Why Electricity Bills Spike in Korean Summer?
If you're spending your first summer in Korea, you might be shocked by your electricity bill — especially if you’re running the air conditioner a lot.
Many Korean apartments don’t have central air, and the humidity can be brutal. Most people rely on wall-mounted air conditioners, which work well but consume a lot of electricity. And with Korea’s tiered electricity rate system, the more you use, the more you pay per unit.
Here’s something important to know: in Korea, electricity pricing isn’t flat. The country uses a progressive billing system where your rate per kilowatt-hour increases once you pass certain thresholds. So even small habits — like forgetting to turn off the aircon — can lead to a big jump in your monthly bill.
Also, most homes in Korea are not insulated to Western standards. Single-pane windows and thin walls mean that heat enters (and stays) more easily, which makes indoor cooling less efficient. So energy-saving tips aren’t just nice-to-know — they’re essential.
But don’t worry — you don’t have to sweat it out to save money. With a few smart habits, you can stay cool and keep your energy bill under control.
Table of Contents :
- Clean Your AC Filter (Every 2 Weeks!)
- Use the Right Temperature Setting (26–28°C)
- Combine a Fan with Your AC
- Use the Timer or Sleep Mode at Night
- Block Out Sunlight During the Day
- Open Windows Early Morning and Late Night
- Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
- Manage Your Fridge and Electronics Smartly
- Use Government or Local Discounts (if available)
- How to Read Your Korean Electricity Bill
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Clean Your AC Filter (Every 2 Weeks!)
Why: A clogged filter reduces airflow and forces your AC to work harder.
How:
Open the front panel of the unit.
Remove the mesh filter.
Rinse with warm water and dry completely.
Reinstall it.
Cultural Tip: In Korea, it’s common for landlords not to handle minor AC maintenance. Even in officetels or high-rise apartments, tenants are expected to clean filters themselves.
Impact: Up to 20% energy savings. Plus, better air quality!
Use the Right Temperature Setting (26–28°C)
What works: Setting your AC to 26–28°C keeps your room cool without excessive energy use.
Why it matters: Every degree lower can increase power consumption by 6–8%.
Extra tip: Use a fan to help circulate the cool air more efficiently.
Cultural Tip: In Korea, many public buildings like subways and libraries also maintain their air conditioning at 26°C to reduce power usage.
Combine a Fan with Your AC
Why: A fan helps spread cool air more evenly. You’ll feel just as cool even with the AC set a bit higher.
Bonus: Fans use 10–50x less electricity than an air conditioner.
Pro tip: Try placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan for an extra cooling boost.
Cultural Note: Small standing or desktop fans are cheap and widely sold in Korea — even at convenience stores like GS25 and CU during summer.
Use the Timer or Sleep Mode at Night
Why it helps: Your body temperature drops while sleeping. You likely don’t need AC all night.
How to set it:
Use your remote control to set a timer for 1–2 hours.
Use "Sleep Mode" if your unit has it — it gradually adjusts the temperature.
Cultural Note: Korean AC remotes are often labeled in Korean only. Learn key terms like 예약 (timer), 취침 (sleep mode), and 온도 (temperature) to make adjustments easier.
Block Out Sunlight During the Day
Direct sunlight = higher indoor temperature = more AC use.
How to fix it:
Close blinds or curtains during the day.
Use blackout curtains or reflective window film if possible.
Bonus: Keeps furniture and flooring from fading, too.
Cultural Tip: Korean apartments often come with sheer curtains but not blackout curtains — you may need to buy them separately. Check stores like Daiso, Homeplus, or Coupang.
Open Windows Early Morning and Late Night
When: Before 8 a.m. and after 7 p.m., when outside air is cooler.
How:
Open windows on opposite sides of your home for cross-ventilation.
Use a window or exhaust fan to speed up air movement.
Pro tip: Turn off AC while ventilating to avoid overworking it.
