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계좌번호

A2 noun 10 min read

계좌번호

gyejwabeonho

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 계좌번호 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 계좌번호 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize '계좌번호' as a word related to money and banks. You might not use it in complex sentences, but you should understand it when a clerk points to a form and says '계좌번호'. It is important to know that it is a 'number' (번호) for your 'account' (계좌). You might learn to say simple phrases like '제 계좌번호예요' (This is my account number) when showing your bankbook to someone. At this stage, focusing on the individual parts of the word—'계좌' and '번호'—will help you remember it. You will mostly encounter this word when someone is asking you for information to send you money or when you are looking at your own bankbook or banking app.

At the A2 level, you are expected to use '계좌번호' in basic daily interactions. You should be able to ask for someone else's account number to pay for a shared meal or a small purchase. For example, '계좌번호 좀 알려주세요' (Please tell me your account number). You should also understand basic instructions at an ATM or in a banking app, such as '계좌번호를 입력하세요' (Enter the account number). You are beginning to understand the cultural importance of bank transfers in Korea and how this word is central to that process. You should also be able to distinguish it from '전화번호' (phone number) and '카드번호' (card number) to avoid confusion during transactions.

At the B1 level, you can handle more complex situations involving '계좌번호'. You can explain problems, such as '계좌번호를 잘못 입력해서 돈이 안 갔어요' (The money didn't go through because I entered the account number incorrectly). You understand the necessity of providing the '은행명' (bank name) and '예금주' (account holder) along with the number. You can interact with customer service to provide your account number for refunds or automatic withdrawals. Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like '가상계좌' (virtual account) and '계좌 이체' (account transfer). You are comfortable using different politeness levels when asking for or giving this information, depending on whether you are talking to a friend or a professional.

At the B2 level, you have a solid grasp of the financial and legal contexts of '계좌번호'. You can discuss security issues, such as voice phishing and the dangers of sharing account details with untrusted sources. You understand the nuances of banking contracts and can read documents where '계좌번호' is a required field. You are familiar with modern fintech apps like Toss and KakaoPay and how they utilize '계좌번호' behind the scenes. You can use the word in more abstract discussions about personal finance, budgeting, and the digital economy in Korea. You are also aware of formal terms like '계좌 개설' (account opening) and '해지' (termination) and how the account number is managed through these processes.

At the C1 level, you can use '계좌번호' in specialized and academic contexts. You might discuss the history of the Korean banking system, the transition to real-name financial systems (금융실명제), and how account numbers are structured across different financial institutions. You can understand complex news reports about financial regulations, money laundering, or corporate banking where '계좌번호' is mentioned in a legal or investigative sense. You can articulate the subtle differences between various types of accounts (checking, savings, trust) and their respective numbering systems. Your usage of the word is natural, and you can navigate high-level administrative tasks without hesitation, such as setting up business accounts or managing investments.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like understanding of '계좌번호' and its place in Korean society. You can engage in deep discussions about the evolution of fintech, the future of decentralized finance versus traditional account systems, and the socio-economic implications of a cashless society. You understand the etymological roots of the Sino-Korean characters (計, 座, 番, 號) and can appreciate the linguistic efficiency of the term. You are capable of handling any legal or financial dispute involving account numbers, understanding the fine print in complex financial instruments. You can also use the term metaphorically or in advanced idiomatic expressions if they arise in literature or high-level discourse, showing a complete mastery of the word's functional and cultural weight.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

계좌번호 in 30 Seconds

A compound noun meaning 'bank account number', essential for all financial transactions in South Korea.
Commonly shared with the bank name to facilitate direct transfers, which are the standard payment method.
Must be distinguished from 'card numbers' and 'PINs' to ensure correct and secure transactions.
Used in both formal (salary, rent) and informal (splitting a lunch bill) contexts daily.

The Korean word 계좌번호 (gye-jwa-beon-ho) is a compound noun essential for navigating modern life in South Korea. It is composed of two primary parts: 계좌 (gye-jwa), meaning 'bank account,' and 번호 (beon-ho), meaning 'number.' Together, they refer to the unique string of digits assigned by a financial institution to identify an individual's or entity's bank account. In a country that is famously 'cashless' and highly digitized, knowing and sharing your 계좌번호 is as common as sharing a phone number.

Financial Transactions: Whenever you need to receive a salary, pay rent, or transfer money to a friend after a shared meal (often referred to as 'N-빵' or splitting the bill), the 계좌번호 is the critical piece of information required. Unlike some Western countries where checks are still used, Korea relies almost exclusively on direct bank transfers (송금).

급여를 받으려면 계좌번호가 필요합니다. (To receive your salary, an account number is required.)

