Overview

Domestic banks and domestic branches of international banks are the two types of banks (foreign bank branches). Additionally, domestic banks are categorized into commercial, regional, internet-only, and special banks based on their purpose of establishment and operational traits.
Foreign bank branches may do the same business as domestic banks since domestic banking law recognizes them as the same financial institution.

The following summarizes the state of domestic banking today.
Kookmin Bank, Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, Hana Bank, iM Bank, SC First Bank, and Citibank Korea run commercial banks with a combined asset base of roughly KRW 2,322 trillion (As of December 2025).

With a combined total of about KRW 205 trillion in assets, regional banks Kyongnam Bank, Kwangju Bank, Busan Bank and Jeju Bank operate (As of December 2025).

K-Bank, Kakao Bank, and Toss Bank are three internet-only banks without physical locations; their combined assets total around KRW 141 trillion (As of December 2025).

With a combined asset base of roughly KRW 1,437 trillion, the special banks are run by the Korea Development Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea, Export-Import Bank of Korea, Nonghyup Bank, and Suhyup Bank (As of December 2025).

There are currently 33 domestic branches of international banks operating, with approximately KRW 390 trillion in total assets (As of December 2025).

The main financial and management indicators of domestic banks are as follows.

Why Banks in Seoul?

• 
  Digital finance

  The city of Seoul has a high-level of digital financial infrastructure, so the financial industry can develop in line with the times.

• 
  Financial hub

  As the financial hub of Korea, Seoul is densely clustered with various financial institutions.

  In particular, Yeouido, where SFH is located, is Seoul's financial center.

• 
  Social credibility

  The delinquency rate and bankruptcy rate is low for the domestic market, along with the recovery rate that is high, making social credibility high.

• 
  Various combined products

  Domestic banks can sell various combined products such as bancassurance and beneficiary certificates.

• 
  Financial Regulatory Sandbox

  By utilizing innovative financial services, it is possible to develop and support financial services that incorporate new technologies.

• 
  Networking opportunities

  The Seoul Metropolitan Government holds the Seoul Financial Week and the Seoul International Financial Conference every year, making network establishment possible amongst financial institutions and companies.