Gyejwaiche: What You Need to Know
계좌이체 (gyejwaiche) means bank transfer, so the seller wants payment sent directly from a bank account to their account number. It is not cash and it is not a card payment. If you see 계좌이체 on a sign, receipt, or notice, check the payment options before you order, book, or use the service.
What to Do First
- Read the payment sign before ordering, booking, or picking anything up.
- Check whether the notice says 계좌이체 only or lists other options such as 카드 or 현금.
- If you are unsure, ask 카드 돼요? before you commit.
- If the seller says bank transfer only and you do not have a Korean bank account, look for another payment option.
- Do not assume 계좌이체 means cash — it does not.
- If you can transfer, ask for the exact 계좌번호 and bank name.
- Keep a screenshot or receipt of the transfer as proof of payment.
When This Guide Helps
This guide helps when you see gyejwaiche on a shop sign, receipt, rental notice, marketplace listing, or payment instruction and need to know what it means. It is especially useful if you usually pay by foreign card or cash and do not have a Korean bank account yet.
You may see it in these places:
- Small shops, market stalls, or cafés that prefer transfer payments.
- Guesthouse or room rental notices sent by message or posted on a door.
- Online second-hand listings such as Danggeun Market (당근마켓).
- Private lessons, repair services, or freelance work requests.
- Some small restaurants or cafés near the counter.
What to Do First if You See 계좌이체
If you see 계좌이체, stop and confirm the payment method before you continue. Ask whether card or cash is also accepted, and only agree to bank transfer if you can actually use it. If you do have a Korean bank account, confirm the account number carefully before sending money.
Useful next steps:
- Ask if card payment is possible.
- Ask if cash is also okay.
- Get the bank name and account number exactly as written.
- Check the recipient name if it is shown.
- Save the transfer confirmation after payment.
Korean Phrases You Can Show
Useful Korean Signs or Words
Where to Get Help
If a seller insists on gyejwaiche and you cannot use it, ask staff at your accommodation for help understanding the notice or speaking with the seller. Tourist information centers can also help with general translation and travel questions. If you need a general travel helpline in Korea, the Korea Tourism Organization 1330 service is the most accessible official resource for visitors. You can also check with your own bank if your account or app supports transfers to Korea.
Important Note for Foreigners
Short-term visitors usually cannot open a Korean bank account quickly just to make one payment. Do not assume you can set one up on the spot. Always check alternative payment methods with the seller first, and confirm banking details directly with the relevant institution if needed.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking 계좌이체 means cash. It means transfer, not physical money.
- Assuming a foreign card will work. A bank transfer is a different payment method.
- Sending money without confirming the account number first.
- Not asking about card or cash before agreeing to buy.
- Forgetting to keep proof of the transfer.
- Ignoring the sign and paying in a method the seller did not ask for.
Official Resource
For travel questions about payment signs and general help in Korea, the Korea Tourism Organization 1330 Travel Helpline is a useful official contact for foreign visitors. Dial 1330 inside Korea for assistance.
FAQ
What does 계좌이체 mean in Korea?
It means bank transfer. The payment goes directly from a bank account to another account.
Can foreigners use 계좌이체 in Korea?
Only if they already have a Korean bank account or another transfer method that works with the seller’s account. Many short-term visitors cannot use it easily.
Is 계좌이체 the same as cash?
No. Cash is 현금. 계좌이체 is an electronic bank transfer.
What should I say if a shop asks for 계좌이체?
Ask 카드 돼요? first. If not, ask 현금도 돼요? and explain 한국 계좌가 없어요 if needed.
What does 무통장입금 mean?
It usually means payment by bank transfer to the listed account, often without using a passbook. You will often see it on online shopping pages.
Quick Summary
계좌이체 (gyejwaiche) means bank transfer, not cash and not card. If you see it on a Korean sign or notice, the seller wants money sent directly to a bank account. Check card or cash options before you commit, and ask for the account number only when you are ready to pay.
Note: This guide is for travel navigation in Korea. It is not medical, legal, or emergency professional advice. For urgent situations, contact local emergency services, official staff, or your embassy/consulate as appropriate.
Sources & Verification
- VISITKOREA – Imagine Your Korea — english.visitkorea.or.kr
- 한국어기초사전 — krdict.korean.go.kr
- National Institute of Korean Language — www.korean.go.kr
Last checked: July 30, 2026
