In Korea, rent almost never includes bills. On top of rent you pay a monthly maintenance fee (관리비) to the building, and usually electricity, gas, water and internet as separate utilities (공과금). Ask exactly what the maintenance fee covers before you sign, because it varies from ₩0 to several hundred thousand won.
Key facts
| Maintenance fee | Set by the building or landlord; listings must itemize flat fees of ₩100,000 or more |
| Electricity | KEPCO (한국전력), call 123; 3-tier progressive pricing |
| Gas | Your regional city gas company (도시가스); a technician opens the line |
| Water | Your city or county waterworks; often split between units in small buildings |
| TV licence | ₩2,500 a month, back on the electricity bill since November 2025 |
| Moving out | Final meter readings and maintenance fee settlement (정산) |
Maintenance fees (관리비)
The maintenance fee pays for shared costs: cleaning, security, elevators, shared electricity, repairs and management staff. There are two common setups.
- Apartments (아파트): a management office sends a monthly bill that includes the shared costs and your own electricity, water, heating and hot water. Large complexes publish their fees on K-apt (k-apt.go.kr), so you can compare.
- One-rooms, villas and officetels: the landlord often charges a flat fee (정액관리비), for example ₩70,000 a month. It may or may not include water, internet or cable TV. Electricity and gas are usually billed to you separately.
Since September 2023, rental listings with a flat maintenance fee of ₩100,000 or more must show what it is made of (general management, usage fees such as water or electricity, and others). If the agent cannot explain the fee, ask the landlord to write the breakdown into the lease.
Before signing, ask: "관리비에 뭐가 포함돼요?" (What does the maintenance fee include?) Write the answer in the lease's special terms (특약).
Long-term repair reserve (장기수선충당금)
Larger apartment buildings collect a long-term repair reserve inside the maintenance fee. Legally the owner pays it. If you paid it as a tenant, you can claim it back from the landlord when you move out. Ask the management office for a payment certificate (장기수선충당금 납부확인서) before your last day and settle it together with the deposit.
Electricity (전기)
KEPCO supplies almost all homes. Household electricity uses progressive tiers (누진제): the more you use in a month, the higher the price per kWh for the extra units.
| Month | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| July and August | up to 300 kWh | 301 to 450 kWh | over 450 kWh |
| Other months | up to 200 kWh | 201 to 400 kWh | over 400 kWh |
The tier 3 rate per kWh is more than double tier 1, so heavy air conditioning or electric heaters can multiply a bill. The bill also includes a fuel cost adjustment, a climate and environment charge, VAT and a power fund levy. KEPCO’s tariff page and the 한전ON app show your current rates and usage. KEPCO’s call center is 123 (no area code).
In apartments the electricity is often on the maintenance bill. Some officetels and old buildings split one meter between units; ask how your share is calculated.
TV licence fee (TV 수신료)
The KBS TV licence fee of ₩2,500 a month was separated from electricity bills in 2023, but a revised Broadcasting Act took effect in October 2025 and it is again billed with electricity from November 2025. If you have no TV, you can ask KEPCO or KBS to stop the charge.
Gas and heating (가스 · 난방)
Most homes use city gas for cooking, hot water and floor heating (ondol, 온돌) through a gas boiler. Gas is sold by regional companies, not one national firm. When you move in:
- Find the company name on the meter or an old bill.
- Call to open the account under your name. A technician visits to check safety and unlock the supply. A connection fee may apply.
- Learn the boiler controls. “외출” (away) mode keeps pipes from freezing in winter.
Winter gas bills are the biggest utility cost in most homes. Some apartments use central or district heating (중앙난방 · 지역난방), billed through the maintenance fee instead.
Water (수도)
Water is run by local governments, for example Seoul Waterworks (call 120 in Seoul). Billing is monthly or every two months depending on the city. In small buildings with one shared meter, the landlord usually divides the bill between units or includes it in the maintenance fee.
Internet and TV
Internet is a private contract with KT, SK Broadband, LG U+ or a cable company, usually for 3 years with discounts. Cancelling early means a penalty. When you move, ask for a transfer installation (이전설치) instead of cancelling. Many one-rooms include Wi-Fi in the maintenance fee; check the speed before signing. See phone plans and SIMs for bundling.
Paying bills
Most bills can be paid by automatic transfer (자동이체) from a Korean bank account, by bank or card app, or at a bank. Set up auto-pay once you have an account (see opening a bank account). Unpaid utility bills can be deducted from your deposit at move-out.
Moving in and out
Move-in day: photograph the electricity, gas and water meters with the date. Send the photos to the landlord.
Move-out day: photograph the meters again. The landlord or management office calculates your last bills (정산) and may deduct them from the deposit. Ask for the calculation in writing.
Common questions
Why is my maintenance fee different every month?
In apartments it includes your own electricity, water and heating, so it rises in winter and summer. A flat fee in a one-room should stay the same unless the lease allows changes.
Can foreigners get energy discounts?
Most energy vouchers and welfare discounts require Korean resident registration or specific welfare status. Ask your community center (주민센터); eligibility depends on your visa and family situation.
Who pays for a broken boiler?
Major repairs to the building’s fixtures, including the boiler, are normally the landlord’s responsibility. Small consumables, like light bulbs, are usually yours. Report problems in writing quickly.
Official sources
- SBS Biz: Listings must itemize maintenance fees of ₩100,000 or more (2023)
- Journalists Association of Korea: TV licence fee billed with electricity again from November 2025
- Newsis: KEPCO keeps fuel cost adjustment at ₩5/kWh, progressive tiers unchanged since 2016
- K-apt: Apartment management fee disclosure system
This guide explains the general rules as of the date above. Rules change and every case is different, so confirm with the office named here (or the 1345 Immigration Contact Center) before an important decision. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.