Questions about Credit Cards in Korea

I think it might be best to call VISA or MCard directly to ask, rather than going through your bank here.  Their contact numbers for Korea are easy to find online.

Also...I believe you'll have to provide a proof of wage history.  If you get paid through direct deposit into ur bank account, your bank book will do.  It's really up in the air.  I've heard of E2 holders with Uni jobs, with a year of steady pay get turned down.  I've seen E2 holders who were less established be approved. 

If you need one for emergencies, you can always get one by putting in a deposit.  For example, if you want a million won limit, you leave a million won deposit with the bank, use your card as though it were a credit card, then get ur deposit when u close out ur account.  I did this and got a Visa from KB when I couldn't get approved for a regular credit card.  But be careful...in Korea...unless you specify at time of purchase you want to pay in installments, you will be responsible for the entire credit card balance each month.  The positive thing is if you do pay off each  month, you aren't charged interest. 

Much of the advice given here already is good and accurate. A lot of Korean banks (cc companies) don't give much/any credit to foreigners without good solid proof of regular income; they'll require you to put the deposit money down on your credit card which you can pull from. I myself have steady income and don't get more than 2 million credit. That can help you at least USE a card and benefit from all the discounts at restaurants, movies, etc. If you can prove ongoing regular wages, you may be approved for about 1 or 2 million won credit. Try KEB (Korea Exchange Bank): They give you your credit statement (online and paper) entirely in English and have an online English interface for viewing bills and paying them. They also have english Customer service! Good luck.

This is nonsense. This is exactly how I got my KEB card. Some lady comes around campus like once a year and offers you a choice of cards if you wish.

every semester at my uni people walk around looking to sign people up. i got my samsung card just this way and just the other day someone from shinhan bank came by looking to sign me up. maybe you need to work at a uni or something? i know it is not my visa status as my office mate has an e2 and he just got a card. the note about samsung is surprising as i have a card and the number i posted is for english speakers.