Using the John

It actually took us a few months to discover our first "squat" toilet in Korea. It was in late October, on a day trip to Suwon from Suyu and I remember thinking "I AM NOT using that". Before that most public toilets we'd seen were western-style. I know, especially for the ladies, the quality of the washroom can make-or-break a restaraunt or bar. That's why I've decided to dedicate this post to something we all have in common- the washroom.

Many of the bathrooms in Korea are unisex, especially in Bars. The above picture is of me and Dayna (that's her hand on the stall door) in the same washroom at Beergarten in Suwon. At least in the Beergarten washrooms the urinal is around the corner from the stalls, but in most public unisex bathrooms a lady can bump into quite a surprise when she emerges from the stall.

Meanwhile, the washrooms at Bennigans are beautiful, and there's a sign to prove it. In korea, the janitors are almost always female, and they will not hesitate to clean the bathroom while you are using it (male or female). It is not uncommon to find an ajumma mopping between your legs while standing at the urinal.

This bathroom at the park across from our apartment building promises a classic western toilet for your bathroom needs. Another insteresting thing about washrooms in Korea is that the toilet paper is usually not provided, or if it is it's usually outside of the stall. You grab how much you need and then proceed. And if you didn't notice until it's too late, you're screwed!


Unfortunately, this is what the subway station washrooms usually look like. Most public bathrooms here are no worse than they are at home, but the stations are generally disgusting!! I'm not sure why the guy had to take off his shoes, but he did leave both pairs there.