📜 The Heritage Scorecard at a Glance
- Hana Bank: The Global Specialist (Born from the Korea Exchange Bank legacy).
- Shinhan Bank: The First Private Innovator (Pioneer of Digital & AI Transformation).
- Woori Bank: The National Legend (Established in 1899, Korea’s oldest modern bank).
1 | Hana Bank: The Legacy of Korea’s Window to the World
If you are looking for a bank that truly understands the “Global” mind, Hana Bank is the gold standard. Its roots are deep in the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB), established in 1967 as a government-owned institution specializing in foreign exchange.
- History in Focus: For decades, KEB was the official sponsor for events like the 1988 Summer Olympics, serving as the face of Korean finance to the world. In 2015, the official merger of Hana and KEB ended KEB’s 48-year independent history, creating a global powerhouse.
- The 2026 Edge: This heritage continues today. Hana Bank remains a leader in foreign exchange, boasting a network of 134 foreign branches in 24 countries. In 2026, they have expanded their global FX platform to key hubs like Germany and Singapore, offering 24/hour FX business tailored for international residents.
2 | Shinhan Bank: The Pioneer of Modern Private Banking
Shinhan Bank represents the spirit of innovation and “Customer-Centric” service. It was founded in 1982 by Korean businessmen residing in Japan who wanted to internationalize the domestic financial industry.
- History in Focus: Shinhan was the first purely private bank in Korea to launch without government capital. It later merged with Chohung Bank (established in 1897), combining its modern agility with one of the oldest banking histories in the country.
- The 2026 Edge: Today, Shinhan is the leader in AI Transformation (AX). In 2026, they are preemptively providing specialized solutions for foreigners through AI Windows and digital lounges designed to efficiently handle complex transactions in multiple languages. They also lead the major banks in overseas net profit, proving their global reliability.
3 | Woori Bank: The 127-Year Guardian of Korean Finance
Woori Bank is more than just a bank; it is a historical landmark. Tracing its origins back to the Daehan Cheon-il Bank founded in 1899, it is Korea’s oldest continuously operating modern bank.
- History in Focus: Its Jongno branch is located in the Gwangtonggwan, the first modern bank building among national banks, built in 1909. Woori Bank has survived global financial crises and multiple transformations to remain a pillar of national stability.
- The 2026 Edge: Despite its age, Woori remains a pioneer in inclusivity. In 2026, they have newly established a “Global” category in their internship programs to strengthen their international network and continue to operate specialized “Global Lounges” that offer weekend services and non-financial resting spaces for foreign residents.
4 | Why Scale Matters: Market Share & Reliability in 2026
Choosing a bank in Korea isn’t just about the app; it’s about the capital strength and global footprint behind it.
| Criteria (2026 Forecast) | Hana Bank | Shinhan Bank | Woori Bank |
| Global Network | 130+ foreign branches | Largest Overseas Profit (628B KRW) | Regional Asia HQ in Singapore |
| Founding Legacy | FX Specialist (1967) | Private Innovator (1982) | National Legend (1899) |
| Modern Edge | Global FX Platform Expansion | AI Window & Digital Desks | Lifestyle & Sunday Banking |
5 | Final Verdict: The Strategic Choice
- Choose Hana Bank if your primary need is international transfers and you value a bank with a deep-rooted history in global foreign exchange.
- Choose Shinhan Bank if you prioritize a tech-savvy, AI-driven experience and want a bank that is at the forefront of digital innovation in Korea.
- Choose Woori Bank if you value tradition, accessibility, and community support, including weekend banking services tailored for foreigners.
“As a resident, I chose Woori for my primary account because walking into the Gwangtonggwan branch feels like walking through history, yet I still manage my savings with their modern global app.”
