Woori Bank is opening a consultation-specialised channel, the Woori Ieum Consultation Centre, in major commercial areas of Seoul and moving to strengthen tailored financial support for small business owners and office workers.

Woori Bank said on Saturday it has set up the Woori Ieum Consultation Centre, a problem-solving consultation space, at three key hubs including Namdaemun, Gangnam and Hongdae in Seoul.

The Woori Ieum Consultation Centre is a specialised channel that focuses on customer consultations rather than selling financial products. It will operate until 9 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. on weekends, considering customers who find it difficult to visit during weekday daytime hours due to work or other commitments. Hours are 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The centres provide financial consultation services tailored to customers' circumstances, including loans, asset management and retirement planning across life stages. Woori Bank plans to place staff with on-site experience and financial expertise to go beyond simple product guidance and present practical directions for solutions.

The Namdaemun Ieum Consultation Centre will support financial difficulties faced by market merchants, small business owners and nearby office workers. The Gangnam and Hongdae centres will also provide consultation services reflecting characteristics of local commercial districts and customer demand.

Jin-wan Jung (정진완), CEO of Woori Bank, said the Woori Ieum Consultation Centre is a consultation-focused channel that helps resolve financial concerns together. He said the bank will work to establish it as a communication space that connects customers, the bank, local communities and finance.