1. There are 2 kinds: Western/throne and Asian/hole-in-the-floor. Most places have both, but some have one or the other. Most newer buildings have just the Western style (which is fine by me). To use the 'hole' squat facing the 'hood' (men, you'll figure out why there is a hood in about 2 seconds). Some say it is anatomically more correct to squat...for us Westerners it's a little brutal at first--especially after some soju!
2. Privacy is an option. Many washrooms do not have the usual privacy walls or layout that we see in the West. People walking by can often look right into it (and the urinal area)...this why the ladies room is usually first down the hall or in another part of the floor/building (they don't need to worry about walking past us guys). Heck, at Hangang Park there are special urinal outhouses that have as little as a thin cloth between you and the great outdoors/everyone's eyes!
Men, don't be surprised if an ajuma (older Korean lady) comes in the room also. These gals seem to have seen everything and almost go so far as to change the soap cakes in front of you! A little unnerving at first, but you get used to it (I guess).
3. Toilet paper (TP) is an option at some locations. I don't know why, but some restrooms (especially public ones like at the subway) may have either (i) a (free) TP dispenser OUTSIDE the stalls or (ii) a PAY TP dispenser outside the stalls or outside the restrooms--another reason to always have a few hundred won in coins with you at all times. Be sure you have a supply in there with you before you set yourself down! If you get in a jam, the magic words are "Tee-shoe ju-say-o" (Tissue please).
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on Apr 13, 2004
