🚽 Korean Toilet Culture: Squat Toilets, Bidets, and Public Restrooms

Using the bathroom in Korea might surprise first-time visitors. From high-tech bidets to traditional squat toilets, the variety reflects both modern innovation and cultural history. Here’s what you should know about navigating restrooms in Korea.

1. Types of Toilets in Korea

Squat Toilets (쪼그려 앉는 화장실): Occasionally found in older facilities and remote locations, but becoming rare.
Western-Style Toilets: Widely used across homes, malls, cafes, and offices.
Bidet Toilets (비데): Found in hotels, apartments, and airports—they often include features like heated seats, cleansing options, and even music.

2. Public Bathroom Etiquette

🛋 Public toilets are free to use, including in subway stations, shopping malls, and major buildings.
🧼 Almost all restrooms provide toilet paper, soap, and hand dryers.
🏧 Toilets in homes might provide bathroom slippers—switch to them while inside.
🌟 You can enter restrooms in department stores, cafes, and even convenience stores without needing to ask or buy anything.

3. Useful Korean Phrases

화장실이 어디에요?
Hwajangsil-i eodieyo?
Where is the restroom?

이 층에 화장실이 있어요?
I cheung-e hwajangsili isseoyo?
Is there a restroom on this floor?

휴지가 비치되어 있나요?
Hyujiga bichi doeeo innayo?
Is toilet paper provided?

화장실이 정말 깨끗해요!
Hwajangsili jeongmal kkaekkeuthaeyo!
The restroom is very clean!

가장 가까운 화장실이 어디에요?
Gajang gakkaun hwajangsil-i eodieyo?
Where is the nearest restroom?

4. Extra Tips for Travelers

Use KakaoMap or Naver Map to search “화장실” (restroom). Most subway stations and malls have well-maintained facilities.
Accessible restrooms are labeled with universal icons (e.g., ♀, ♂, ♿).
Airports, department stores, and bus terminals tend to have the cleanest and most modern bathrooms.

5. Did You Know?

🧻 Most public restrooms in Korea are free to use and very clean. Unlike some countries that charge for restroom access or require you to bring your own supplies, Korean restrooms in subway stations, parks, department stores, and even convenience stores usually offer toilet paper, soap, and hand dryers—all for free.

Many visitors are surprised at the availability and quality of these facilities. The Korean government even provides maps and apps to help locate clean public restrooms.