How to Exchange Coins in Korea: A Guide for Everyday Banking

 

How to Exchange Coins in Korea: A Guide for Everyday Banking

How to Exchange Coins in Korea: A Guide for Everyday Banking

Hi, this is Harutip.

These days, we don’t use coins very often. With cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers, coins rarely come into our hands. Still, somehow, they pile up. While organizing the house recently, we found a big pile of coins again.

In the past, you could walk into any bank branch and exchange coins at the counter or deposit them into your account. But that’s no longer the case. If you try that now without checking first, you’ll likely be disappointed.

So how and where can you exchange coins now? Let’s find out, focusing on KB Bank (Kookmin Bank) as an example.

How coin exchange works at KB Bank

To reduce costs, banks in Korea operate with minimal staff. Coin exchanges are now handled by machines, not by tellers. That means you’ll need to go to a branch that has a coin exchange machine.

How to find a branch with a coin exchange machine

The easiest way to find one is by using Google Maps. On a computer, go to google.com/maps. On your phone, open the Google Maps app.

KB Coin Exchange Locations on Google Maps


I use an iPhone, and when I opened Google Maps in Safari, I had to agree to terms and privacy policies first. It felt a little uncomfortable, so I ended up searching on my computer instead.

Search for “KB Bank coin exchange machine” and you’ll see a list of branches on the left, with addresses and phone numbers. On the right, the map shows where they are. It’s very clear and easy to use.

Don’t go without checking first

Even if a branch appears on the map, that doesn’t mean the machine is available or working at that moment. Coin exchange machines are not always in service, and operating times can vary by branch. Some machines may be out of order.

Imagine carrying a heavy bag of coins only to find out the machine is broken or unavailable. That would be very frustrating. Always call ahead to confirm.

How to check by phone

The phone numbers shown on Google Maps don’t connect directly to the branch. Instead, your call goes to KB Bank’s customer service center. They’ll contact the branch on your behalf.

At first, I thought this was inconvenient, but it turned out to be easier. You don’t have to call multiple branches yourself or explain the situation each time. You tell your story once, and the agent checks with the branch for you.

For example, I asked about the Gwanghwamun branch, but the time didn’t work for me. I asked the agent to check the Seodaemun branch instead, and they did it right away. It was very convenient. They even deposited the coins directly into my account.

What about other banks?

You can search other banks the same way—just type “[Bank Name] coin exchange machine” into Google Maps.

Another option is to use the bank’s official app to find a branch. But in my experience, the apps are not very intuitive, and it’s hard to find the right menu. That’s why I think Google Maps is the easiest tool.

Why not use Korean map apps?

You might be wondering about Naver Map or KakaoMap. They’re great for finding transit routes, but they don’t work well for searching things like coin exchange machines. In this case, Google Maps works better.

Summary

  • Use Google Maps to search for “[Bank Name] coin exchange machine”

  • Check the list of branches and their locations

  • Call the customer center to confirm machine availability and operating hours

  • Machines may be out of service or limited to certain days

  • Coins can usually be deposited directly into your account

  • Sort your coins by denomination before you go for a smoother experience

It’s best to call before visiting so you don’t waste time or effort. With a bit of planning, exchanging coins in Korea is simple and convenient.


#KoreaLife #CoinExchange #KBbank #KoreanBanks #ExpatTips #LivingInKorea #SmartBanking #GoogleMapsKorea


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