Arriving in a new country like South Korea is exciting, but settling in requires tackling the bureaucratic essentials: getting connected and keeping the lights on. Many expats feel overwhelmed by the paperwork and procedures, especially compared to their home countries.
The good news? You usually don’t need to handle these applications by yourself. Unlike many Western countries, Korea has a system where your real estate agent and landlord manage most utility onboarding for you.
This article explains how utilities REALLY work for foreigners in Korea, based on local practices and thousands of expat experiences. The secret to success in Korea is understanding the role of one key item: the Alien Registration Card (ARC).
It is your official ID, your lifeline, and the master key that unlocks your phone contract, bank account, and legal housing. Without it, you are largely blocked from participating in Korea’s highly digital society. But with a plan, you can navigate the process smoothly and enjoy a hyper-connected life here. 😊
1. Getting Connected: Phone and World-Class Internet
Your mobile phone and internet connection are non-negotiable in Korea. Fortunately, once you’re set up, you benefit from some of the fastest networks globally.
Mobile Phone (The ARC Requirement)
- For Short-Term/No ARC: Prepaid SIM cards are ideal for visitors or those waiting for their ARC. They are easy to purchase and require no complex contracts.
- For Long-Term/With ARC: To get a stable, affordable postpaid plan with full data access and a Korean number for verification, you must have your ARC and a local bank account.
- The Budget Option: Many expats opt for MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), also known as low-cost carriers (LCCs). These use the major network infrastructure (KT, SKT, LG U+) but offer significantly cheaper, often unlimited, data plans without requiring long-term contracts.
- Pro-Tip: Ensure your personal device is unlocked by your home carrier before arriving in Korea.
High-Speed Internet and IPTV
Korea boasts world-class internet speeds. Providers like KT, SK Broadband, and LG U+ offer bundled plans that include internet and cable TV (IPTV). Bundling is often the most cost-effective solution, providing reliable service that is essential for remote work or entertainment.
2. Do Foreigners Need to Apply for Utilities Themselves?
Almost never. In Korea, the standard process for expats is a bit different. First, the real estate agent handles the application. And the landlord approves or submits documents. Then the foreigner only sets up payment (bank auto-transfer or app billing). So don’t worry — it’s completely normal not to contact utility companies yourself.
Electricity (KEPCO): What Actually Happens
- 1. Real estate agent contact KEPCO with your lease contract.
- 2. The service is switched to your unit once you move in.
- 3. You receive your first bill via mail, KakaoTalk, or the KEPCO app.
- 4. You set up automatic bank transfer (recommended).
Why foreigners don’t do it directly: KEPCO’s website and customer service are mostly in Korean. And Identity verification requires Korean phone + ARC. Most of all, Agents can process it faster! You just pay — that’s it.
City Gas: The Only Utility That Requires a Mandatory Visit
City gas is the most complex utility in Korea because of the required safety inspection. Realistic process for expats is as follows. All you need to do is to be home on the scheduled date and show your ARC if needed.
- 1. Real estate agent contacts the gas company.
- 2. They schedule the mandatory technician visit.
- 3. Technician comes to your home, checks the stove/boiler.
- 4. Gas supply is activated.
Why foreigners don’t usually apply by themselves: Calls must be made in Korean and technician scheduling is difficult without a native speaker. More importantly, Gas safety laws require additional documentation from the landlord or agent.
Water: Usually Automatic
Water service in Korea is managed by local government offices. In most cases, Your water service automatically continues from the previous tenant and the landlord or agent updates the billing name. Foreigners almost never contact the water office directly.
How to Set Up Utility Payments (Easy Guide)
After your utilities are activated, you can choose one of the following:
- Automatic bank transfer (recommended): Works with any Korean bank account.
- Mobile payment apps: KakaoPay, NaverPay, and Toss
- KEPCO or gas company app payment: Good for people who want digital bills.
3. What Expats Say (From Real Experiences)
These are common comments from international residents. This confirms the local norm: your agent does almost all the work.
- “My realtor handled everything. I just set up payment.”
- “I never called KEPCO or the gas company myself.”
- “Gas technician came because my agent scheduled it.”
- “I only needed my ARC after moving in.”
4. What’s different? Korea vs. Western Systems
The process of setting up services in Korea is defined by a unique blend of bureaucracy and high-tech efficiency, creating a sharp contrast with the West (e.g., North America or Europe):
- Identity Verification: In the US or UK, you can often establish utilities and simple phone contracts with a lease agreement and a passport/driver’s license. In Korea, the process is far stricter: the ARC is the absolute foundation. Without the ARC, a long-term postpaid service is almost impossible, forcing expats to operate in a “tourist” capacity even if they are long-term residents.
- Service Quality & Cost: While the initial setup for phone/internet requires more documentation, the resulting service quality is usually superior. Korea’s internet speed is world-renowned, and phone plans (especially MVNOs) can be highly cost-effective, often with better data caps than comparable plans in many Western nations.
- Residential Differences: Expats from 120v countries (like the US) must be acutely aware that Korea runs on 220v power. They will require voltage regulators or converters for US appliances, a step not needed when moving within Europe or North America. Furthermore, many Korean homes have fewer outlets and use Ondol floor heating instead of central air/furnace systems common in the West.
Final Advice for New Expats in Korea
Moving to Korea already involves a lot of paperwork, so consider utilities one of the easy parts. Once you’re settled, everything runs smoothly with electronic billing and automatic payments.
- Don’t stress about electricity, gas, or water activation.
- Your real estate agent will handle 90–95% of the process.
- Make sure you have a Korean bank account ready for auto-pay.
- Be available for your gas safety inspection—it’s required for everyone.
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