The usage of this word extends beyond traditional banking. In the world of e-commerce, specifically C2C (Consumer to Consumer) platforms like Danggeun Market (Karrot), buyers will often ask for the seller's 계좌번호 to finalize a purchase. It is also a staple in formal administrative settings, such as applying for government subsidies or tax refunds, where you must provide a valid 계좌번호 to ensure the funds reach the correct destination. Because South Korean banks use varying formats (different lengths and hyphen placements), people often specify the bank name alongside the number, such as 'Shinhan 123-456-789012'.

Security Context: While sharing a 계좌번호 is generally safe for receiving money, Koreans are very cautious about 'Voice Phishing' (보이스피싱). You should never share your 비밀번호 (password) or 보안카드 (security card) details alongside your account number.

모르는 사람에게 계좌번호를 함부로 알려주지 마세요. (Do not give your account number to strangers recklessly.)

Historically, the concept of a 계좌번호 was tied to a physical 통장 (bankbook). Even today, when you open an account, the number is printed on the front cover of your bankbook. However, as digital banking dominates, most people simply copy and paste their 계좌번호 from their banking app. The word is ubiquitous in professional settings, personal finance discussions, and even social gatherings where expenses are shared. Understanding this word is a prerequisite for any expat or student living in Korea who wishes to manage their finances independently.

Legal and Official Use: In legal documents, employment contracts, and rental agreements, the 계좌번호 is a required field to establish the financial link between parties. It is the backbone of the Korean economic infrastructure.

계약서에 계좌번호를 정확히 기입해 주세요. (Please fill in the account number accurately in the contract.)

Using 계좌번호 correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the common verbs that accompany it. Since it is a piece of information, verbs like 알려주다 (to let someone know), 묻다 (to ask), 적다 (to write down), and 확인하다 (to confirm) are frequently used. Depending on the level of formality and the social context, the sentence structure can change significantly.

Polite/Formal Requests: In a bank or a business setting, you will hear highly polite forms. For example, '계좌번호를 말씀해 주시겠습니까?' (Would you please tell me your account number?). The use of the honorific suffix '-시' and the polite ending '-습니까' or '-어요' is standard here.

실례지만, 계좌번호를 다시 한번 확인해 주시겠어요? (Excuse me, but could you please check the account number one more time?)

When you are the one providing the information, you might say, '제 계좌번호는 ...입니다.' (My account number is ...). Note that in Korean, the bank name almost always precedes the number. It is not just a 'number' but a 'Bank + Number' package. For instance, '국민은행 123-45-67890' is how you would present it verbally or in writing.

Informal/Casual Usage: Among friends, you might use the shortened or casual form. '계좌번호 좀 보내줘' (Send me your account number) or '계좌번호 뭐야?' (What's your account number?). In texting culture, this is often shortened even further to '계좌점' (Account please - very informal).

친구야, 아까 밥값 보낼게. 계좌번호 알려줘. (Hey friend, I'll send the money for the meal earlier. Let me know your account number.)

In more complex sentences, 계좌번호 can be part of a conditional clause. '계좌번호를 잘못 입력하면 돈이 다른 사람에게 갈 수 있어요.' (If you enter the account number incorrectly, the money might go to someone else). This highlights the importance of accuracy. You might also encounter the term 가상계좌번호 (virtual account number), which is a temporary number used for one-time payments, often seen in online shopping checkout screens.

Professional/Administrative Context: When filling out forms, you will see the label 계좌번호 followed by a blank box. In these cases, the word acts as a prompt. '환불받으실 계좌번호를 적어주세요.' (Please write down the account number to receive your refund.)

본인 명의의 계좌번호만 등록 가능합니다. (Only account numbers in your own name can be registered.)

In South Korea, you will hear 계좌번호 in a variety of everyday and specialized environments. It is a word that bridges the gap between high-level finance and mundane daily chores. Understanding the context in which it appears will help you recognize it even when spoken quickly or in a noisy environment.

At the Bank (은행): This is the most obvious location. When opening an account, the teller will say, '고객님의 계좌번호가 생성되었습니다.' (Your account number has been created). If you lose your bankbook, they will ask for your ID to look up your 계좌번호. You will also hear it over the intercom or automated machines when being prompted to enter details for a deposit.

송금하실 계좌번호를 입력창에 눌러주세요. (Please press the account number you wish to transfer to on the input screen.)

Another common place is at work. On your first day or during payroll setup, the HR department (인사과) will inevitably ask: '급여 계좌번호 사본을 제출해 주세요.' (Please submit a copy of your salary account number/bankbook). In this context, it is a formal requirement for employment. You might also hear it in the cafeteria or at a bar when colleagues are deciding how to pay for a group lunch. Someone might shout, '내가 낼게, 나중에 계좌번호로 보내줘!' (I'll pay, send it to my account number later!).

