Is KakaoBank available for foreigners?

As of early 2026, yes, KakaoBank is available to foreigners, but with significant caveats. Requirements: - Valid ARC (Alien Registration Card) - Korean phone number (postpaid, not prepaid) - Must verify identity through the app Limitations: - The app is primarily in Korean (very limited English support) - Some features may not work for non-Korean passport holders - Account opening can fail during identity verification for certain nationalities. It seems hit or miss depending on your passport country. This situation changes frequently. KakaoBank has been gradually expanding foreign access, but it is not guaranteed to work for everyone. Toss Bank has similar restrictions. Our recommendation: if you need a reliable English-language banking app, Hana Bank Global is your best bet. Their global app works in English and does everything you need. KakaoBank is convenient for Koreans because of the KakaoTalk integration, but traditional banks (Hana, Shinhan, Woori) remain more reliable for foreigners and offer a guaranteed smooth experience.