Cultural Tip: In many Korean homes, windows are designed with mesh screens (방충망) to keep bugs out — making ventilation safe even during summer.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Look for: Korea’s Energy Efficiency Label (Grade 1 is best, Grade 5 is worst).
Appliances to check:
Air conditioner
Fridge
Washing machine
Microwave
How to check: Yellow energy sticker on most devices. Grade 1 = up to 40% savings vs. Grade 5.
Note: If you’re renting, ask your landlord about upgrades — especially for older appliances.
Cultural Note: In Korea, it’s common for landlords to provide basic appliances. But upgrades (like newer AC units) are negotiable — especially if you're staying long-term.
Manage Your Fridge and Electronics Smartly
Refrigerator:
Don’t overload it.
Leave space for air to circulate.
Avoid opening the door frequently.
Other electronics:
Unplug devices when not in use.
Use a power strip with an off switch.
Even devices in “standby mode” can use phantom electricity.
Korea Tip: Many Korean power strips have individual switches per outlet. This makes it easy to turn off specific devices without unplugging them.
Use Government or Local Discounts (if available)
Did you know? Some low-income households or families with children may be eligible for electricity bill discounts from KEPCO.
Where to check: Visit KEPCO’s English site or call 123 (press 7 for English).
Bonus tip: Some local districts offer cooling centers during heatwaves — a free place to stay cool.
Cultural Tip: Local community centers (주민센터) often distribute heat-related welfare info. If you’re in Korea long-term, it’s worth visiting yours.
Good news for foreigners: Some electricity bill discounts from KEPCO — like those for large families or low-income households — are also available to foreign residents, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
You can apply at a KEPCO branch or check the official KEPCO’s Website for more details.
How to Read Your Korean Electricity Bill
Your bill shows:
Total usage (in kWh)
Base and progressive charges
Environmental & fuel cost adjustments
What makes it spike in summer?
Crossing into a higher usage tier
Using multiple appliances at once
Where to find info: KEPCO’s bill usually comes via mail or your apartment’s management office. You can also register for online access.
Cultural Tip: Many apartment complexes include electricity usage as part of the 관리비 (building maintenance fee), so you might not receive a separate bill.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it better to keep the AC on all day or turn it on/off as needed?
Turn it off when not in use. Short bursts are better than continuous use — especially with a timer.
Q2: Are dehumidifiers expensive to run?
Yes, they can be. Use only when needed. Try ventilating instead during cooler times of day.
Q3: How can I monitor electricity use in real time?
Smart plugs (like from Xiaomi or TP-Link) let you track individual appliances. Or check with your building manager.
Q4: Can I get help in English about my KEPCO bill?
Yes — call 123 and press 7 for English customer service.
Q5: What’s the difference between energy-saving mode and sleep mode?
Sleep mode gradually adjusts temperature for comfort while saving power. Energy-saving mode keeps the unit running at lower power.
Q6: I live with roommates. Is our bill split fairly?
Ask your landlord. In some units, one meter is used per unit — others divide it equally.
Q7: Is there a summer surcharge?
Not directly, but Korea’s progressive billing means your rate per kWh increases with higher usage — which often happens in summer.
Q8: Where can I buy energy-saving supplies in Korea?
Try Daiso, Coupang, or local hardware stores (철물점). Look for "절전 멀티탭" (energy-saving power strips).
Q9: What’s the Korean word for electricity bill?
It’s 전기요금 (jeon-gi yo-geum). Good to know when asking your landlord or looking at your 관리비 breakdown.
Stay Cool, Save Smart — One Small Step at a Time
Korean summers are no joke, but your electricity bill doesn’t have to ruin your month. With small changes — like using blackout curtains, setting a timer on your AC, or even switching to efficient appliances — you can stay cool and save money.
Living smart isn’t just about budgeting — it’s about adapting. The more you understand Korea’s electricity system and housing culture, the more control you have over your comfort and costs.
Try a few of these tips this week — your wallet (and your sweat glands) will thank you.
And if you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with a friend who’s new to Korea too!
