Last updated 2022.04.21
Utilities & Bill Payment
Grantees, no matter their housing situation, will likely be responsible for paying monthly utility bills. Utility bills may include gas, electricity, internet, etc.
Grantees may also receive a maintenance fee (관리비) bill if living in a place such as an officetel or apartment building. This bill may include general utility bills or be in addition to it.
A few notes on utilities:
Bill Payment
Below is an example gas bill with instructions for payment. Note: The gas bill is for January, so it is higher than it would be in many other months. You can find more information about bill payment on the IBS Living in Korea website.
Grantees may also receive a maintenance fee (관리비) bill if living in a place such as an officetel or apartment building. This bill may include general utility bills or be in addition to it.
A few notes on utilities:
- Gas - Hot Water: A gas boiler is usually used to heat water, including the water for the ondol (온돌) floor heating system. The boiler thermostat and controls will typically be found on a wall control panel, which can be used to heat both the ondol floor and hot running water (난방/온수) OR only hot running water (온수). Once heated, the ondol floor retains heat, so it is not recommended to leave the ondol on high for long periods of time. Turning the ondol off and/or turning hot water off in general when not in use can help reduce the cost of gas bills. (For example, in the summer, if you only need hot water for showers or occasional kitchen tasks, turn the hot water off completely when not in use.) Some grantees have also opted to get an electric heater or blanket in order to save on gas bills from heating.
- Gas - Cooking: It is not uncommon in Korean houses/apartments to see a gas pipe with a valve on the wall running to the stovetop. If you are having trouble turning on your stovetop, be sure the pipe valve is open as otherwise you will not be able to turn on the stovetop.
- Electricity: Electricity bills are usually quite reasonable. As with using a lot of gas in the winter for heating, though, using a lot of electricity in the summer for air conditioning will, of course, cause a rise in electricity costs.
- Internet: Your place of residence may or may not offer preinstalled internet. Please be sure to inquire before moving in as you will want internet should you be required to self-quarantine.
Bill Payment
Below is an example gas bill with instructions for payment. Note: The gas bill is for January, so it is higher than it would be in many other months. You can find more information about bill payment on the IBS Living in Korea website.
