Industrial Strength Toilet Plunger

This is a Korean toilet plunger. And the reason why we affectionately call it "industrial strength," not that we know if there actually is such a rating, is because of the handle on the side. After you place the opening in the bowl, you pull up on the top handle. While pulling the top handle, the side handle allows you to hold the plunger in place by pushing down using your other hand or even a foot. The sight of someone unclogging a toilet by pushing down on the plunger with a foot and then pulling up with one's dominant hand instantly creates a myriad of "power" nicknames for this highly-effective tool.

AIDS-Prevention Message

Found in a public men's bathroom in South Korea, this is a condom-dispensing machine with an AIDS prevention message. Interestingly, there is no mention of pregnancy prevention, only AIDS prevention.

An Unusual Shower

This shower has several unusual features. The most prominent unusual feature is the corner of water jets. These water jets are neither directly in front or behind, nor are they on the side. We found them to be positioned at an awkward angle. Standing in traditional shower positions, water comes at you from either the front left or the rear right.

Below these water jets is a seat. We found the water jets even more awkwardly positioned than they are while standing. Water comes at you from behind, rear left, and left, but not at all from the front or right sides.

Also, the control panel is visible on the left edge of the image. If you look at the control panel while under the shower, and then you turn the water jets on, you potentially have water coming directly towards your face.

Furthermore, there are two shelves for toiletries, and they are positioned at different heights. Both shelves seem a bit high for shorter users. Both shelves also require users to step in towards the water, instead of traditional placement which requires stepping away from the water.

What if I have to...?

Unisex bathrooms are common throughout South Korea. This one was a little different in that it had one designated female stall, with a toilet, and one designated male stall, with only this urinal. So, what is a man supposed to do if he has to do something else?

How NOT to potty train...

This post technically violates our theme of bathrooms and bathroom signage, since this photo is of a book, nonetheless we are sharing it because it is somewhat related to one aspect of toilet usage, and that is potty training children. We really think that this image, if viewed by young children, would be counter-productive to that goal.

Poetry

Something so eloquent and so beautiful could only have been found in one place... a bathroom, of course!

Toilet Instructions

On the wall behind and above this public toilet were instructions on how to properly us it... just in case someone forgets.