South Korea Uses 1.2x More AC Than Japan, Pays Half the Electricity Bill

Despite experiencing higher average temperatures and humidity, South Korean households use air conditioners significantly more than in many developed nations, yet bear substantially lower electricity costs for cooling. Data indicates that South Korea's per capita cooling electricity consumption in 2022 was 191.5 kWh, about 1.2 times higher than Japan's 160.2 kWh in the same period.

When compared to other major countries, the disparity widens. South Korea's per capita cooling demand is 1.5 times that of Italy, 2.4 times that of Spain, and five times that of France. The usage is a remarkable 12 times higher than in Germany. This increased usage is attributed to South Korea's hot and humid summers, which necessitate longer air conditioner operating hours compared to the drier summers in Europe.

However, the financial burden on South Korean consumers remains remarkably low. For a typical four-person household consuming an average of 419 kWh for cooling during July and August, the electricity bill in South Korea amounts to approximately 77,760 won (around $58 USD). In stark contrast, Japan's bill for the same consumption is 165,983 won (about $125 USD), the United States' is 193,848 won (about $145 USD), and Germany's reaches 230,149 won (about $175 USD).

Even Hong Kong, known for relatively lower electricity prices, charges 108,441 won (about $81 USD) for the same usage, which is 1.4 times higher than South Korea's cost. This significant difference in electricity pricing for cooling suggests a substantial subsidy or a different rate structure in South Korea compared to other nations.