Customer Service and Phone Calls: If you are canceling a subscription or requesting a refund from a shopping mall, the representative will ask for your 계좌번호 to process the return of funds. They will often use the term '환불 계좌' (refund account) as a shorthand, but the full term 계좌번호 is used to clarify the specific digits needed.

환불받으실 계좌번호와 은행명을 말씀해 주세요. (Please tell me the account number and bank name where you will receive the refund.)

In popular media, such as K-Dramas or movies, 계좌번호 often appears in scenes involving debt, business deals, or even romantic gestures where a character might secretly send money to help another. It carries a weight of financial reality. On the news, you might hear it discussed in reports about financial crimes, where '대포통장' (illegal proxy accounts) and their 계좌번호 are tracked by the police.

Real Estate (부동산): When renting an apartment (Jeonse or Wolse), the realtor will provide the landlord's 계좌번호 for the security deposit. This is a high-stakes moment where the word is repeated and verified multiple times to ensure no errors occur with large sums of money.

집주인분의 계좌번호로 계약금을 보내시면 됩니다. (You can send the contract deposit to the landlord's account number.)

Even for intermediate learners, the terminology surrounding banking can be confusing. Here are the most common pitfalls when using or hearing the word 계좌번호.

Mistake 1: Confusing Account Number with Card Number: Many beginners confuse 계좌번호 (account number) with 카드번호 (card number). In many Western countries, you might pay via a card's 16-digit number. In Korea, however, bank-to-bank transfers are the standard for private transactions, which require the 계좌번호, not the number on your physical debit or credit card. Providing your card number to someone trying to send you money will not work.

카드번호 말고 계좌번호를 알려주셔야 해요. (You must give the account number, not the card number.)

Another frequent error is confusing 계좌번호 with 비밀번호 (bi-mil-beon-ho), which means 'password' or 'PIN'. If a bank teller asks for your '비밀번호', they want you to type your 4-digit PIN into a keypad. If they ask for your 계좌번호, they want the long account identifier. Never confuse these two, especially for security reasons!

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Bank Name: Learners often think the 계좌번호 alone is sufficient. However, because different banks in Korea can have overlapping number formats, the transfer will fail if the 은행명 (bank name) is not provided. Always say 'KB국민은행 123...' rather than just '123...'.

은행 이름 없이 계좌번호만 보내면 돈을 보낼 수 없어요. (If you only send the account number without the bank name, I cannot send the money.)

There is also a linguistic nuance between 계좌 and 통장. While 계좌 refers to the abstract account, 통장 refers to the physical book. Occasionally, people might say '통장 번호' (bankbook number). While this is technically the same as the 계좌번호, using 계좌번호 is more precise and professional.

Mistake 3: Misreading the Hyphens: When writing or reading a 계좌번호, the hyphens (다시) are important for readability but not always required by apps. However, some older systems might be sensitive. A common mistake is miscounting the digits between hyphens, leading to a '계좌번호 오류' (account number error).

계좌번호 자릿수를 잘못 세어서 이체가 안 됐어요. (The transfer didn't go through because I miscounted the digits of the account number.)

To truly master financial Korean, it is helpful to compare 계좌번호 with related terms that might appear in the same context.

계좌 (Gye-jwa) vs. 통장 (Tong-jang): 계좌 is the abstract concept of a bank account. 통장 is the physical bankbook. While you can use '통장 번호' interchangeably with '계좌번호' in casual speech, '계좌번호' is the official term used by banks and on websites.
예금주 (Ye-geum-ju): This refers to the 'account holder' or 'depositor'. When you provide your 계좌번호, you almost always need to provide the 예금주 name as well. This acts as a secondary verification to ensure the money is going to the right person.

계좌번호와 예금주 성함이 일치하지 않습니다. (The account number and the account holder's name do not match.)

Another related term is 가상계좌 (Ga-sang-gye-jwa), meaning 'virtual account'. Many online retailers provide a unique 가상계좌번호 for each order. Once you deposit the exact amount into that number, the system automatically recognizes your payment. This is different from a personal 계좌번호 which is permanent.

송금 (Song-geum) vs. 이체 (I-che): 송금 means 'remittance' or 'sending money'. 이체 means 'transfer'. Both actions require a 계좌번호. You might hear '계좌 이체' (account transfer) as a single phrase describing the method of payment.

결제 수단으로 계좌 이체를 선택했습니다. (I chose account transfer as the payment method.)

