Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS)
21. July 2023
This article primarily describes the KGS authority. For more detailed information on the KGS certification process, please see the KGS Factory Registration page.
KGS Korea
The Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS) is a governmental organization subordinated under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE). Gas safety regulations in Korea started in 1974 with the enactment of the Compressed Gas Control Law. In 1995 the High-Pressure Gas Safety Institute was founded and after several reorganizations, in 2001 the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (KGS) was first established.
One year later KGS became affiliated with MOTIE. KGS was accredited as a Korean notified inspection body in 2003.
Its responsibilities and functions derive from different regulations relevant for the gas and high-pressure industry, namely the High-Pressure Gas Safety Management Law, the LP Gas Safety and Business Management Law, the City Gas Business Law and since 2020 also the Hydrogen Economy Promotion and Hydrogen Safety Management Act (Hydrogen Act).
Gas related regulations and laws in Korea
One very important function of KGS lies in the preparation of drafts for gas related regulations and laws.
Other main roles are in the area of certification of gas equipment and the inspection of gas equipment.
KGS carries out audits of gas facilities and petrochemical sites.
Furthermore, KGS also examines gas appliances, like gas boilers, and inspects pressure equipment manufacturers (cylinders, storage tanks and valves).
Certain products require high pressure and gas products require product certification, which is regulated by KGS.
For a detailed summary including relevant products and approval process, see the KGS Certification page.
Implementation of KCs certifications
KGS is also accredited to conduct KCs certifications and testing of explosion-proof electrical equipment.
In case of gas incidents, KGS is responsible for investigating, publishing reports and implementing prevention plans.
Additional prevention work consists of publicity campaigns around gas safety and the training of public servants and industry professionals on the newest methods and technologies for improving gas safety.
To that end, KGS also has a research and development center that is dedicated to the improvement pf gas safety through new technologies.
