[Economy 365]

Following bank branches, automated teller machines (ATMs) are also rapidly disappearing.

As of the end of June this year, the number of bank ATMs nationwide stood at 24,711, a decrease of 636 in just half a year. Compared to the end of 2022, the number dropped by 4,610, or 15.7%.

By region, Ulsan saw a sharp decline of 21.5%, while South Gyeongsang Province and Jeju both recorded a 20.8% decrease, showing significant reductions.

Among the top five commercial banks, Nonghyup Bank and Shinhan Bank saw decreases of 21.8% and 21%, respectively, whereas Hana Bank experienced a smaller decline of 1.3%, showing a stark contrast among banks.

Domestic commercial bank branches also decreased by 4.9% to 5,381.

Financial authorities are conducting a pilot operation of postal agency banking services and expanding shared ATMs.

*This article was produced with AI audio.