Finally, consider 계좌 개설 (opening an account). This is the process through which you receive your 계좌번호. If you are a foreigner in Korea, you will need your Alien Registration Card (ARC) to complete this process. Knowing these terms in conjunction with 계좌번호 will make your banking experience much smoother.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The '좌' (seat) in '계좌' comes from the old practice of assigning a 'seat' or 'slot' in a ledger to a person's financial records.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡje̞.d͡ʑwa.bʌn.ɦo̞/

US /ɡjeɪ.d͡ʒwɑ.bʌn.hoʊ/

The primary stress is on the first syllable '계' (GYE), with a secondary light stress on '번' (BEON).

Rhymes With

전화번호 (jeon-hwa-beon-ho) 비밀번호 (bi-mil-beon-ho) 군번 (gun-beon) 학번 (hak-beon) 차량번호 (cha-ryang-beon-ho) 일련번호 (il-ryeon-beon-ho) 우편번호 (u-pyeon-beon-ho) 등록번호 (deung-rok-beon-ho)

Common Errors

Pronouncing '계' as 'Gee' (incorrect vowel).
Pronouncing '좌' as 'Ja' (missing the 'w' sound).
Pronouncing '번호' as 'Bun-ho' with an English 'u' sound.
Failing to aspirate the 'h' in 'ho' enough.
Treating '계좌' and '번호' as two separate words with a long pause.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read as it follows standard hangul rules.

Writing 3/5

Intermediate due to the slightly tricky 'ㅘ' in '좌'.

Speaking 3/5

The 'gye-jwa' sound requires some practice for smooth flow.

Listening 2/5

Distinctive enough to recognize in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

은행 (bank) 번호 (number) 돈 (money) 주다 (to give) 알다 (to know)

Learn Next

송금 (remittance) 이체 (transfer) 예금주 (account holder) 비밀번호 (password/PIN) 수수료 (fee)

Advanced

금융실명제 (Real-name financial system) 전자금융거래법 (Electronic Financial Transactions Act) 가상자산 (Virtual assets)

Grammar to Know

Noun + -가/이 (Subject Marker)

계좌번호가 길어요.

Noun + -를/을 (Object Marker)

계좌번호를 적으세요.

Noun + -에게 (To a person)

선생님에게 계좌번호를 보냈어요.

Verb + -아/어 주다 (Do something for someone)

계좌번호를 알려 주세요.

Verb + -(으)면 (If)

계좌번호를 알면 보내주세요.

Examples by Level

계좌번호가 뭐예요?

What is your account number?

The particle '-가' marks the subject '계좌번호'.

제 계좌번호입니다.

This is my account number.

'-입니다' is a formal polite ending.

여기에 계좌번호를 쓰세요.

Write the account number here.

The object particle '-를' is used with the verb '쓰다'.

계좌번호를 알아요?

Do you know the account number?

'알아요' comes from '알다' (to know).

은행과 계좌번호를 주세요.

Please give me the bank and account number.

'-과' means 'and'.

계좌번호가 길어요.

The account number is long.

'길어요' means 'is long'.

이것은 제 계좌번호예요.

This is my account number (polite).

'-예요' is the polite 'to be' ending.

계좌번호를 보세요.

Look at the account number.

'-세요' is a polite imperative.

계좌번호 좀 알려주실 수 있어요?

Could you please let me know your account number?

'-ㄹ 수 있어요' indicates ability or possibility.

친구에게 계좌번호를 보냈어요.

I sent the account number to my friend.

'-에게' means 'to' a person.

계좌번호를 확인하고 돈을 보내세요.

Check the account number and send the money.

'-고' connects two actions chronologically.

제 계좌번호는 신한은행 110-123입니다.

My account number is Shinhan Bank 110-123.

The bank name usually comes before the number.

계좌번호가 틀렸어요.

The account number is wrong.

'틀렸어요' means 'is wrong/incorrect'.

종이에 계좌번호를 적어 주세요.

Please write down the account number on a piece of paper.

'적어 주다' means 'to write down for someone'.

계좌번호를 잊어버렸어요.

I forgot my account number.

'잊어버리다' means 'to forget completely'.

은행 앱에서 계좌번호를 찾으세요.

Find the account number in the bank app.

'-에서' marks the location of the action.

계좌번호를 잘못 입력해서 송금이 취소됐어요.

The transfer was canceled because I entered the account number incorrectly.

'-어/아서' indicates a reason or cause.

환불을 위해 계좌번호 사본이 필요합니다.

A copy of your account number (bankbook) is needed for a refund.

'-위해' means 'for the sake of' or 'in order to'.

모르는 사람에게 계좌번호를 알려주는 것은 위험해요.

