Cultural Differences: Squatting

Everyone knows that there are cultural differences between Americans and foreigners. That's a given. Now, these aren't just using chopsticks instead of forks and bowing instead of shaking hands.

Koreans squat an awful lot. It's very normal for them. While they're waiting for the bus at the bus stop, often they will squat down and just stay like that. This is a very natural position for them. They start squatting when they are little kids and they continue to do it through adulthood and even into old age. Squatting for Americans however is a bit awkward. Not for the Koreans.

Now, you know when you tell someone that you're going abroad and they say to you in a rather mocking tone "wait till you see the toilets." You ask about them and they reply "you'll see." I hate that. With that said, in Korea there are 2 types of toilets. The standard good old American style toilet. These are found in homes and in nicer places, like hotels, restaurants, and shops. The other style of toilet is called a squat toilet. These are found in public places, bus terminals, train stations, restaurants, schools. I have never used one, I don't think I have the finesse or balance to do so. But, instead of just talking about it, I might as well show you. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This is a squat toilet from the students' bathroom in my school. The trash can is for used toilet paper, since the septic systems here in Korea are not always the greatest.