How to Use Korean ATMs in Korea (Step-by-Step for Foreigners)

When an ATM Shows Only Korean: A Quick Guide for Foreigners in Korea

Standing in front of a Korean ATM for the first time can feel intimidating. Every button is in Korean, the screen times out quickly, and one wrong press can cancel the transaction. Many foreigners worry they might lose their card or withdraw money incorrectly. The good news is that once you understand the basic flow, Korean ATMs are actually very consistent and easy to use. This guide walks you through the exact steps, explains the key Korean buttons you’ll see, and helps you avoid the most common mistakes foreigners make at Korean ATMs.

Using an ATM in Korea is usually simple—until the screen appears in Korean with no English option in sight. You press what you think is the language button, but instead you cancel the transaction or open a banking advertisement. People wait behind you, the machine beeps impatiently, and the whole moment becomes stressful.

This guide walks you through why this happens and how to handle it calmly and confidently.

Why ATMs Sometimes Show No English

A few common reasons explain why you might face a Korean‑only ATM screen:

Some ATMs show English only for cards issued in Korea that are registered for multilingual support.
Certain machines temporarily remove English during system maintenance or late-night service hours.
Convenience‑store ATMs vary by brand—some offer English, some don’t, and some experience occasional menu issues.

Because of these inconsistencies, even experienced foreigners can be surprised by a fully Korean interface.

What To Do: A Simple Step‑by‑Step Guide

1. Look for the language button first

Check the top-right or top-left corners.
You may see “언어” (language) or “English.”
If nothing appears, move on immediately.

2. Select the correct main menu option

These words appear on nearly all ATMs:

출금 – withdrawal
입금 – deposit
계좌이체 – transfer
조회 – balance inquiry

They are usually displayed as large buttons on the first screen.

3. Know the two most important buttons

확인 – confirm
취소 – cancel

If the screen feels unfamiliar, press 확인 to proceed.
If you tapped the wrong menu, press 취소 to go back.

4. For withdrawals

Select:

현금출금 – cash withdrawal
요청금액 – requested amount

Choose one of the preset amounts if shown, or manually enter your amount.
Press 확인 to continue.

5. Enter your PIN

Type your standard 4‑digit PIN and press 확인.
Korean ATMs often take several seconds, showing multiple screens before dispensing cash.
Wait until the card and cash are fully released.

What Not To Do

Don’t tap random buttons hoping English will appear—you may start the wrong transaction.
Don’t pull your card out early. Many Korean ATMs hold the card until the very end.
Don’t assume all convenience‑store ATMs are identical. If one doesn’t show English, try another nearby.