Hello Everyone!
I hope you are having a great day so far! So, on day two of South Korea my brother, sister, and I decided to make Korean bank accounts. However, in order to make one you need to have a Korean ID or alien card. Since I have neither, my grandmother took me to the NongHyup (NH) Bank and helped me open up an account so that I could transfer my US Dollars into Korean Won (South Korea’s form of currency which was about $1.03 per dollar).
My grandmother can only create a bank account for one person/bank so my uncle helped my brother open an account. Also, the best part about having this card (for international people) is that you can use it to purchase anything without worrying about transfer fees as well as use it as a T-Money card! T-Money is used for transportation purposes. You receive a small discount and save a bunch of time by having T-Money. You swipe your card as you enter the bus or subway and then swipe once more as you exit.
The transportation system in South Korea is so convenient that you really do not need a car to travel, unless you hate walking, sitting or standing next to people…
(Riding during rush hour:P)
Then my grandmother took me to open a savings account so that I could keep my American money in dollar form until I needed it. I hate to carry around money so this was extremely helpful to know it was safe within a bank and then when I need it I can find an KEB (bank name) ATM take out some cash and carry small amounts or transfer it to the NH Bank. If I do not spend all of the cash that I brought, then I can simply take it out of the KEB Bank in dollar form. Placing my money in the KEB cuts out the Won -> Dollar exchange fee I would have if I placed all of my money in the NH Bank.
This is the escalator before entering the Subway (Jihachul). HIGHLY recommend downloading the application titled Subway (Jihachul) it is truly a timesaver/lifesaver for those who currently living or visiting South Korea! It definitely beats carrying a map or asking for directions every stop.
You think this would take the whole day…it almost did haha we were tired after running around trying to debate about how to arrange the best deal. I think we did a pretty good job. After we came back home my sister and I helped grandmother prepare lunch!We are so spoiled every time we come to our grandparent’s house! 🙂 Yay for purple rice!
Around dinner time the three muskateers (aka my brother, sister, and I) left for my Uncle (mother’s youngest sister ((who lives in Indonesia!) husband’s house) He took us to a Chinese Restaurant and we had an amazing 10 course seafood dinner… SO delicious!!! Then name of the restaurant was Al Bone and its located in Mongchongtoseong (Highly Recommend)
After dinner I was pooped! Went to my Uncle’s beautiful home and passed out!
I hope you take some time out of your busy day to spend with your loved ones!
Jennifer