If you’re traveling to Korea, you’re probably wondering if it’s safe to drink tap water.
Here are the facts and Korean habits regarding drinking water.
Quick Summary
- Technically, tap water in South Korea is clean and safe to drink.
- But most Koreans don’t trust the pipes.
- So we install water purifiers in the kitchen and filters in showers.
- You can safely use tap water for brushing your teeth but consider drinking from water purifiers or sticking to bottled water.
1. The Water is Safe
Technically, tap water in South Korea is safe to drink.
According to the Water Quality by Country 2024 on World Population Review, Korea received 84.6 on the EPI Score (Environmental Performance Index where higher scores indicate higher water quality; for comparison, the US scored 89.3).
Korea has strict water treatment and purification standards to meet international safety guidelines.
Major cities, especially Seoul, have infrastructure to ensure that the tap water is clean.
Seoul even branded its own tap water as Arisu, which will be promoted at WEFTEC, the world’s largest water sector exhibition held in New Orleans, USA from October 7 to 9, 2024, says News1.
2. But Koreans Don’t Trust the Pipes
Despite the water’s safety at its source, many Koreans hesitate to drink it directly from the tap.
This mistrust comes from concerns about the quality of the pipes that transport the water.
In some older buildings or areas, outdated or rusty pipes are still in use, affecting water quality by the time it reaches the tap.
Additionally, occasional reports of contamination, such as fine dust particles or sediment buildup, make these concerns worse.
As a result, most Koreans rely on filtered water, bottled water, or boiling tap water before drinking.
Water purifiers are a common appliance in Korean homes, and public places often provide filtered or purified water dispensers.
Even in restaurants, it’s typical to see water served from a purifier rather than straight from the tap.
3. Filters, Purifiers, and Subscriptions
To alleviate these concerns, Koreans use additional filtration methods at home.
Most households install water purifiers in the kitchen, either purchasing them or getting rental services that come with monthly subscription fees of about 20 dollars.
Rental companies also offer a service visit every two to six months to clean/change filters.
We even use filters in showers to improve water quality for skin and hair.
It’s easy to install these shower filters since all you need to do is buy one and replace the shower head.
It reduces chlorine and other chemicals, making the water feel softer and less harsh.
When I lived in a new apartment that was built only two years ago, the shower filter I installed turned brown within a month.
4. From Boiling Water to Filters and Bottled Water
Growing up in the 90s and early 2000s, my family always boiled tap water and then made barley tea (보리차) to drink throughout the day. We called that “mul (water)!” Every family had their own water recipe.
It ensured water safety and added a comforting taste to the drinking water.
Today, things have changed.
My parents only drink purified water from a filter installed at home, while I either use a Brita filter or buy bottles of Samdasoo (mineral water from Jeju) from a convenience store.
While tap water in Korea is technically safe, most Koreans use water purifiers or opt for bottled water.
When you visit Korea, you can safely use tap water for brushing your teeth, but if you want to be safer, consider drinking from water purifiers or sticking to bottled water.