Giving your account number to a stranger is dangerous.

'-는 것' turns a verb phrase into a noun.

계좌번호를 문자로 찍어 줄게.

I'll text (snap/send) you the account number.

'찍어 주다' is a colloquial way to say 'send' or 'provide'.

은행마다 계좌번호의 형식이 조금씩 달라요.

The format of account numbers varies slightly by bank.

'-마다' means 'every' or 'each'.

계좌번호를 변경할 수 있나요?

Is it possible to change the account number?

'-ㄴ가요?' is a polite way to ask a question.

급여를 받을 계좌번호를 등록해야 해요.

I need to register the account number to receive my salary.

'-ㄹ' indicates a future purpose or noun modification.

계좌번호를 적은 쪽지를 잃어버렸어요.

I lost the note where I wrote the account number.

'-ㄴ' is a past tense noun modifier.

보이스피싱 사기꾼들이 계좌번호를 요구할 수 있으니 주의하세요.

Be careful as voice phishing scammers may demand your account number.

'-으니' provides a reason or premise.

가상 계좌번호는 한 번만 사용 가능한 일회용 번호입니다.

A virtual account number is a one-time number that can only be used once.

'일회용' means 'disposable' or 'one-time use'.

계좌번호만으로는 돈을 인출할 수 없으니 안심하세요.

You cannot withdraw money with just an account number, so rest assured.

'-만으로는' means 'with just' or 'only with'.

자동 이체를 신청하려면 계좌번호와 신분증이 필요합니다.

To apply for automatic transfer, an account number and ID are required.

'-려면' is short for '-려고 하면' (if you intend to).

계좌번호 노출을 최소화하는 것이 보안에 좋습니다.

It is good for security to minimize the exposure of your account number.

'노출' means 'exposure'.

상대방의 계좌번호를 저장해 두면 송금이 훨씬 간편해져요.

If you save the other person's account number, transferring becomes much easier.

'-어/아 두다' indicates doing something in advance for later use.

계좌번호 형식이 은행마다 달라서 헷갈리기 쉬워요.

It's easy to get confused because the account number formats differ by bank.

'-기 쉽다' means 'it is easy to (verb)'.

부동산 계약 시 임대인의 계좌번호를 반드시 확인해야 합니다.

When signing a real estate contract, you must verify the lessor's account number.

'시' means 'at the time of'.

금융실명제 이후 모든 계좌번호는 실명 확인을 거쳐야 개설됩니다.

Since the Real-Name Financial System, all account numbers are opened only after real-name verification.

'-를 거치다' means 'to go through' a process.

법인은 개인과 달리 별도의 사업자 계좌번호를 관리해야 합니다.

Unlike individuals, corporations must manage separate business account numbers.

'-와 달리' means 'unlike' or 'contrary to'.

불법 도박 사이트에서 사용되는 계좌번호는 즉시 동결될 수 있습니다.

Account numbers used on illegal gambling sites can be frozen immediately.

'동결되다' means 'to be frozen' (assets).

계좌번호 체계의 표준화는 금융 거래의 효율성을 높이는 데 기여했습니다.

The standardization of the account number system contributed to increasing the efficiency of financial transactions.

'-는 데' here refers to a 'place' or 'aspect' of contribution.

해외 송금 시에는 계좌번호뿐만 아니라 SWIFT 코드도 필수적입니다.

When sending money abroad, not only the account number but also the SWIFT code is essential.

'-뿐만 아니라' means 'not only... but also'.

계좌번호 오기입으로 인한 착오 송금 반환 소송이 증가하고 있습니다.

Lawsuits for the return of erroneous transfers caused by incorrect entry of account numbers are increasing.

'-로 인한' means 'due to' or 'caused by'.

차명 계좌번호를 이용한 탈세 행위는 엄격히 처벌받습니다.

Tax evasion using borrowed-name account numbers is strictly punished.

'차명' means 'using another person's name'.

가상 자산 거래소는 고객별로 고유한 입금 계좌번호를 부여합니다.

Virtual asset exchanges assign a unique deposit account number to each customer.

'부여하다' means 'to grant' or 'to assign'.

계좌번호는 단순한 숫자의 나열을 넘어, 현대 경제 활동의 디지털 지문과 같습니다.

Beyond a simple sequence of numbers, an account number is like a digital fingerprint of modern economic activity.

'-를 넘어' means 'beyond' or 'surpassing'.

오픈뱅킹 시대에 접어들며 계좌번호의 통합 관리가 더욱 용이해졌습니다.

Entering the era of open banking, the integrated management of account numbers has become much easier.

'-어/아지다' indicates a change in state.

