Drinking Water in Korea & Seoul | Tap Water in Korea
Clean drinking water is vital to our life and that is not different when on holiday in Seoul or the rest of the country. Korea is known for being an advanced and clean country when it comes to bathrooms, hotels, touristic sights, stores and more. This article provides basic information about drinking water in Korea.
Drinking water is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, and in Korea, access to clean and safe water is of paramount importance. Korea, has a well-developed water supply infrastructure that provides high-quality drinking water to its citizens. The government has implemented various measures to ensure that the water is clean and safe, including strict regulations and monitoring systems. Additionally, there is a strong cultural tradition in Korea that emphasizes the importance of drinking water regularly, both for hydration and for maintaining overall health. This cultural emphasis on water consumption is reflected in the availability of clean water sources throughout the country, including water fountains and public water dispensers.
Things To Know About Visiting Korea
- Tipping: Korea is generally a no tipping country. Except for taxi drivers and tour guides, tipping is not done. In traditional or older restaurants, this might even offend the owners.
- Travel Adapters: For visitors from US, UK, South East Asia and Japan, bringing a travel adapter is vital. The Korean power outlet is the same as the mainland European one.
- Itineraries: Use these sample Korea itineraries to plan the perfect trip to South Korea.
Water In Korea
When traveling in South Korea, there are 2 options when it comes to drinking water. First is tap water and secondly bottled water. Listed below is all the info you need to know about drinking water in Korea.
1. Tap Water In Korea
Can you drink the water in South Korea? YES. The tap water in South Korea is drinkable. The water infrastructure across the country is reliable and purification processes are well maintained. The tap water in South Korea is of good quality and won’t upset the stomach.
The government has been making it their priority to replace old pipeline across Seoul and the rest of Korea. In Seoul, 95% of all old water pipes have been replaced and the remaining 5% will be replaced by 2020. In 2003, Korea ranked 8th United Nations world wide water quality report and the quality of the water has only been improving since then. Consider bringing a reusable bottle when coming to South Korea.
Note: if you are staying in an accommodation that is rather old, it is possible when opening the tap, slightly brown coloured water comes out the first 5 seconds. This is due to the old pipes in the accommodation, if this is the case, it is recommended to drink bottled water. Modern and new hotels should not have this issue.
1.1 Tap Water In Seoul
In Seoul, the Office of Waterworks, also known as Arisu (recognized by the UN), monitors the quality of the water 24 hours a day. During the day it conducts regular water quality inspections in relation to 147 indicators at 5 water intake points. If you are interested to learn more about the purification process, Arisu has its own Waterworks Museum, where visitors can learn more about the history and development of clean water in Korea. More info here.
2. Bottled Water In Korea
Koreans swear by bottled water or have a purified water system in their homes. There is a general belief that bottled or additionally purified water is healthier than tap water. Multiple public campaigns have been held to promote drinking tap water, but to no avail. The bottled water industry is huge and is looking to make about 1 trillion won by 2020.
In any super market, you’ll see more than 20 different water brands which can range from 500 won to 2000 won a bottle. The most popular brand is Jeju Samdasoo, this is the only volcanic bedrock water in South Korea.
The cheapest brands are Bongpyeong Spring Water and Blue from E-mart. These bottles go for about 470 won per 2 liter. Many different water brands get water from the same source, and sell the ‘same’ water under different prices and labels.
Some of the most popular brands include Jeju Samdasoo, which is sourced from the pristine Jeju Island and is known for its refreshing taste and mineral content. Another popular brand is Bongpyeong, which is sourced from the foothills of Mount Seorak and is known for its clean, pure taste. Other notable brands include Icis, which offers a range of flavored waters, and Nongshim, which offers both still and sparkling options. With so many options to choose from, consumers in South Korea have a wealth of choices when it comes to selecting their preferred bottled water brand.
Note: consider bringing a reusable bottle instead of buying bottled water. As with bottled water comes a lot of plastic waste. If you don’t want to drink tap water, you can refill your reusable bottle at a water purifier machine which can be found at any museum, restaurant and public building.
3. Purified Water
Most Korean families have a purifying machine at home which purifies the tap water. In most public buildings like museums, restaurants, government building you’ll find a machine like this. If you see one of these, feel free to fill up your bottle.
Note: in many restaurants getting water is self service. If you see a filtered water machine with cups next to it, it’s very likely that you have to get your own water.
Best Travel Water Bottles
When visiting South Korea, consider bringing a reusable travel water bottle. These can be filled at the tap or at any purifier machine which can be found in any public space. Listed below are the best travel bottles to bring.
1. Stainless Steel Bottles
Stainless steel water bottles have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their durability, eco-friendliness, and convenience. Unlike plastic water bottles, stainless steel bottles are reusable, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. They are also highly resistant to corrosion, rust, and bacteria, making them a safer option for storing water and other beverages. Additionally, stainless steel bottles are typically designed with insulation technology that keeps drinks cold or hot for extended periods, making them ideal for outdoor activities and travel. With a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors available, stainless steel water bottles have become a stylish and practical accessory for people of all ages.
2. Collapsible Water Bottles
Want to safe space in your bag? Consider getting a collapsible bottle. Most of the bottles are made out of plastic, but are extremely lightweight and the perfect option when packing light when coming to Korea.
3. Water Purifier Bottles
Still not sure about the quality of the water in Korea? Consider getting a water purifier bottle. Most of these bottles come with a filter that needs to be replaced once in a while. This is the more expensive water bottle, but you’ll be sure the water you’re drinking is safe. For South Korea, a water bottle like this might be a bit overkill, but if you are on an Asia trip and visiting neighbouring countries, this might be worth it.
Note: when going camping or hiking in Korea, it might be worth bringing a purifier bottle. In the mountains you’ll often come across a spring and you’ll see many local people drinking from the spring. If you want to drink from the spring, make sure to use your purifier bottle.
Water In Korean
The word for water in Korean is 물 (mul). The pronounciation of the ending of the word is the same as in the English word ‘full’. If you want to ask for water in a restaurant you have to say 물 주세요 (mul juseyo).
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, tap water in Korea is generally safe to drink. The Korean government has strict regulations on water quality, and the tap water undergoes regular testing to ensure its safety. However, some people may prefer to drink bottled or filtered water for personal preferences.
The most common contaminants in Korean drinking water are chlorine, bacteria, and heavy metals. However, the Korean government has strict regulations and monitoring systems in place to ensure that the drinking water is safe to consume.
Yes, bottled water is widely available in Korea, and can be found in most convenience stores and supermarkets. Korean brands such as Jeju Samdasoo and Baeksansu are popular choices, but imported brands are also readily available. It is important to note that bottled water can be expensive in Korea, so many people choose to drink tap water instead.
