{"id":3100,"date":"2026-01-20T07:11:32","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T22:11:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/how-to-use-korean-atms-in-korea-when-every-button-is-only-in-korean\/"},"modified":"2026-01-26T17:46:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T08:46:40","slug":"how-to-use-korean-atms-in-korea-when-every-button-is-only-in-korean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/en\/how-to-use-korean-atms-in-korea-when-every-button-is-only-in-korean\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Korean ATMs in Korea (Step-by-Step for Foreigners)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when-an-atm-shows-only-korean-a-quick-guide-for-foreigners-in-korea\">When an ATM Shows Only Korean: A Quick Guide for Foreigners in Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019ll see, and helps you avoid the most common mistakes foreigners make at Korean ATMs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using an ATM in Korea is usually simple\u2014until 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide walks you through why this happens and how to handle it calmly and confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide is part of our broader collection of essential tips for foreigners living in a Korean home.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/en\/living-in-a-korean-home-essential-guides-for-foreigners\/\">\u2192 Living in a Korean Home: Essential Guides for Foreigners<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-atms-sometimes-show-no-english\">Why ATMs Sometimes Show No English<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few common reasons explain why you might face a Korean\u2011only ATM screen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some ATMs show English only for cards issued in Korea that are registered for multilingual support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain machines temporarily remove English during system maintenance or late-night service hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convenience\u2011store ATMs vary by brand\u2014some offer English, some don\u2019t, and some experience occasional menu issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because of these inconsistencies, even experienced foreigners can be surprised by a fully Korean interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-to-do-a-simple-stepbystep-guide\">What To Do: A Simple Step\u2011by\u2011Step Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-look-for-the-language-button-first\">1. Look for the language button first<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the top-right or top-left corners.<br>You may see \u201c\uc5b8\uc5b4\u201d (language) or \u201cEnglish.\u201d<br>If nothing appears, move on immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-select-the-correct-main-menu-option\">2. Select the correct main menu option<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These words appear on nearly all ATMs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ucd9c\uae08 \u2013 withdrawal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\uc785\uae08 \u2013 deposit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\uacc4\uc88c\uc774\uccb4 \u2013 transfer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\uc870\ud68c \u2013 balance inquiry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are usually displayed as large buttons on the first screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-know-the-two-most-important-buttons\">3. Know the two most important buttons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ud655\uc778 \u2013 confirm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ucde8\uc18c \u2013 cancel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the screen feels unfamiliar, press \ud655\uc778 to proceed.<br>If you tapped the wrong menu, press \ucde8\uc18c to go back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-for-withdrawals\">4. For withdrawals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Select:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ud604\uae08\ucd9c\uae08 \u2013 cash withdrawal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\uc694\uccad\uae08\uc561 \u2013 requested amount<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose one of the preset amounts if shown, or manually enter your amount.<br>Press \ud655\uc778 to continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-enter-your-pin\">5. Enter your PIN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Type your standard 4\u2011digit PIN and press \ud655\uc778.<br>Korean ATMs often take several seconds, showing multiple screens before dispensing cash.<br>Wait until the card and cash are fully released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-not-to-do\">What Not To Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t tap random buttons hoping English will appear\u2014you may start the wrong transaction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t pull your card out early. Many Korean ATMs hold the card until the very end.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t assume all convenience\u2011store ATMs are identical. If one doesn\u2019t show English, try another nearby.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"quick-survival-tip\">Quick Survival Tip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep a photo on your phone with these essential terms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\ucd9c\uae08 \u2013 withdrawal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\uc785\uae08 \u2013 deposit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\uacc4\uc88c\uc774\uccb4 \u2013 transfer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\uc870\ud68c \u2013 balance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ud655\uc778 \u2013 confirm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\ucde8\uc18c \u2013 cancel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having these handy makes any Korean\u2011only ATM far less stressful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A little preparation goes a long way. With these key words and steps, you can handle any Korean ATM\u2014even when English disappears from the screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-50eb81bf alignfull uagb-is-root-container\"><div class=\"uagb-container-inner-blocks-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-551ea1a8\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\ub144-1\uc6d4-9\uc77c-\uc624\ud6c4-02_52_21.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2914\" srcset=\"https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\ub144-1\uc6d4-9\uc77c-\uc624\ud6c4-02_52_21.png 1024w, https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\ub144-1\uc6d4-9\uc77c-\uc624\ud6c4-02_52_21-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\ub144-1\uc6d4-9\uc77c-\uc624\ud6c4-02_52_21-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\ub144-1\uc6d4-9\uc77c-\uc624\ud6c4-02_52_21-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/ChatGPT-Image-2026\ub144-1\uc6d4-9\uc77c-\uc624\ud6c4-02_52_21-12x12.png 12w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-fe69656e\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ask Seoul Unnie<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still confused by Korean-only menus or everyday situations like this?<br><br>Ask Seoul Unnie \u2014 real, practical answers from someone living in Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/en\/ask-seoul-unnie\/\">Ask Seoul Unnie your question \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-ast-global-color-4-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udcd8 <strong>Living in a Korean Home<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is part of our <em>Living in a Korean Home<\/em> guide series for foreigners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udc49 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/en\/living-in-a-korean-home-essential-guides-for-foreigners\/\">View all Living in a Korean Home guides<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">### Related Guides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/en\/how-to-decode-korean-home-appliance-keypads-in-korea-when-all-buttons-are-korean\/\"><br>Decoding Korean home appliance keypads helps foreigners understand everyday buttons when everything is labeled in Korean.<br><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/whatskorealike.com\/en\/title-how-to-use-kakao-t-smart-call-to-avoid-taxi-refusals\/\"><br>Using Kakao T Smart Call is a practical way to reduce taxi refusals and get around Korea more smoothly.<br><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wk-amazon-box\">\n<h3>Recommended for you<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=Korea+travel+guide&amp;tag=YOURTAG-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Korea travel guide<\/a> \u2013 helpful for navigating banks and transit<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=Korean+phrasebook&amp;tag=YOURTAG-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Korean phrasebook<\/a> \u2013 useful for ATM and payment phrases<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=international+travel+wallet&amp;tag=YOURTAG-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">International travel wallet<\/a> \u2013 keeps cards organized while traveling<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s?k=Korea+SIM+card&amp;tag=YOURTAG-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Korea SIM card<\/a> \u2013 helps with maps and banking apps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"wk-amazon-note\">As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When an ATM Shows Only Korean: A Quick Guide for Foreigners in Korea Standing in front of a Korean ATM [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3097,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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an ATM Shows Only Korean: A Quick Guide for Foreigners in Korea Standing in front of a Korean ATM 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