Moving In During a Korean Winter: First-Week Checklist

Moving into a new room in Korea in December or January comes with a few problems you won't have in spring: a boiler you've never used, gas that may not be connected yet, and pipes that can freeze if you get the settings wrong.

Here's a checklist for the days before you move in, moving day itself, and your first week.

Before moving day: ask three questions

• How is the room heated, and who pays for it? Floor heating (ondol) run by a gas boiler is the most common. Ask whether heating is included in the monthly or management fee, or billed separately by usage.
• Is the gas already connected? In a one-room or apartment where you pay your own gas bill, you may need to request a new connection.
• What does the management fee cover? Water, internet, and common-area electricity are often included. Gas and personal electricity often aren't.

Moving day checklist

• Test the heating and hot water first. Turn the boiler controller to heating mode and run the hot water before you unpack.
• Take photos of the room's condition. Walls, floor, windows, bathroom, and any existing damage. Send them to the landlord or agent the same day.
• Find the gas valve and the circuit breaker. You need to know where both are in an emergency.
• Photograph the meters (gas, electricity, water) if you pay those bills yourself.
• Check windows for drafts. Cold air around window frames makes heating much more expensive.

→ You Moved In and Found a Problem: Repairs and Defects in Korea

If the gas needs to be connected

If gas isn't connected, contact the local city gas company to request a connection. A technician usually needs to visit to check the line before the gas is turned on, so book the visit as early as possible and plan to be home. Your landlord or agent can tell you which company serves the building.

Your first week: heating without surprises

• Use "away" mode instead of turning the boiler off when you go out. It keeps the pipes from freezing, and the room warms up faster when you're back.
• On very cold days (around −10°C or below), leave the faucet dripping slightly overnight and keep the windows closed.
• Ventilate for a few minutes each day. Warm rooms with closed windows build up condensation, which leads to mold.
• Be careful with electric heaters. Ask whether they're allowed, turn them off when you go out, and don't plug several devices into one outlet.
• If you smell gas: open the windows, don't touch light switches or anything electrical, close the gas valve, leave the room, and call your landlord and 119.

→ How to Use a Korean Boiler and Ondol Heating: A New Tenant's Guide

Bills to expect in winter

• Heating is the big one. January and February bills can be several times higher than autumn bills, especially in older buildings.
• Ask when and how bills are paid. Some landlords collect utilities together with rent. Others send a separate bill every month.
• Keep your receipts. They're useful if there's ever a dispute when you move out.

Paperwork: report your new address

If you already have an Alien Registration Card (ARC), you must report your change of address within 15 days of moving in. You can do this at your local community service center (주민센터), at an immigration office, or online through HiKorea. You'll need proof of address, such as your lease or a payment receipt in your name.

If you don't have an ARC yet, your address will be part of your ARC application.

→ Your First ARC Appointment: How to Book on HiKorea and What to Bring

Frequently asked questions

Should I turn off the boiler when I leave my room in winter?

No. Use the "away" mode instead. It keeps the pipes from freezing and the room warms up faster when you return.

How do I get gas connected in a new room in Korea?

Contact the local city gas company that serves the building. A technician usually visits to check the line before turning the gas on, so book the visit early.

When do I need to report a new address in Korea?

If you already have an Alien Registration Card, report your change of address within 15 days of moving, at a community service center, an immigration office, or online through HiKorea.

Still looking for a warm, hassle-free room?

If you haven't signed yet, the easiest way to avoid most of this checklist is to choose the right room in the first place. Listings on Checkmate Korea show the heating type and the monthly management fee, and many also show whether you can register your address there, all in English (as well as Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese). Rooms come from licensed real estate agents and registered operators, and our team can answer questions in your language before and after you move in.

Looking for rooms on a student budget? Browse rooms under ₩500,000/month →

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules for address reporting and visas can change; check HiKorea or your local immigration office for your situation.