Foreign tourists are once again praising an unexpected part of life in South Korea its public restrooms. “I just came back from a trip to South Korea, and I experienced cultural shock. Public restrooms are clean and free!”
This comment, posted recently on Reddit, one of the largest English-language online communities, has gone viral, garnering over 700 upvotes in five days.
While Koreans may take clean and accessible public toilets for granted, many foreigners see them as a unique travel experience and even a symbol of Korea’s world-class public infrastructure. Some travel websites now list “visiting Korean public restrooms” as part of cultural sightseeing.
One Reddit user wrote, “There are clean, free restrooms everywhere in parks, subway stations, and even in food courts and office buildings. That surprised me the most.”
Another traveler offered advice to future visitors: “Outdoor restrooms vary in quality, but if you want the best experience, use subway restrooms. The newer the station, the better the facilities especially along Line 9.”
For some foreigners, Korean restrooms have become part of their travel itinerary. American travel blogger Hallie Bradley, who runs Soul of Seoul since 2006, described them as “a fascinating blend of old tradition and cutting-edge modernity.”
“From vintage-style public toilets in Hongdae to luxurious ones inside department stores, using the restroom in Korea can feel like an adventure in itself,” she wrote in her guide.
Experts say the fascination comes from infrastructure disparity. A European Redditor commented, “In my country, most public toilets are neglected or charge fees. You often have to pay, even for poorly maintained ones.”
Indeed, across Europe, paid public toilets remain common. Renowned travel writer Rick Steves noted that, “Pay toilets are a long-standing European custom. You’ll often pay about €0.50 to use one at train stations or tourist sites, and sometimes even for toilet paper.”
Meanwhile, in the United States, most public restrooms are free, but poorly maintained. According to global restroom supplier QS Supply’s 2021 ranking, the U.S. ranked only 30th worldwide, tied with Botswana. There are just eight public toilets per 100,000 people, and weak water pressure in school restrooms remains a common complaint.
Even The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted the issue, stating, “American cities are facing a public restroom crisis.”
In South Korea, public restrooms are primarily maintained by local governments under the Public Toilets Act. The law strictly defines the required number of stalls for men and women, accessibility standards, and even wastewater treatment criteria ensuring hygiene and convenience nationwide.
As a result, Korea’s restrooms are not just facilities they’re a quiet but powerful reflection of the country’s civic pride and social responsibility.
For many travelers, what started as a simple restroom visit has become one more reason to fall in love with Korea.
“In Korea, even going to the bathroom feels safe, modern, and cared for,” one tourist concluded.
Sources: Nate
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