How to Set Up Utilities in Korea (2026): Electricity, Gas, Water & Internet

Quick answer

To set up utilities in Korea after moving in, first ask your landlord or real estate agent which services are bundled into your monthly maintenance fee (called gwalli-bi) and which you must arrange yourself. In apartments and many officetels (studio-style units that blend office and residential use), most utilities are billed together through the building's management office. In studios and villas (low-rise multi-unit buildings), water is usually included but you typically apply separately for electricity (through KEPCO, the national electric utility, by calling 123), city gas (provider varies by region and a technician must visit to turn on service), and internet (offered mainly by KT, SK Broadband, and LG U+, with a technician installation). On moving day, photograph all meter readings, and have your Alien Registration Card (ARC) ready, since most account changes and sign-ups require it.

First, Check: Is It Included in the Maintenance Fee?

Before signing the lease, ask the landlord or real estate agent which items — electricity, gas, water, heating, internet, garbage (trash) collection — are included in the gwalli-bi (the building's monthly maintenance fee).

• Apartments and some officetels (officetels are studio-style units originally designed to combine office and residential use): The management office bundles most utilities into a single monthly maintenance bill. In this case, you often don't apply to each provider separately for electricity, gas, and so on — you simply register your move-in with the management office.
• Studios (one-rooms) and villas (low-rise multi-unit buildings): Water charges are usually included in the maintenance fee, but you generally have to apply for and pay electricity, gas, and internet yourself.

Because this differs from one home to another, this guide covers the common case where you apply for everything yourself.

Electricity (KEPCO)

To set up electricity, contact KEPCO — the single national provider — by calling 123 or using KEPCO ON, then change the account into your name on moving day.

Electricity in Korea is handled by a single provider, the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), the country's national electric utility.

• How to apply: Call 123 (the KEPCO customer center — no area code needed) or use the online portal, KEPCO ON (online.kepco.co.kr).
• What to do when moving in: On moving day, check and record the electricity meter reading, then change the account to your name (this is usually done together with your jeonipsingo — the official move-in/resident registration you file at the local district office).
• Changing the account name usually requires your Alien Registration Card (ARC) — the official ID issued to foreign residents in Korea.
• Note: The electricity bill often also includes the TV license fee (a public broadcasting reception fee, 2,500 won per month as of 2026). The amount and how it is charged may change.

City Gas

To start gas service, find your region's city-gas company, call to book service, and arrange a technician visit a few days before moving in.

Heating, hot water, and the gas stove mostly run on city gas. Unlike electricity, the provider differs by region — even within a single city, service can be divided by district.

• Finding your local provider: Search online for "(your area name) + city gas", or ask your real estate agent or management office.
• How to apply: Call the customer center of your regional city gas company and schedule the start of gas service.
• A technician visit is required: For safety, a technician comes in person to open the gas valve and inspect the equipment. Because you need to book a visit for your preferred date, it's best to contact them a few days before moving in.
• When you move out, similarly arrange in advance for a gas shut-off and final bill settlement.

Water (Tap Water)

Water is supplied by your local government's waterworks office; if it isn't bundled into the maintenance fee, change the account name with them on moving day.

Water is supplied by the local government's waterworks office.

• For studios and apartments, water charges are often included in the maintenance fee, so no separate application is needed.
• If your home pays separately, on moving day check the water meter reading, then call your local waterworks office to settle the bill and change the account name.

Internet (KT / SK Broadband / LG U+)

To get home internet, sign up with one of the three main carriers (KT, SK Broadband, or LG U+) and book an installation technician, checking the contract length and penalty terms before signing.

Home internet is provided mainly by three carriers — KT, SK Broadband, and LG U+ — and bundles combining internet with IPTV (TV service over the internet) are common.

• How to apply: Sign up through the carrier's customer center, website, or a local store. To get a bundle discount, you can combine it with your mobile phone service.
• Signing up usually requires your Alien Registration Card (ARC) and a Korean payment method (a bank account or card).
• An installation technician visits to connect the line, so book a visit date.
• Caution: Internet is usually signed up under a contract term (for example, 1–3 years), and canceling within that period may incur an early-termination penalty. Check the contract length and penalty conditions before signing.

Move-In Checklist

1. At signing: Confirm which utilities are bundled into the maintenance fee and which you must arrange yourself.
2. On moving day: Photograph the electricity, gas, and water meter readings to prevent billing disputes with the previous resident.
3. Electricity: Set up service and change the account name via KEPCO by calling 123 or using the KEPCO ON portal.
4. Gas: Call your regional city-gas company and book a technician visit in advance.
5. Water: If it is not bundled into the maintenance fee, change the account name at your local waterworks office.
6. Internet: Sign up with a carrier and book an installation visit, checking the contract length and early-termination penalty terms before signing.
7. Auto-payment: Set up automatic payment (auto-debit) so you never miss a monthly bill.

Important / Before You Start

Providers, contact numbers, rates, and contract terms vary by region and change over time, so always confirm the latest details for your specific address before applying — check KEPCO / KEPCO ON for electricity, your regional city-gas company for gas, your local waterworks office for water, and each carrier's official site for internet. Because most account changes and sign-ups require an Alien Registration Card (ARC), finish issuing your ARC first to make everything else go smoothly.

FAQ

How do I set up electricity in Korea? Contact KEPCO, the single national electricity provider, by calling 123 (no area code) or using the KEPCO ON portal, then change the account into your name — usually together with your move-in registration.

Who is my city gas provider? It depends on your address, since city gas providers differ by region and even by district. Search "(your area name) + city gas" online, or ask your real estate agent or building management office.

Do I need an ARC to get internet? Yes. Signing up for home internet usually requires your Alien Registration Card (ARC) along with a Korean bank account or card, which is why it helps to have your ARC issued first.

Is water included in my rent or maintenance fee? Often yes — for many studios and apartments water is bundled into the monthly maintenance fee, so no separate application is needed. If your home pays separately, change the account name with your local waterworks office on moving day.