15.9% of Adults Do Not Wash Hands After Using the Toilet... Rate Among Men Twice That of Women

Global Handwashing Day Today
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency: "Wash thoroughly with soap for 30 seconds"

Handwashing. Photo by Asia Economy Database

A survey found that 15.9% of adults in South Korea do not wash their hands after using the toilet. In particular, the number of men who did not wash their hands was twice as high as that of women.

According to the "2025 Infectious Disease Prevention Behavior Survey" released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on October 15 to mark Global Handwashing Day, the handwashing practice rate after using the toilet among 4,893 adults was 84.1%. This means that the remaining 15.9% did not wash their hands after using the restroom. Notably, the rate of men who did not wash their hands was 21.4%, which is about twice the rate for women (10.6%).

This result is based on an observational study conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the National Medical Center from June 10 to July 10, monitoring adults aged 19 and older using public restrooms. The overall handwashing practice rate among adults increased by 8.0 percentage points compared to the previous year (76.1%). The rate of handwashing with soap also rose by 13.2 percentage points to 45.0%, up from 31.8% the previous year.

Trends in Handwashing Practice Rates After Using the Toilet Over the Past 6 Years. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

However, the rate of proper handwashing remained low at 10.3%, similar to the previous year’s 10.5%. Proper handwashing means scrubbing all surfaces of the hands with soap under running water for more than 30 seconds.

The average total time spent washing hands after using the toilet was 12.2 seconds, which increased from 10.9 seconds the previous year. However, the average time spent rubbing hands with soap lather was 4.8 seconds, down from 5.6 seconds the previous year.

6 Steps to Proper Handwashing. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency stated, "While the overall handwashing practice rate has gradually increased each year, the rate of proper handwashing remains low," emphasizing, "When washing your hands, you should thoroughly clean your fingertips, between your fingers, and under your nails by following the six steps of proper handwashing."

Im Seungkwan, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, said, "Preventive measures such as handwashing are the most basic and effective means of preventing infectious diseases and do not incur any cost," urging, "Please adhere to these guidelines, especially in preparation for the spread of respiratory infections during the winter season."