계좌번호의 유출이 초래할 수 있는 연쇄적인 금융 피해를 간과해서는 안 됩니다.

One must not overlook the chain of financial damage that the leakage of an account number can cause.

'-어서는 안 된다' indicates a strong prohibition.

금융 당국은 의심스러운 계좌번호에 대한 모니터링을 강화하여 자금 세탁을 방지합니다.

Financial authorities prevent money laundering by strengthening monitoring of suspicious account numbers.

'-하여' is the formal/written form of '-해서'.

계좌번호 기반의 결제 시스템은 신용 카드 기반 시스템과 시장 점유율을 다투고 있습니다.

Account-number-based payment systems are competing for market share with credit-card-based systems.

'-와 다투다' means 'to compete/struggle with'.

비대면 계좌 개설의 확산은 계좌번호 발급 프로세스의 혁신을 불러일으켰습니다.

The spread of non-face-to-face account opening has brought about innovation in the account number issuance process.

'불러일으키다' means 'to cause' or 'to trigger'.

계좌번호의 구조적 분석을 통해 각 금융 기관의 고유 식별 코드를 유추할 수 있습니다.

Through structural analysis of account numbers, one can infer the unique identification codes of each financial institution.

'-를 통해' means 'through' or 'by means of'.

차세대 금융 플랫폼에서는 계좌번호 대신 생체 정보를 활용한 송금이 대두되고 있습니다.

In next-generation financial platforms, transfers utilizing biometric information instead of account numbers are emerging.

'대두되다' means 'to emerge' or 'to come to the fore'.

Common Collocations

계좌번호를 알려주다

계좌번호를 입력하다

계좌번호를 확인하다

계좌번호를 적다

계좌번호가 틀리다

계좌번호를 묻다

계좌번호를 보내다

계좌번호를 조회하다

계좌번호를 등록하다

계좌번호를 유출하다

Common Phrases

계좌번호 좀 주세요

— Please give me your account number. Used when you need to send money to someone.

택배비 보낼 테니 계좌번호 좀 주세요.

계좌번호가 어떻게 되세요?

— What is your account number? A polite way to ask for financial details.

실례지만, 계좌번호가 어떻게 되세요?

계좌번호 찍어줘

— Send/text me the account number. Very common among friends.

이따가 밥값 보낼게. 계좌번호 찍어줘.

계좌번호 오기입

— Incorrect entry of an account number. Often seen in error messages.

계좌번호 오기입으로 송금이 실패했습니다.

본인 명의 계좌번호

— An account number in one's own name. Required for official registrations.

본인 명의 계좌번호만 사용 가능합니다.

계좌번호 사본

— A copy of the account number/bankbook. Often required for jobs.

계좌번호 사본을 제출하세요.

계좌번호 노출

— Exposure of an account number. Refers to privacy or security leaks.

계좌번호 노출에 주의하십시오.

계좌번호 형식

— The format of an account number (length, hyphens).

은행마다 계좌번호 형식이 다릅니다.

가상 계좌번호 발급

— Issuance of a virtual account number. Common in online shopping.

가상 계좌번호 발급이 완료되었습니다.

계좌번호를 불러주다

— To read out an account number aloud.

제가 계좌번호를 불러드릴 테니 받아 적으세요.

Often Confused With

계좌번호 vs 카드번호

Card number is for payments at terminals; account number is for bank transfers.

계좌번호 vs 비밀번호

PIN/Password must be kept secret, whereas account numbers are often shared.

계좌번호 vs 전화번호

Phone number; though some apps link phone numbers to accounts, they are not the same.

Idioms & Expressions

"계좌를 트다"

— To open a bank account (literally 'to open the account').

드디어 첫 월급을 위해 계좌를 텄다.

Neutral

"계좌가 깡통이다"

— To have an empty account (literally 'the account is a tin can'). Usually refers to stock accounts.

주식 투자를 잘못해서 계좌가 깡통이 됐어.

Slang

"계좌를 털다"

— To empty out an account (often implies theft or spending everything).

도둑이 내 계좌를 다 털어갔어.

Casual

"계좌에 빨간불이 들어오다"

— To have a negative balance or losing money in investments (red usually signifies loss in KR stock market).

내 주식 계좌에 온통 빨간불이 들어왔어.

Financial Slang

"계좌를 닦다"

— To clean up an account (usually managing or clearing small balances).

안 쓰는 계좌를 닦아서 정리했다.

Casual

"계좌가 빵빵하다"

— To have a lot of money in the account (literally 'the account is bulging/full').

월급날이라 계좌가 빵빵해.

Slang

"계좌를 묶다"

— To freeze an account (by the bank or authorities).

