"Let's Use Umbrellas Properly" Do You Know Umbrella Etiquette on Rainy Days? [Han Reporter Goes]

Etiquette for Using Umbrellas on Public Transport on Rainy Days
Shake Off and Fold Umbrella Before Boarding the Bus
Fold Umbrella Slowly After Checking Surroundings
Shake Off Water and Place Umbrella in Plastic Bag When Entering Indoors

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I'm all wet from someone else's umbrella water. Can't people be more considerate..."

On the morning of the 13th, as the whole country was mostly cloudy with rain in most areas, the so-called 'manner umbrella use' is being demanded among citizens.

This refers to behavior that does not cause inconvenience to others when using an umbrella on public transportation such as buses or subways. For example, folding the umbrella in advance when boarding a bus to prevent water from splashing on others.

A man in his early 30s, Mr. A, who commutes by bus, said, "I get a bit nervous whenever it rains," adding, "I wear a suit to work, but sometimes water splashes from other people's umbrellas." He continued, "If the person sitting next to me doesn't fold their umbrella properly, my pants get wet," expressing his frustration.

Another office worker also complained about nearly suffering significant inconvenience due to an umbrella. Mr. Kim, a company employee in his 40s, said, "Someone next to me suddenly folded their umbrella, and I was almost poked by the tip," pointing out, "It seems to happen because people only think about themselves."

As citizens complain, umbrellas, which are essential on rainy days, can easily cause inconvenience to others if not used considerately when using public transportation like buses or subways.

Buses running on the road board passengers in a single line while folding umbrellas, so water remaining on the umbrella can splash onto the person behind.

Also, many people get their clothes or limbs wet because others do not tie or fold their umbrellas when boarding. This is why so-called umbrella etiquette is necessary on rainy days.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Umbrella manners continue even in the office. When entering indoors, water should be removed, and umbrellas should be placed in the umbrella plastic bags provided at the building entrance.

If you enter indoors without removing water, the floor can become slippery due to dripping water from the umbrella, causing people to slip and fall. Also, building janitors have to clean multiple times to wipe the water.

A man in his 40s, Mr. B, said, "If you don't shake off your umbrella well at the entrance on rainy days, the cleaning staff inside have to work several times harder," adding, "I hope people think of them and properly shake off the water before entering indoors."

As a result, netizens continue to voice complaints about suffering inconvenience due to someone's rude umbrella use on rainy days. Mr. Park, a man in his 30s, posted on his Facebook, "Please fold your umbrella properly when boarding the bus," lamenting, "My pants got completely wet because of the person sitting next to me."

Another netizen said, "Rainy days are quite stressful," and added, "I even try to go to work a bit earlier to avoid people. That makes me feel more at ease."

As interest in considerate umbrella use grows, citizens say that discomfort can be reduced by being considerate of others.

A citizen in his 50s met at a bus stop said, "When carrying an umbrella and using buses or subways, anyone can feel a bit uncomfortable," and urged, "All the more reason to be considerate of others to reduce discomfort." He continued, "These days, everyone is sensitive because of COVID-19," and suggested, "I hope people show a little more consideration for others. That seems to be the way to avoid conflicts."