What should you do if you suddenly get a stomachache and need to use the restroom urgently while traveling in Seoul? Today, I’d like to write a post about how to use public restrooms in Seoul. Since I live in Seoul, I haven’t often had to look for a public restroom in a hurry. However, when I talk to foreign friends, they mention that while using public restrooms in Seoul is convenient, the wait times can be long in crowded places, or they aren’t very clean. So, here’s how to use a clean restroom in Seoul comfortably without feeling self-conscious! Let’s get started.
If you visit major tourist areas in Seoul, you will find public restrooms. Unlike in other countries, they are not locked, and you don’t have to pay; anyone can use them comfortably. Seoul isn’t stingy when it comes to restrooms. However, not every place is clean. The fact that anyone can use them also implies that maintaining them is difficult. While the staff in Seoul strive to keep restrooms clean, there may be some travelers who find them dirty. This post includes helpful tips for finding a clean restroom of your own for those of you who need one, so please read until the end.
The Easiest Public Restrooms to Find in Seoul
The easiest way to find a public restrooms in Seoul is to head to a subway station. Almost every station has a public restroom. I, too, frequently use subway station restrooms when I suddenly get a stomachache during my commute. However, the locations of restrooms vary from station to station, so they can sometimes be difficult to find. Also, at large stations with many transfer lines, like DDP Station, you might have to walk quite a distance to reach the restroom. Even though they are easy to find, these downsides exist.
If you suddenly need to use the restroom while using the subway, press the emergency bell at the turnstile (as shown in the photo above) and tell a station attendant that you need to use the restroom; they will open the gate for you. However, if you dislike this hassle, you can learn a different method by reading “Wrong Direction? Try using the Seoul subway 15-minute rule“.
Here is a tip!
When using a subway station restroom, you must be careful to check if there is toilet paper inside the stall before entering. Sometimes, the toilet paper runs out, or it is placed outside the stall, so please be mindful of this! Just in case, I always carry extra toilet paper in my bag.
When you are in a hurry, look for the largest building nearby!
If you are touring commercial districts like Gwanghwamun, Yeouido, or Gangnam, finding a nearby Starbucks or Twosome Place to use the restroom is one option. However, you might need to drink coffee, or the line might be long. In that case, look for the largest building in the vicinity. You will likely see a small blue sign on the exterior wall of a large building that reads “Public Restroom.”(개방화장실) In Seoul, large buildings of five stories or more always have public restrooms on the first floor. Subsidies are provided to building owners to open their restrooms to the public.
Most large buildings use the first floor as a spacious lobby, and the restrooms are located there. Finding this is exactly the method I frequently use when I need to use a public restrooms in Seoul. Since most large buildings house major corporations, the restrooms are well-maintained. Occasionally, you can even find places equipped with bidets, just like in a hotel. The method I introduced today for finding clean restrooms in Seoul is exactly this.
Public Restroom Map Provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government
Seoul is a smarter city than any other. Naturally, you can view information and data regarding public restrooms in Seoul on your mobile phone. You can check this directly on the Smart Seoul Map. The map displays public restrooms available for regular, scheduled, or temporary use in each area. Clicking on the restroom icon on the map provides detailed information, directions, and Street View. If you find yourself in the middle of Bukchon Hanok Village and urgently need a restroom, simply open this webpage. You can use a nearby restroom without any worries.
Precautions When Using Public Restrooms
In crowded areas like Yeonnam-dong or Seongsu-dong, restrooms may be locked. In such cases, enter a cafe, order a cup of coffee, and inform the staff of the password if you wish to use the restroom. Alternatively, the restroom password may be written on the wall.
When I visited the Paul Bassett on the first floor of the Koreana Hotel in Gwanghwamun, the password was written on the wall, so I was able to use the restroom after ordering coffee. You can use the restroom by unlocking the digital door lock with the provided password. If you need to use a restroom at a cafe or restaurant in Yeonnam-dong, check out Best places to eat in Yeonnam-dong (Personally paid for by travelers).
Here is a tip!
- Don’t panic if there is no trash can inside the stall. You can simply flush it down the toilet.
- In crowded areas, the line for women’s restrooms can be much longer than for men’s. Please keep this in mind.
Today, I wrote a post about great tips for finding and using public restrooms in Seoul. Even when traveling abroad, one of the things I consider most important is the restroom. This is because failing to take care of bodily needs can ruin a trip. If you suddenly get a stomachache while eating street food in Seoul, or need to use the restroom urgently at a famous tourist spot, using the methods I’ve shared will allow you to travel comfortably without worry. I will return next time with even more useful information.
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