경찰이 사기 의심 계좌를 묶어버렸다.

Neutral

"계좌를 빌려주다"

— To let someone use your account (often dangerous/illegal proxy banking).

절대로 남에게 계좌를 빌려주면 안 돼.

Cautionary

"계좌로 꽂아주다"

— To plug/send money into an account (colloquial way of saying 'send money').

돈 바로 계좌로 꽂아줄게.

Slang

"계좌를 파다"

— To 'dig' or open an account (informal version of 개설하다).

새로운 적금 계좌 하나 팠어.

Casual

Easily Confused

계좌번호 vs 통장

Both relate to accounts.

통장 is the physical book; 계좌번호 is the digital number.

통장을 잃어버려도 계좌번호는 알 수 있어요.

계좌번호 vs 예금주

Often asked together.

예금주 is the person's name; 계좌번호 is the number.

계좌번호와 예금주를 둘 다 알려주세요.

계좌번호 vs 지점번호

Both are banking numbers.

지점번호 identifies the specific bank branch; 계좌번호 identifies your specific account.

계좌번호 앞에 지점번호가 포함되기도 합니다.

계좌번호 vs 보안카드

Used during transfers.

보안카드 is a security grid of numbers; 계좌번호 is the destination identifier.

계좌번호를 입력한 후 보안카드 번호가 필요해요.

계좌번호 vs 일련번호

Both are identification numbers.

일련번호 is a general serial number (for products/banknotes); 계좌번호 is specific to bank accounts.

지폐의 일련번호와 계좌번호는 다릅니다.

Sentence Patterns

[Bank Name] 계좌번호예요.

우리은행 계좌번호예요.

계좌번호 좀 [Verb]해 주세요.

계좌번호 좀 알려 주세요.

계좌번호를 [Verb]해서 [Result].

계좌번호를 잘못 적어서 돈이 안 갔어요.

계좌번호가 [Adjective]네요.

계좌번호가 정말 복잡하네요.

[Noun] 시 계좌번호가 필요합니다.

환불 신청 시 계좌번호가 필요합니다.

계좌번호를 [Verb]하는 것이 중요해요.

계좌번호를 확인하는 것이 중요해요.

계좌번호 유출로 인한 [Problem].

계좌번호 유출로 인한 피해가 심각합니다.

계좌번호 체계의 [Noun]은/는 [Result].

계좌번호 체계의 변화는 금융 혁신을 뜻합니다.

Word Family

Nouns

계좌 (account)

번호 (number)

예금 (deposit)

출금 (withdrawal)

송금 (remittance)

이체 (transfer)

Verbs

계좌를 개설하다 (to open an account)

계좌를 해지하다 (to close an account)

번호를 매기다 (to number)

송금하다 (to send money)

Adjectives

정확한 (accurate - as in an accurate number)

유효한 (valid - as in a valid account)

은행 (bank)

통장 (bankbook)

카드 (card)

금융 (finance)

핀테크 (fintech)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in South Korea due to the prevalence of bank transfers.

Common Mistakes

Using '카드번호' instead of '계좌번호' for a transfer. → 계좌번호를 알려주세요.
Card numbers are for swiping; account numbers are for transferring money between banks.
Saying '계좌숫자' instead of '계좌번호'. → 계좌번호
While '숫자' means number/digit, '번호' is the correct term for an identification number.
Providing the account number without the bank name. → 국민은행 123-456...
Transfers cannot be completed without knowing which bank the account belongs to.
Confusing '비밀번호' with '계좌번호'. → 계좌번호 (Account Number) vs 비밀번호 (PIN)
This is a serious security risk. Never give your PIN to someone asking for your account number.
Misspelling '계좌' as '게좌'. → 계좌
Although they sound similar, '계' uses the 'ㅖ' vowel.

Tips

Protect your PIN

Always remember that your 계좌번호 is public, but your 비밀번호 is private. Never share them together.

Use Copy-Paste

In banking apps, look for the '복사' (copy) button next to your account number to avoid typing errors.

Split the Bill

If you go out with Koreans, expect to hear '계좌번호 보내줘' so they can pay you back for their share.

Pronunciation

Practice the 'jwa' (좌) sound carefully. It's a quick 'j' followed by a 'wa' sound.

Bank Names

Memorize the names of major banks (신한, 국민, 우리, 하나) as you'll always need them with the account number.

Bankbook Copy

Keep a photo of your bankbook's first page on your phone; you'll often be asked for a '계좌번호 사본'.

Toss and KakaoPay

These apps make sending money to an account number much faster than traditional banking apps.

Check the Name

Before hitting 'send' in an app, the system will show the name of the recipient. Always verify this matches who you intend to pay.

