As for going out and about in Seoul - when we go out to eat, every restaurant has water coolers, so I really don't worry too much about it and we eat out all the time in all types of restaurants from 5 stars to places that would have been closed down by the health department if they were in the US . All in all I think the water is fine. I just like to take a little extra precaution and get my drinking water from the cooler. I still cook with water from the faucet and we have not died or gotten sick from it in the almost 2 years we have lived here. OH, and I eat street food, so really, I think you will be fine.
I tried to do a little research for you and I found this on the web at this website ~
The Problem
The hot water in Black Hawk Village is brown. We consume twice as much water because of having to run it until it clears before using it.
Recommendation
Replace all piping in Black Hawk Village.
OPR
Housing – Carol Jones
Required Actions
Provide a detailed timeline with projected completion of renovation project in each unit in Black Hawk Village.
Progress
The replacement of all piping in Black Hawk Village is performed during the total renovation of these buildings. Currently 11 buildings in Black Hawk Village have been renovated with 5 buildings remaining. The next building in Black Hawk Village to be renovated is 5522. This renovation will start in Jun/Jul 09 timeframe. The Korea Housing Management & Maintenance Office is renovating 2 buildings per year. In FY08 a contract was awarded by the government to replace all the main water lines feeding into Black Hawk Village, Eagle Grove, and Itaewon Acres. This work was completed in the summer of 2008.All waterlines have been replaced including the main line going to each boiler room, the branch line going to each building, and the main line under each building. However, the pipes inside un-renovated buildings have not been replaced so they could cause some water discoloration. Residents experiencing this problem are advised to run the water for a couple of minutes until it runs clear. Residents who experience persistent brown water should contact Housing Office so a site survey can be performed and corrective action taken. Partial or total piping replacement can be performed while units are occupied. STAFF POSITON: DPW and Housing will continue to work with KOHOMM to ensure building renovations are performed. Housing will ensure that interim piping replacement is performed in individual units if warranted. Carol Jones, Chief, Housing Division.
Status
Active