Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bbud656]

I am starting a job in Korea pretty soon and I have heard from about 6 different people living there that the toilets don't have the same power as we have back in the States. They say that the toilets cant handle TP and they have a garbage to put their used TP in. Is this normal. How does everyone's bathroom not smell terrible?

[NYC_Gal]

If you live in a newer officetel you should be fine. Just don't flush baby wipes or q-tip cotton buds!

[T-J]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=187319&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[balzor]

I have to flush twice every time. No matter the amount I put in

[Steelrails]

Once a week my toilet gets clogged. I use baby wipes tho...

Some of the best toilets here are at the subway stations. Those actually have the loud "whoosh" flush. I'm going to get one of those toilets in my dream home. Along with a urinal so its easy to go during 'rough nites'.

[schwa]

Almost all the toilets here can flush TP no problem, the one in your apartment certainly.

Rarely, you might encounter a rustic set-up that cant, but there'll usually be a sign saying so.

The used paper bins (yes, they stink) are holdovers from when most buildings were on septic systems & paper biodegraded too slowly. Not a problem most places nowadays.

[caribmon]

Once I accidentally flushed an all-purpose abrasive scrubber down the toilet with no problem.

[Donkey Beer]

The toilets are the same as back home. Koreans are scared of overflow so they like to put shit stained toilet paper in the bin- just to be safe.

Solution: purchase a plunger if you're planning on dropping some heavy packages

[Italy37612]

I have never had a problem with the toilets at my school or at home (school is pretty new though, 2.5 years). I always flush the TP down the toilet. I can't can't bring myself to toss it in that garbage can next to the toilet, nasty...

[8 years down]

Toilets are the same as back home. Flush your toilet paper its fine.

And yes you are right, unless there is a cleaning person emptying the bins often, they reek.

I actually use a layer of toilet paper to cover the bin so I don't have to stare at someone's dirty ass-wipe.

[InDaGu]

People who think all the toilets are fine have apparently only been in newer buildings. I live in an older Korean house and have had a plumber here 3 times.
In fact, it has very little to do with the toilet - mine is relatively new - it's more about the plumbing under the house. So, if you live in an older neighborhood, you may very well be putting your paper into a can.

[Steve_Rogers2008]

the tp buckets aren't the real problem as I see it.

it't the "olde school" sh!tters where ya gotta squat to do your "number two" business.... http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dqm-I6fjefo/SIXpiMRLFOI/AAAAAAAAA3U/Po5EetZy6pY/s400/Squat+Toilet.JPG


I avoided them like the plague when I first started, but when push came to shove, I made the great squat forward... let's just say I was grateful my middle school gym teacher made the class play "crab soccer."

I'd make sure to map out the regular toilets in my area, cuz when ya need 'em, the western toilets are pretty nice to have.

[ciccone_youth]

You know what I noticed?

There are sooooo many squat toilets in Japan, as opposed to Korea.

In Korea, I only encountered squat toilets five or six times. In Japan, that's half the time. I was surprised, always thought Japan would be more um, advanced.

[Italy37612]

I think that is Japan's response to the rampant "upper decking" phenomenon in their country.

[jomiro]