How do I sign up for city gas (도시가스) after moving in, and how do safety inspections work?
I just moved to Seoul from Italy and the kitchen gas stove will not turn on. I was told that I need to contact the city gas company directly. How do I figure out which company services my neighborhood and what is the sign-up process?
Also, how often are the mandatory safety inspections, and can a foreigner who does not speak much Korean handle the inspection alone?
1 Answer
When I moved in I had the same confusion. First you need to find which city gas company serves your neighborhood, since it is assigned by area, like Yesco, Seoul City Gas, or Kowon depending on the district. The company name and number are usually printed on your maintenance bill or on the gas meter near your entrance, and if you cannot find it, calling 120 with your address will tell you. As a new resident you request a start of service so the gas gets turned on, and when you call, a technician comes out to open the valve and do a safety check at the same time, usually within a day or two. The mandatory safety inspection comes around once or twice a year, and the inspector just checks the stove and pipes for leaks, which takes a few minutes. You can handle it alone even with limited Korean since it is simple, and many companies also let you request a visit through their website or app if calling is hard.