Suspected gas leak
If you smell gas, one small spark causes an explosion. Switch nothing on.
Do this immediately, in order
- Don't light anything and don't touch switches. Switching on or off both create sparks.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate.
- Close the gas valve — only if you can reach it safely.
- Get outside.
- Call 119 and the gas company from outside. Do not use your phone inside.
Never do this
- Operating light or fan switches
- Using your phone indoors
- Lighters, matches, igniting the stove
- Using the lift
- Pressing doorbells — knock on doors to alert neighbours.
What it smells like
City gas and LPG have a deliberate smell like garlic or rotten eggs. That smell means a leak.
LPG is heavier than air and pools at floor level; city gas is lighter and rises. Bear that in mind when ventilating.
If you have a headache or dizziness
This may be carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Open windows and get outside immediately.
- Call 119 and go to hospital.
- Carbon monoxide is odourless and kills people in their sleep. Suspect it especially after using winter heaters. See winter-support.
Day to day
- Only use gas after a safety inspection. See utilities-setup.
- Brush soapy water on hose and valve joints occasionally to check for bubbles.
- Get into the habit of closing the intermediate valve before going out or to bed.
- A carbon monoxide alarm is worth having.
Where to go
- 119 fire, rescue and emergency
- Your local city gas company (the number is on the bill)
- 1544-4500 Korea Gas Safety Corporation
- 1577-1366 · 1345 interpretation
Questions people ask
The boiler won't light and there's a smell. Don't keep trying to ignite it. Ventilate and call the gas company from outside.
The smell is coming from next door. Knock on the door to alert them (never the doorbell) and report to 119 from outside.
I can't report it in Korean. 119 connects to multilingual interpretation. Say "gas" or "가스" and give the address.
I don't know where the valve is. Ask the management office or gas company in advance and note the location. It is hard to find in an emergency.
Take care
Smelling gas and switching on a light "to check" is the most common cause of explosions. If you smell it, touch nothing, open the windows and leave. Checking is for professionals.
Related
fire-emergency · utilities-setup · winter-support · call-119
Source
Korea Gas Safety Corporation www.kgs.or.kr / As of 2026-08