I had an odd problem with the Citibank ATM the last time I was there. I tried to withdraw 200,000 won but for some reason it didn't accept the last 0 and all I got was 20,000. On top of which I had to pay about 3,000 won in fees. Thinking it was my error, I tried a second time and still could not enter 200,000. I tried another Citibank machine with the same result. Finally I found a Korean bank ATM with a Global sign (forget which bank) which allowed me to withdraw the desired amount.

Another thing I noticed was that ATMS do not dispense the fairly new 50k notes, so that when withdrawing a large sum you end up with a thick wad of bills.

I just returned from a trip to Seoul and had no trouble using ATM machines linked to global networks(Cirrus, etc). It is true that not all ATM's are linked to a global network---but many are.

The banks made a big push back in 2009-2010 to get them connected. Before then it was probably pnly 10% that worked. Now its closer to 75% I would think.

Look for an ATM that has the 50,000 bill symbol posted on it. There is usually a small sign that will say 50,000 bill available here. But even then it isn't quite automatic as you need to tell the ATM how many 50,000 bills you want.

For example, say I want to withdraw 400,000 krw from the ATM. A screen usually pops up afterwards that asks how much of the 400,000 do I want in 50,000 denomination? So I have to enter 8 if I want it all in 50,000 bills. If you don't do this, the ATM will just spit out 40 of the 10,000 bills leaving you with a thick wallet. You can also enter 7 and it will give you 7 of the 50,000 bills and the rest in 10,000.

Recommendation on no/low fee ATM at ICN?
 

Anyone have a current recommendation for which ATM(s) at ICN have the lowest fees, or no extra fee, for withdrawing Won with a Plus or Cirrus bank (debit) card?

Honestly, all of the ATMS will have the same fees - barely any.

Also, some ATMs will read 20,000W "2 10,000 won" so you have to watch the zeros. For instance, if you want 200,0000, it'd be 20 10,000W. It can throw you off for a second. This definitely happens with the 50,000 notes. It will ask you how many you want. Because the translation is a bit weird, it is a bit confusing.

Thanks! Do you have a favourite ATM at ICN? One that is less confusing as described above?

They all have the English differently based on their ATM software. My bank, NH Nonghyup, doesn't actually have global ATMs. I think it's the only one.

KB, KEB and Shinhan are the best bets for Global ATMs. Citbank in the subway stations sometimes don't have global. Rest assured there are banks EVERYWHERE, though, so you'll be totally fine.

I paid a $USD3.75 fee when I used an ATM at the airport last month for a withdrawal of 120,000KRW (about $112). The transaction says "KEBCS" which I think is Korea Exchange Bank. I don't recall being advised of that charge up front and didn't notice it until I checked my bank statement. I'm reimbursed for all ATM fees by my home bank so no loss in my case.

IBK atms will do international cards just fine too.

Mechanics? ;)

No..State Farm Bank.

Nice. Mechanics does the same. ^

I wish I have read this before I withdrew 500,000W at the ATM at my first ATM transaction in Seoul... I think my wife wanted to ask "If I am happy to see her or there is a stack of won in my pocket." :p

BTW, Bank of America charges at $5 fee and then a ~3% fee for total amount withdrew.