Particles

Use '-를' when you are the one providing or writing the number, and '-가' when asking what it is.

International Transfers

If someone from abroad is sending you money, your 계좌번호 is just one part; they also need your address and SWIFT code.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'GYE-JWA' as 'GIVE-JOY' (when you get money) and 'BEON-HO' as 'BONE-HOME' (the skeleton of your home finances).

Visual Association

Imagine a bankbook (통장) where the number is written in big, bold ink on the front cover.

Word Web

Bank Money Transfer Digital Security Salary Rent Shopping

Challenge

Try to say '제 계좌번호는 [number]입니다' five times fast without tripping over 'jwa'.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean (Hanja). It consists of 計 (계), 座 (좌), 番 (번), and 號 (호).

Original meaning: 계 (計) means to count or calculate; 좌 (座) means seat or place; 번 (番) means turn or order; 호 (號) means name or mark.

Sino-Korean roots, common across East Asian banking terminology.

Cultural Context

Never ask for someone's 계좌번호 unless there is a clear financial reason, as it can be seen as intrusive if not contextually appropriate.

In the US or UK, people might use Zelle or Venmo which use phone numbers/emails. In Korea, while apps exist, the underlying '계좌번호' is still the primary reference point.

Seen on the 'Squid Game' card (though that was a phone number, similar formatting is used for bank accounts). Often mentioned in K-Drama 'Startup' regarding investment funds. Commonly appearing in news segments about 'Voice Phishing' prevention.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Bank Counter

계좌번호를 잊어버렸어요.
계좌번호를 확인해 주세요.
새 계좌번호를 받고 싶어요.
계좌번호가 어디에 있나요?

Online Shopping Refund

환불받을 계좌번호를 적으세요.
계좌번호가 정확합니까?
은행명과 계좌번호를 입력하세요.
타인 명의 계좌번호는 안 됩니다.

Splitting a Bill with Friends

계좌번호 뭐야?
계좌번호 찍어줘.
이 계좌번호로 보낼게.
계좌번호 받았어?

Job Employment

급여 계좌번호를 알려주세요.
계좌번호 사본이 필요해요.
본인 계좌번호 맞나요?
이 계좌번호로 월급이 들어와요.

Security Warning

계좌번호를 함부로 주지 마세요.
보이스피싱 계좌번호입니다.
계좌번호 유출을 조심하세요.
모르는 계좌번호로 돈을 보내지 마세요.

Conversation Starters

"실례지만, 송금해 드려야 하는데 계좌번호 좀 알려주시겠어요?"

"혹시 계좌번호를 문자로 보내주실 수 있나요?"

"제가 계좌번호를 잘못 적은 것 같은데 다시 확인해 주시겠어요?"

"어떤 은행 계좌번호를 선호하시나요?"

"계좌번호만 알면 바로 이체할 수 있어요."

Journal Prompts

오늘 처음으로 한국에서 계좌번호를 만들었던 경험을 써보세요.

친구에게 돈을 빌려주고 계좌번호를 물어보는 대화를 상상해서 적어보세요.

계좌번호를 잘못 입력해서 생긴 에피소드가 있다면 적어보세요 (없다면 상상해서).

한국의 계좌 이체 문화와 자신의 나라의 결제 문화를 비교해 보세요.

보이스피싱으로부터 내 계좌번호와 돈을 지키는 방법에 대해 써보세요.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, yes, if you want to receive money. However, in Korea, be cautious of voice phishing. Giving just the account number is usually safe, but never give your PIN (비밀번호) or security card details.

It varies by bank. For example, Shinhan often uses 11-14 digits, while KB Kookmin might use 12-14. There is no single standard length.

No, South Korea does not use the IBAN system. For international transfers, you need the local account number and the bank's SWIFT/BIC code.

You can find it on the front cover of your physical bankbook (통장), in your mobile banking app under 'Account Info', or by visiting a bank branch with ID.

Most modern banking apps in Korea automatically handle hyphens or don't require them. However, it's good practice to include them when writing it down for someone else.

This is called '착오송금' (erroneous transfer). You must contact your bank immediately. They will try to contact the recipient, but legal action might be needed if they refuse to return it.

Usually, you cannot change the number of an existing account. You would need to close the current account and open a new one to get a different number.

Because different banks might have similar-looking account numbers. Without the bank name, the system cannot route the money to the correct institution.

A '가상계좌번호' is a temporary number used for a specific transaction (like a shopping order). It expires after use or after a certain time.

Some banks allow you to set up a '휴대폰 번호 계좌' where your phone number acts as an alias for your actual account number to make it easier to remember.