Are you planning a trip to South Korea? Or maybe you’re just curious about how to use Korean toilet? No matter your reason, I will help you with all things the South Korean toilet.
When I first traveled to Korea, the complex world of Korean toilets was something that I didn’t know how to handle.
It wasn’t until later that I realized how awkward it could be. That’s why this article saves you from any awkward situation you can face while using Korean toilets.
In short, To use a Korean toilet, you must first squat over it. Then, when you have finished, you will flush it with water by putting your hands under the faucet in front of you. If you need paper towels, they are located next to the toilet bowl at eye level.
How Does a Korean Toilet Work?
The Korean toilet is a strange and wonderful thing. Of course, it’s different from Western toilets—but it’s not as complicated as you might think.
Here’s how it works: when you press a button on the control panel next to the toilet, a seat descends from the wall, and you place your bum. Then, another button will flush your business away (literally). But the best part? You can adjust the temperature of your water before you use it.
This is because Korean toilets are heated by hot water, which prevents any “sit” from getting cold. This feature is handy in winter months when temperatures drop below freezing outside.
For more info read my blog on: How Do Korean Toilets Work | A Detailed Guide
Types Of Toilets In Korea
If you’re visiting Korea and looking for the perfect toilet, let me help you.
There are many exciting types of toilets in this country, and I’ve broken them down into four categories: Korean Bidets, Western Toilets, Squat Toilets, and Electric Bidets.
So if you’re curious about what type of toilet best suits your needs during a trip here (or maybe even at home), read on!
Western Toilets
Western toilets are the most common type of toilet in Korea and many other places worldwide. They are often labeled as “western style” or just “regular” toilets.
Unlike Korean-style toilets, where you generally sit on top of a hole in the ground, western toilets have a standard seat that flushes into a sewage system below.
You also don’t need to squat or hover over your business; instead, you can relax and do it at an appropriate height to properly eliminate waste matter.
This makes these kinds of bathrooms safer than their eastern counterparts. Because they’re less likely to cause injury due to misalignment between body parts during use (or lack thereof).
Western-style toilets also tend to be more comfortable overall than Korean-style ones since there’s no need to lean forward or backward like you do when using a Korean toilet—you can sit back comfortably while doing your business!
Bidet Toilets
Bidet toilets are not very common in Korea, but they are becoming more popular. Bidet toilets are a type of toilet that has a jet of water for cleaning your bottom after you have done your business.
They’re handy for people who suffer from hemorrhoids or other anal fissures, as they can help to relieve some of the pain associated with these issues.
Bidets are also used by women who want to get clean after using the bathroom and by people who have difficulty using toilet paper due to arthritis or other conditions.
Electric Bidets
Look around the next time you’re in a Korean home, hotel, or public bathroom. Chances are good that you’ll see an electric bidet.
They’re so common that they could be considered one of Korea’s most important pieces of technology. But, of course, they’re also commonly found in restaurants and office bathrooms.
So what is an electric bidet? The simple definition is “a toilet with water jets.” But there’s more to it than that:
- Toilet seat warming (for winter)
- Warm water spray for your posterior
- Soap dispenser for showering before use (in case you forgot to bring your own)
- Spray for genital cleaning (men) or other parts of the body that need extra attention
Squat Toilets
This is the most common toilet type in Korea, where you will spend most of your time. This type of toilet is typically found in public restrooms, restaurants, bars, and even some homes.
The squat toilet has been around for centuries, and its design has not changed much. This type of toilet is so popular because it does not require any water or electricity to operate; therefore, it can be found almost anywhere in Korea.
It also uses less water than most other toilets because it only requires about 1 liter per flush.
The smell from a squat toilet can sometimes be decisive if there is no fan. However, this odor will dissipate once it has been flushed out by running water through the pipes underneath each unit’s base plate.
How Do Squat Toilets Work in Korea?
Squat toilets are widespread in Korea, and you may have seen them in other countries.
They are also called “squatting toilets” or “hole-in-the-ground toilets,” which is a pretty apt description of what they look like—a hole with a toilet seat on top.
The hole is usually about 15 inches (38 cm) deep and 20 inches (50 cm) wide, and it’s surrounded by a somewhat shallow rim that’s about 8 inches (20 cm) wide.
Korean squat toilets are typically made of porcelain or stainless steel and are placed in the ground.
Users squat over the toilet and use water to clean themselves, often using a handheld bidet or pouring water from a nearby bucket or basin. Some toilets have footrests for added stability. After use, users should dispose of toilet paper in a nearby bin, as flushing it can cause clogs.
Squatting toilets are usually installed at floor level, so there isn’t much space between them and their surroundings.
Even if there is space between them and their surroundings. It’s not enough for someone else to fit between them without knocking into something first.
How To Use Korean Bidet Toilet
The Korean bidet toilet is a unique and innovative take on toilet hygiene.
It is a unique combination of the standard Western toilet and the traditional washlet bidet.
The Korean bidet toilet uses water pressure to cleanse your bottom while you’re sitting on the toilet.
Because it uses water pressure, it’s not strictly necessary to use soap or any other cleaning product.
However, if you want to use soap, you can add it right into the water tank before using the toilet. There’s even a special nozzle for dispensing soap if need be!
Here’s how:
Step 1: Find the button for spraying water on your butt. It might be labeled with an “S” or “spray.” If not, try pressing all of the buttons and see what happens.
Step 2: Press the button once to get a light spray of water on your butt. Press it again for a more potent spray (make sure not to press too hard, or else you’ll spray yourself in the face).
Step 3: Repeat step 2 until satisfied with the cleanliness of your bum!
How To Use a Korean Squat Toilet
Korean squat toilets are a great way to save on water and paper, and they’re much more sanitary than the average western toilet.
To use a Korean squat toilet, follow these steps:
Step 1: Use your left hand to pull down the chain and flush water into the bowl.
Step 2: Place your right foot on the toilet’s base and squat until your knees are bent at least 90 degrees.
Step 3: Place your left knee on the edge of the toilet seat, then use both hands to stabilize yourself as you lower your body onto the seat.
Step 4: After using the toilet, stand up straight and flush again with water from the faucet above your head to rinse any waste or residue from your body or clothing.
Also Read:
How To Use Bidet Toilet In Italy
Can I Use The Toilet During A Thunderstorm
Extra Tips For Using Korean Toilet
Now, knowing that using a Korean toilet is not that challenging, you must do everything perfectly. So here I am sharing some tips for using the Korean toilet that may help you.
- When you approach a public bathroom, look for signs indicating which gender it is intended for. If there aren’t any signs, you can ask someone nearby if they know which one is which.
- If you’re using a public restroom and see someone who seems to be waiting for their turn, don’t go in unless you have to. The person waiting should go first. If you are trying to go but another person has already entered the stall or urinal, wait until they exit before entering yourself.
- When washing your hands after using the toilet, make sure not to splash water on anyone else or get it on anything other than the sink area.
- Don’t flush paper towels or tissues down the toilet—throw them in the trash!
- Close the lid before sitting down and open it again when you’re done.
- Always cover the toilet seat before use. This is a common courtesy and also prevents you from getting sick.
- Korean toilets are typically very high-tech. You’ll often find buttons for everything from bidet options to heated seats, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Also Read:
Do Korean Use Toilet Paper or Water?
Conclusion
I hope this blog has given you a better understanding of how to use Korean toilet. Using the Korean toilet will be a breeze if you take the time to learn these tips and proper ways.
Despite how common knowledge this is to us, many Westerners are not aware of these simple things that make the Korean toilet experience more pleasant.
I am sure this guide will help make your next trip more accessible and enjoyable.