Seoul's tourism site says most toilets in the city are Western-style seated ones, though Asian-style squat toilets can still be found.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Seoul
Toilet Index: what to expect from toilets abroad
South Korea
What to remember
- Toilet paperExpect no paper bin in public toilet stalls: a rule since January 2018 bars one, as water-soluble paper is in common use.Where this applies: Public toilets (rule in force from 1 January 2018)
- Good to knowA March 2019 newspaper found bins still in some park, rest-stop and office-building toilets despite the rule. Follow any sign in the stall.Varies by venueWhere this applies: Toilets in parks, highway rest stops and a Yeouido office building, as reported in March 2019
- Sit or squatNational rules require an indicator on each stall door showing whether the stall is in use and what type of toilet it is.Where this applies: Public toilets
Sources: 행정안전부 (Ministry of the Interior and Safety), 행정자치부 (Ministry of Public Administration and Security, now the Ministry of the Interior and Safety); page hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, 법제처 국가법령정보센터 (Ministry of Government Legislation, Korea Law Information Center), 세계일보 (Segye Ilbo), newspaper report
Sit or squat
National rules require an indicator on each stall door showing whether the stall is in use and what type of toilet it is.
Where this applies: Public toilets
National rules allow both squat and seated toilets, to suit each site and its users, so either may turn up.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Public toilets
Every restroom in Incheon Airport's passenger terminals has at least one accessible stall (장애인 전용화장실).
Where this applies: Incheon International Airport passenger terminals
If you need a seat: Seoul's tourism site says most toilets in the city are seated, with some squat toilets remaining. The sign on each stall door should show the toilet type. Incheon Airport's terminal restrooms each have an accessible stall.
Accessible toilets: not covered yet.
Toilet paper
Paper supplied
Seoul Metro station restrooms have toilet paper provided; the operator asks you to use a moderate amount (2017 notice; may be out of date).
Where this applies: Seoul Metro stations, Lines 1 to 8 (operator notice of July 2017)
Where it goes
In Seoul Metro Lines 5 to 8 restrooms, flush used paper. Sanitary items go in the collection box; other rubbish goes in the bin by the sink.
Where this applies: Seoul Metro Lines 5 to 8 (operator notice of March 2015)
Seoul Metro announced in July 2017 that restrooms at all Line 1 to 8 stations would have no bin beside the toilet.
Where this applies: Seoul Metro stations, Lines 1 to 8 (operator notice of July 2017)
Expect no paper bin in public toilet stalls: a rule since January 2018 bars one, as water-soluble paper is in common use.
Where this applies: Public toilets (rule in force from 1 January 2018)
Women's stalls have a sanitary-product box instead. Accessible stalls and stalls with a baby-changing table may keep a bin.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Public toilets
A March 2019 newspaper found bins still in some park, rest-stop and office-building toilets despite the rule. Follow any sign in the stall.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Toilets in parks, highway rest stops and a Yeouido office building, as reported in March 2019
Water and controls
National rules require flush toilets in public toilets, except where water or sewer services are lacking.
Where this applies: Public toilets
Incheon Airport's accessible restrooms have push-button automatic doors, emergency bells and sensor-operated flushing.
Where this applies: Incheon International Airport passenger terminals, accessible restrooms
Fees and access
Seoul's tourism site says most of the city's public restrooms are free of charge.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Seoul
National law recognises paid toilets, where the operator may charge users. It does not set a fee here.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Public toilets designated as paid toilets
Restroom outside the gates? A July 2023 Seoul pilot waived the base fare for re-entering the same station within 10 minutes by transit card. This was a one-year pilot, so the rule may have changed since.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Seoul subway lines named in the 2023 announcement; transit cards only; a one-year pilot from 1 July 2023
Where it varies
Three Seoul community centres renovated in 2021 turned the accessible restroom into a multi-purpose one for disabled people, older adults and families.
Varies by venueWhere this applies: Three Seoul community service centres renovated in 2021
Baby-changing tables are required in the men's and women's restrooms at rest stops, stations, airports, libraries and similar sites.
Where this applies: Public toilets at rest stops, stations, airports, libraries and similar facilities
Sources
- Seoul Tourism Organization (Visit Seoul)Miscellaneous (Restrooms)
- 행정안전부 (Ministry of the Interior and Safety)공중화장실 제도의 이해
- 인천국제공항공사 (Incheon International Airport Corporation)교통약자 동반
- 서울교통공사 (Seoul Metro), announcement on the Seoul city news site 내 손안에 서울지하철 1~4호선도 '변기 옆 휴지통' 없어져요
- 서울도시철도공사 (Seoul Metro), announcement on the Seoul city news site 내 손안에 서울4월부터 5~8호선 지하철 화장실 내 휴지통이 사라집니다
- 행정자치부 (Ministry of Public Administration and Security, now the Ministry of the Interior and Safety); page hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety공중화장실에는 휴지통이 없다
- 법제처 국가법령정보센터 (Ministry of Government Legislation, Korea Law Information Center)공중화장실 등에 관한 법률 시행령 제개정이유 (2017.5.8. 일부개정, 2018.1.1. 시행)
- 세계일보 (Segye Ilbo), newspaper report공중화장실 휴지통 금지 시행 후 현장 (2019-03-16)
- 서울특별시 (Seoul Metropolitan Government)7월부터 지하철 10분 안에 다시 타면 무료…유의사항은?
- 서울특별시 디자인정책과 (Seoul Metropolitan Government, Design Policy Division)서울시 공중화장실 유니버설디자인 개선 (문화분야 누리집)
- Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentSeoul Integrates Universal Design into Public Restrooms
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