Me at the Bank of Korea, South Korea’s central bank (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024)
To align my Dad and I’s May 2024 Seoul, South Korea trip with my blog’s personal finance and finance themes, I’m presenting pictures of myself specifically with my encounter with South Korean finance in this essay.
During our visit to South Korea’s capital last May 2024, my Dad photographed me in front of the East Asian country’s four major commercial banks — Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, KEB Hana Bank, and Woori Bank. Additionally, I included images of myself with units of the Korean won, which, at the time of writing this article, is US$1 = ₩1,384.02.
Shopping and paying for our transactions were seamless and convenient in South Korea with our US dollar pocket money and credit cards. My Dad and I brought about ₩2 million during our trip along with our credit cards which were accepted by most merchants, although there were restaurants that only accepted cash.
Our pocket money was roughly US$1,445.07 in today’s exchange rate. The Seoul, South Korea tour package we availed was worth approximately US$3,500 or ₩4,748,338.08. During our trip, among my Dad and I’s notable transactions was his Chanel perfume purchase worth US$100 at Shinsegae Mall. We claimed the merchandise at Incheon Airport before our flight. I also bought small bottled water units, which cost ₩2,000 or about US$1.44 apiece.
My old Samsung Galaxy S20+ smartphone’s repair cost about US$200. Meanwhile, the honeyed Korean ginseng and flavored laver snacks we bought cost about US$150 and US$100, respectively.
I also want to share that at Seoul’s Myeongdong District, I had the Korean egg bread or gyeran-ppang, which cost ₩2,000 or US$1.44 per piece, similar to one small bottled water’s price. Here are some images of the Korean street food I purchased from that Myeongdong night market and the hawkers:
At Seoul’s Myeongdong District, I had the Korean egg bread or gyeran-ppang, which cost ₩2,000 or US$1.44 per piece, similar to one small bottled water’s price. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 1 of 6
At Seoul’s Myeongdong District, I had the Korean egg bread or gyeran-ppang, which cost ₩2,000 or US$1.44 per piece, similar to one small bottled water’s price. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 2 of 6
At Seoul’s Myeongdong District, I had the Korean egg bread or gyeran-ppang, which cost ₩2,000 or US$1.44 per piece, similar to one small bottled water’s price. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 3 of 6
At Seoul’s Myeongdong District, I had the Korean egg bread or gyeran-ppang, which cost ₩2,000 or US$1.44 per piece, similar to one small bottled water’s price. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 4 of 6
At Seoul’s Myeongdong District, I had the Korean egg bread or gyeran-ppang, which cost ₩2,000 or US$1.44 per piece, similar to one small bottled water’s price. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 5 of 6
At Seoul’s Myeongdong District, I had the Korean egg bread or gyeran-ppang, which cost ₩2,000 or US$1.44 per piece, similar to one small bottled water’s price. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 6 of 6
Overall, with our pocket money and credit cards, I didn’t find anything expensive or problematic, money-wise, during our Seoul trip.
Anyway, here are more pictures of myself with my experience of South Korean finance, which align this essay to my blog’s finance and personal finance themes:
1. Korea Exchange — 2 Images
Behind me is the building housing the Korea Exchange or KRX, South Korea’s sole securities exchange operator. I was standing at one of The Hyundai Seoul mall’s entrances. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 1 of 2
Behind me is the building housing the Korea Exchange or KRX, South Korea’s sole securities exchange operator. I was standing at one of The Hyundai Seoul mall’s entrances. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 2 of 2
2. Woori Bank (4 Images)
Woori Bank is one of South Korea’s big four commercial banks. The other three are Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, and KEB Hana Bank. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 1 of 4
Me with a branch of Woori Bank, one of South Korea’s big four commercial banks, in the background in Myeongdong, Seoul. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 2 of 4
Me with a branch of Woori Bank, one of South Korea’s big four commercial banks, in the background in Myeongdong, Seoul. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 3 of 4
Me with a branch of Woori Bank, one of South Korea’s big four commercial banks, in the background in Myeongdong, Seoul. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 4 of 4
3. Shinhan Bank (4 Images)
Me with Shinhan Bank in the background (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 1 of 4
Me with Shinhan Bank in the background (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 2 of 4
Shinhan Bank is one of South Korea’s big four commercial banks. The other three are Kookmin Bank, Woori Bank, and KEB Hana Bank. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 3 of 4
Shinhan Bank is one of South Korea’s big four commercial banks. The other three are Kookmin Bank, Woori Bank, and KEB Hana Bank. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 4 of 4
4. The Bank of Korea (4 Images)
Me at the Bank of Korea, South Korea’s central bank (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 1 of 4
Me at the Bank of Korea, South Korea’s central bank (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 2 of 4
Me at the Bank of Korea, South Korea’s central bank (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 3 of 4
The Bank of Korea, South Korea’s central bank (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 4 of 4
5. Bank of Korea Money Musem (15 images)
Me at the Bank of Korea Money Museum (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 1 of 15
The Bank of Korea Money Museum (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 2 of 15
The Bank of Korea Money Museum (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 3 of 15
The Bank of Korea Money Museum (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 4 of 15
Me at the Bank of Korea Money Museum (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 5 of 15
