How to Find Public Toilets in Korea: 8 Tips for Travelers

Finding a restroom can suddenly become very important when you're traveling in a new country.

In Korea, toilets are available in many subway stations, train stations, shopping malls, tourist attractions, and other public facilities. But if it's your first time visiting Korea, you may not always know where to look.

You might also wonder whether convenience stores have toilets, whether you can use a restroom at a café, or whether a subway restroom is located inside or outside the ticket gates.

Here are 8 useful things to know about finding and using toilets in Korea.

---

1. Check Subway Stations First

If you need a restroom while traveling around Korea, a nearby subway station is often a good place to check.

Many subway stations have toilets available for passengers and visitors.

Look for signs showing “화장실,” “Toilet,” or the 🚻 symbol and follow the arrows.

---

2. Check Whether the Toilet Is Inside or Outside the Ticket Gates

Restrooms are not located in exactly the same place at every subway station.

At some stations, you may find them before passing through the ticket gates. At others, they may be located inside the paid area.

If you need a restroom urgently, check the signs before going through the gate.

If you can't find it, asking station staff is usually the easiest option.

---

3. Try Train Stations, Shopping Malls, and Large Public Facilities

If there isn't a subway station nearby, look for a train station, department store, shopping mall, large supermarket, or tourist facility.

These larger facilities often have restrooms and usually have clear signs showing where they are located.

Remembering this can be useful when you're exploring an unfamiliar neighborhood.

4. Don't Assume Every Convenience Store Has a Toilet

Convenience stores are everywhere in Korea, but not every convenience store has a restroom available for customers.

Depending on the building, the restroom may be located outside the store or in a shared area of the building.

Some locations may not provide customer access at all.

So if you urgently need a restroom, don't rely only on finding the nearest convenience store.

---

5. Café and Restaurant Toilets May Be Outside the Store

Some cafés and restaurants have restrooms inside, but smaller businesses sometimes use a shared restroom elsewhere in the building.

The restroom might be in a hallway, on another floor, or require instructions or an access code from the staff.

If you can't find it, try asking:

“화장실 어디예요?”
(Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?)
= “Where is the restroom?”

This is a very useful Korean phrase to remember while traveling.

---

6. Use a Map App to Search for Public Toilets

If you can't see a restroom nearby, try searching for “공중화장실” (public toilet) using a map app on your phone.

This may help you locate nearby public restrooms or facilities that have toilets.

Keep in mind that opening hours and access conditions can vary, especially late at night, so check the latest information when possible.

 

---

7. You May See Electronic Bidets

In hotels, shopping malls, public facilities, and other buildings, you may come across toilets equipped with electronic bidets.

The control panel can look complicated if you've never used one before.

Don't worry—you don't need to use every function.

Bidet designs and features vary depending on the facility.

---

8. Follow the Signs for Toilet Paper Disposal

In many toilets in Korea, used toilet paper can be flushed down the toilet.

However, some facilities may have specific disposal instructions, so always follow any signs posted inside the restroom.

Wet wipes, sanitary products, and other trash should not be flushed down the toilet.

---

Need a Toilet in Korea? Remember These Tips

Finding a restroom in Korea doesn't have to be difficult.

Remember:

Check subway stations · Follow toilet signs · Look for large public facilities · Don't assume every convenience store has a toilet · Use a map app

And if you need help, remember this simple Korean phrase:

“화장실 어디예요?”
(Hwajangsil eodiyeyo?)
“Where is the restroom?”

It may turn out to be one of the most useful Korean phrases you learn during your trip.

---

🇰🇷 Korean Version

Want to read this article in Korean?

👉 READ THE KOREAN VERSION HERE