonirang oegugin deungnokjeungi piryohamnida. ]: You need a passport and ARC.
돈을 송금하려고 합니다. [ Doneul songgeumharyeogo hamnida. ]: I want to transfer money.
해외에서 돈을 받아야 해요. [ Haoeeseo doneul badaya haeyo. ]: I need to receive money from abroad.
여기에 서명해 주세요. [ Yeogie seomyeonghae juseyo. ]: Please sign here.
명세서 챙겨 가세요. [ Myeongseeseo chaenggyeo gaseyo. ]: Please take your receipt/statement.

Cultural notes

Handling administration, money, and shipping in South Korea is famously efficient, but it requires knowing a few specific rules. Let’s start with cash. Although Korea is mostly cashless, you might need paper bills for street markets. Do not assume you can withdraw cash from any bank (은행 - Eunhaeng) machine; many local ATMs do not accept foreign cards. You must specifically look for machines labeled "Global ATM". Be warned: unlike in many Western countries, many Korean ATM vestibules physically close and lock their doors at midnight for security, meaning you cannot withdraw cash at 2 AM! If you want to exchange currency (환전소 - Hwanjeonso), doing so in tourist hubs like Myeongdong is surprisingly much more favorable and cheaper than going to a traditional bank. When dealing with any administrative office, be it a bank, a clinic, or the Post Office (우체국 - Ucheguk), there is an unwritten, iron-clad rule: you must immediately pull a number ticket (번호표 - Beonhopyo) from the machine at the entrance before sitting down. If you do not have a number, you will not be served, regardless of how long you have been waiting. The Korean Post Office, identifiable by its bright red logo, is an absolute marvel of logistics. If you bought too many souvenirs and need to send a package home, simply walk in. You don't need to bring your own box; they sell sturdy boxes in various sizes very cheaply, and they provide free packing tape, scissors, and bubble wrap at dedicated packing stations. For sending items overseas securely and swiftly, you will use the EMS (국제특급 - Gukje teukgeup) service. The staff will weigh your box on the scale (저울 - Jeoul) and dispatch it globally with breathtaking speed.

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