Me at the Bank of Korea Money Museum (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 6 of 15
Me at the Bank of Korea Money Museum (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 7 of 15
Me at the Bank of Korea Money Museum (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 8 of 15
Me at the Bank of Korea Money Museum (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 9 of 15
The Bank of Korea Money Museum (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 10 of 15
Me at the Bank of Korea Money Musem (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 11 of 15
Me at the Bank of Korea Money Musem (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 12 of 15
Me at the Bank of Korea Money Musem (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 13 of 15
The Bank of Korea and the Bank of Korea Money Musem (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 14 of 15
The Bank of Korea and the Bank of Korea Money Musem (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 15 of 15
6. KEB Hana Bank (25 Images)
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 1 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 2 of 25
A KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 3 of 25
A KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 4 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 5 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 6 of 25
A KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 7 of 25
A KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 8 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 9 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 10 of 25
A KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 11 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 12 of 25
A KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 13 of 25
A KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 14 of 25
A KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 15 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 16 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 17 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 18 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 19 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 20 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 21 of 25
Me at a KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 22 of 25
A KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 23 of 25
A KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 24 of 25
A KEB Hana Bank branch in Seoul’s Myeongdong district, which is very close to our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong; The bank’s current model endorser is Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 25 of 25
7. Shinhan Life Insurance
My selfie in front of ShinhanLife in Seoul’s Jung District (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024)
8. Welcome Bank
I like this sculpture of children on a seesaw, which is adjacent to Welcome Bank in Seoul. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024)
9. Kookmin Bank, Incheon Airport, Incheon, South Korea
When my Dad and I arrived at South Korea’s Incheon Airport, we exchanged our US dollars to Korean won here at Kookmin Bank Currency Exchange inside the airport. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024)
10. K Finance Tower, Seoul (2 Images)
Me at the K Finance Tower in Seoul’s Jung District (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 1 of 2
Me at the K Finance Tower in Seoul’s Jung District (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 2 of 2
11. Money exchange facilities in Seoul (3 Images)
A money exchange facility near Lotte Department Store in Seoul (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 1 of 3
Me in front of a money exchange facility near Lotte Department Store in Seoul (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 2 of 3
DAZN Exchange in Myeongdong District near our hotel, Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 3 of 3
12. Korean won (12 Images)
Me and my Korean won banknotes (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 1 of 12
Me and my Korean won banknotes (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 2 of 12
My Korean won banknotes — obverse view (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 3 of 12
My Korean won banknotes — reverse view (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 4 of 12
My Korean won banknotes — obverse view (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 5 of 12
My Korean won banknotes— reverse view (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 6 of 12
My US dollar and Korean won banknotes — obverse view (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 7 of 12
My US dollar and Korean won banknotes — reverse view (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 8 of 12
My Korean won banknotes and coins — obverse view (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 9 of 12
My Korean won banknotes and coins — reverse view (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 10 of 12
My Korean won banknotes — obverse view (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 11 of 12
My Korean won banknotes — reverse view (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 12 of 12
13. Mirae Asset Financial Group (2 Images)
The skyscraper behind me on the leftmost part of this picture is the Mirae Asset Financial Group, which is a South Korean multinational financial services company. This Seoul-headquartered firm offers comprehensive financial services. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 1 of 2
The Mirae Asset Financial Group was founded by Hyeon Joo Park in 1997. Clients benefit from its offerings such as wealth management, investment banking, asset management, and life insurance. In 1998, the Mirae Asset Financial Group introduced the first-ever mutual funds to South Korean retail investors. On a global consolidated basis, this financial service company’s client assets exceed US$550 billion, as of December 2020. Aside from South Korea, the Mirae Asset Financial Group has an international presence in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mongolia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. (Sheena Ricarte, May 2024) — Image 2 of 2
