Yes — Korean tap water (called Arisu in Seoul) meets WHO drinking standards and is safe. That said, most locals drink filtered or bottled water by habit. Bottled water costs about ₩1,000 at any convenience store.
Restaurants serve free filtered water (often barley tea) as standard, and free purifiers are common in hotels, malls and subway stations for refilling a bottle.
🙋 People also ask
Is the tap water safe to drink in restaurants in Korea?
Yes. Restaurants serve free filtered water (jeongsugi) or barley tea at no charge, and it's perfectly safe to drink. You'll usually find a self-serve water dispenser and cups near the entrance or at your table.
Can I drink tap water in Busan and other cities outside Seoul?
Yes, tap water is safe nationwide, though only Seoul brands its supply as Arisu. Busan (Soombyeon) and other cities meet the same Ministry of Environment standards, so it's fine to drink everywhere, including Jeju and rural towns.
Where can I refill a water bottle for free in Korea?
Look for free water dispensers in subway stations, convenience stores like GS25 and CU, cafes, and most public buildings. Many parks and tourist spots also have eumsudae (drinking fountains), so a reusable bottle saves you the roughly ₩1,000 per bottle.
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