Water supply rates to rise by 7%
Sewage rates to increase by 8% for combined systems and 12% for separate systems
Gangneung City in Gangwon Province (Mayor Kim Hongkyu) will increase water and sewage charges starting from the January 2026 billing cycle.
Gangneung City, Water and Sewage Charges to Increase Starting from January 2026 Billing Notice. Provided by Gangneung City
This rate hike is being implemented to secure the necessary funds for upgrading aging facilities, ensuring a clean and stable water supply, and providing safe sewage treatment. The city has been gradually increasing water and sewage charges over a three-year period since 2024.
The increase rates are set at up to 7% for water supply, 8% for combined sewage systems, and 12% for separate sewage systems, with an average increase of about 10%. When the 2026 rates are applied, a household using an average of 15 tons (㎥) of tap water per month will see their monthly bill rise by 2,240 won, from 24,900 won to 27,140 won.
A Gangneung City official stated, "Through this increase in water and sewage charges, we will improve aging facilities and do our utmost to provide citizens with cleaner and more stable tap water," and added, "We ask for the broad understanding and cooperation of all citizens."
Meanwhile, starting from the January 2026 billing cycle, Gangneung City will expand the eligibility for water and sewage bill reductions for households with multiple children, lowering the requirement from three or more children to two or more. The city is also actively working to improve the operation of existing reduction programs.
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