How do toilets work in South Korea? – Easy Tips

Toilets in South Korea: A Comprehensive Guide

South Korea is known for its advanced technology and cleanliness, and its toilets are a reflection of these attributes. Here’s an overview of what to expect from South Korean toilets, including information on flushing toilet paper, the use of squat toilets, the availability of public restrooms, and how to ask for a toilet in Korea.

Types of Toilets

1. Western-Style Toilets

• Description: Most public and private restrooms in South Korea feature modern Western-style toilets. These toilets are equipped with various amenities such as bidets, heated seats, and even built-in dryers in some cases.
• Bidet Features: The bidet function is particularly popular and allows users to clean themselves with a gentle stream of water. Controls for the bidet are usually located on the side of the toilet or on a nearby panel.

2. Squat Toilets

• Description: Squat toilets, also known as “Asian-style” or “squat-style” toilets, are less common but still present in some older buildings, rural areas, and traditional establishments. These toilets require users to squat rather than sit.
• Usage: To use a squat toilet, position yourself over the seat and aim to avoid stepping on the surrounding area. Squat toilets are often found in older public restrooms and are sometimes used in traditional settings.

Flushing Toilet Paper

• Is it OK to flush toilet paper in Korea?
• Yes, it is generally OK to flush toilet paper in South Korea. Modern plumbing systems are designed to handle toilet paper, and most Western-style toilets have no issues with flushing it. However, in some older buildings or rural areas, you might find signs instructing you to dispose of toilet paper in a bin next to the toilet instead. This is due to the older plumbing systems that may not handle paper as well.

Public Restrooms

• Availability: South Korea has a well-maintained network of public restrooms throughout the country. You can find public restrooms in places like shopping malls, subway stations, parks, and tourist attractions. These facilities are typically clean and well-stocked.
• Facilities: Public restrooms often include both Western-style and squat toilets, with Western-style toilets being more common in urban areas. Many public restrooms are equipped with soap, hand dryers or paper towels, and sanitary bins.

Asking for a Toilet

• How do you ask for a toilet in Korea?
• If you need to ask for a toilet in South Korea, you can use the following phrases:
  • “화장실 어디에 있어요?” (Hwajangsil eodie isseoyo?) – “Where is the bathroom?”
  • “화장실 가도 돼요?” (Hwajangsil gado dwaeyo?) – “May I go to the bathroom?”
• In tourist areas and larger establishments, staff members are often accustomed to helping English-speaking visitors and can provide directions to the nearest restroom.

Conclusion

South Korea offers a range of toilet facilities that reflect its commitment to cleanliness and modernity. Whether you encounter a high-tech Western-style toilet or a more traditional squat toilet, you’ll find that using the restroom in Korea is generally straightforward and hassle-free. Public restrooms are widely available and well-maintained, and asking for directions to a toilet is simple with a few useful phrases.