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How to find a public toilet in Seoul

TRAVEL TIPS · UPDATED OCT 20, 2026

Seoul

5,703 public toilets (Jan 2026), free

Fastest

The nearest subway station

Re-entry

Tap back in free within 15 minutes, same station

Search

화장실 (hwa-jang-sil) on Naver Map or KakaoMap

Open in Google Maps♡ Save

Seoul has 5,703 public toilets, but many are inside buildings or missing from Google Maps. Where the subway station toilets are, how the free 15-minute re-entry works, and which apps to search.

Gusan Station, 2013 · Photo: 쉰지식인 (CC BY 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Why toilets are hard to find in Seoul

1. MAPSOften missing on Google Maps

   Seoul publishes its public toilet locations as open data, but that data isn't necessarily linked to Google Maps, which most tourists use.

2. INSIDEMany are inside buildings

   The count includes private buildings that open their toilets to the public, and the entrance or floor often isn't marked outside.

3. LOCKEDSome doors are locked

   Some toilets listed as public have locked doors, so you can't always walk straight in.

Subway station toilets (our picks for tourists)

1. MYEONGDONGMyeongdong Station (Line 4): inside the fare gates

   Seoul Metro lists the station toilet on B1, toward exits 2–8, inside the gates. Open 05:00–24:00.

   서울특별시 중구 퇴계로 지하126 명동역CopyGoogle Maps
2. GYEONGBOKGUNGGyeongbokgung Station (Line 3): inside the fare gates

   On B2, in the concourse inside the gates (near exit 3 side). Handy right before or after the palace.

   서울특별시 종로구 사직로 지하130 경복궁역CopyGoogle Maps
3. HONGDAEHongik Univ. Station (Line 2): outside the fare gates

   On the B1 concourse next to exit 2, before the gates. No ticket needed; if you're riding, tap out and use the 15-minute free re-entry.

   서울특별시 마포구 양화로 지하160 홍대입구역CopyGoogle Maps
4. SEONGSUSeongsu Station (Line 2): outside the fare gates

   On the 2nd-floor concourse on the exit 2 side (Seongsu is an above-ground station).

   서울특별시 성동구 아차산로 100 성수역CopyGoogle Maps

How the free 15-minute re-entry works

1. 1Tap out at the gate

   Use the toilet outside the gates.

2. 2Tap back in within 15 minutes

   At the same station, on the same line, with the same prepaid or postpaid transit card (T-money etc.). It counts as a transfer, not a new fare.

3. LIMITSSingle-journey tickets and commuter passes don't qualify

   Seoul introduced this in July 2023 (10 minutes) and extended it to 15 minutes from October 7, 2023.

No station nearby?

1. GO UP1st-floor toilet locked? Try the 2nd or 3rd floor

   A tip shared in online traveler communities.

2. BIG STORESDepartment stores and big malls

   Our tip: the easiest clean option in shopping areas.

3. MAP APPSSearch 화장실 on Naver Map or KakaoMap

   Our tip: try this when Google shows nothing nearby.

4. APPToilet-finder apps, e.g. KORE

   Shows toilets near your location with user ratings. One example, not an endorsement.

Say it in Korean (show this screen)

1. SAYWhere is the toilet?

   hwa-jang-sil eo-di-ye-yo?

   화장실 어디예요?Copy
2. SAYCan I use the toilet?

   hwa-jang-sil sseo-do dwae-yo?

   화장실 써도 돼요?Copy
3. SAYWhat's the door code?

   bi-mil-beon-ho mwo-ye-yo?

   비밀번호 뭐예요?Copy

Local tips

• Our tip: before a long walk (Bukchon, markets), use the toilet at the station you arrive at.
• Facilities can change or close for repairs, so check the station map on the wall or the Seoul Metro app if you're unsure.

FAQ

Sources: Jaekyung Ilbo: Seoul's 5,703 public toilets vs Tokyo and New York (Oct 20, 2026) · Chosun Ilbo: more public toilets than Tokyo, but foreigners can't find them (Oct 20, 2026) · Seoul Metro station toilet data (data.go.kr, Feb 2026) · Smart Today: free re-entry extended to 15 minutes (Sep 2023) · Seoul Media Hub: 10-minute free re-entry from July 2023 · Stars and Stripes Korea: the KORE app

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