Korean Water Bill (수도요금) Explained in English — Water, Sewerage and Charges

The sample is filled in with made-up details and example amounts to show the layout. Your own form may look a little different.

Every line, explained

The words on the sample above, in order.

고객번호gogaekbeonhogogaekbeonhoCustomer numberYour account with the local waterworks (수도사업소).

사용기간sayonggigansayonggiganBilling periodThe days covered. In Seoul this is about two months.

계량기 구경gyeryanggi gugyeonggyeryanggi gugyeongMeter sizeThe diameter of your water meter. The basic charge depends on it.

전월지침jeonwoljichimjeonwoljichimPrevious readingThe meter number at the last reading.

당월지침dangwoljichimdangwoljichimThis readingThe meter number now.

사용량sayongnyangsayongnyangUsage (m³)Water used: this reading minus the previous one. 1 m³ = 1,000 litres.

상수도요금sangsudoyogeumsangsudoyogeumWater supply chargeFor the tap water itself: a basic charge by meter size plus a price per m³.

하수도요금hasudoyogeumhasudoyogeumSewerage chargeFor taking away and treating waste water, per m³.

물이용부담금muriyongbudamgeummuriyongbudamgeumWater use chargeA legal charge per m³ that funds protecting the rivers and reservoirs your water comes from.

당월 청구액dangwol cheongguaekdangwol cheongguaekAmount dueThe total to pay. Water bills have no VAT.

납기일napgiilnapgiilDue datePay by this date to avoid a late charge.

Other words you may see

수도사업소sudosaeopsosudosaeopsoWaterworks officeThe local office that bills you.

격월gyeogwolgyeogwolEvery two monthsBilling every other month.

누수nusunusuWater leakIf usage suddenly jumps, check for a leak and tell the waterworks.

감면gammyeongammyeonReductionDiscounts for some households.

전자고지jeonjagojijeonjagojiElectronic billGetting the bill by app, text or email; some cities give a small discount.

What to check

If the bill suddenly doubles, check for a leak: turn off every tap and see if the meter still moves.
Moving out: ask the waterworks (or the management office in an apartment) to settle up to your moving day.
In an apartment, water is usually on the maintenance fee bill as 세대수도료.
The sample amounts on this page are an example — prices differ by city.

Official websites

Seoul Waterworks (서울아리수본부) — Seoul residents arisu.seoul.go.kr

KoreaSum is not a government website.

We check these guides against official sources, but rules and forms change. Last checked October 13, 2026. For your own case, ask the office named on your bill or call the help line listed above.

Water Bill Explained 수도요금 고지서

사용량Usage

요금 내역Charges

Every line, explained

Other words you may see

What to check

Official websites

Related

All bills and contracts