In recognition of Global Handwashing Day, South Korea’s Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is launching a series of initiatives to promote the importance of proper hand hygiene as a critical measure in preventing infectious diseases. Collaborating with university student volunteers from 17 universities across 14 regions, the KDCA will raise awareness in public spaces like train stations, bus terminals, and airports. Activities will include educational O/X quizzes and the distribution of promotional materials to reinforce good handwashing habits.
The KDCA will leverage social media to share educational content, including card news on proper handwashing techniques, and will host a video content contest to engage the public in handwashing awareness.
A joint survey conducted by the KDCA and the Global Korean Nursing Foundation sheds light on current handwashing habits in South Korea, particularly in public restrooms. The study observed an overall improvement in handwashing rates, with 76.1% of individuals washing their hands after restroom use, up from 71.1% the previous year. However, only 31.8% used soap, and just 10.5% washed their hands with soap for the recommended 30 seconds or longer—a slight decrease from the previous year’s 11.2%.
Despite increased awareness, the survey highlighted several barriers to proper hand hygiene. Common reasons for not washing hands included inconvenience (30.4%), lack of time (24.9%), and not having developed the habit (17.7%). Similarly, the main reasons for skipping soap included the belief that hands weren’t visibly dirty (20.9%) and inconvenience (26.0%).
To address these gaps, respondents suggested improving restroom facilities by providing more liquid soap dispensers (23.9%), paper towels (20.5%), and overall restroom hygiene (15.2%).
Although the handwashing rate has gradually increased each year, the rate of proper handwashing remains low at 10.5%. This indicates a need for ongoing efforts to raise awareness and encourage proper handwashing practices through public campaigns.
While handwashing rates have improved, Ji Young Mi, head of the KDCA, emphasized the need for continued public health efforts. “Proper handwashing is the simplest and most cost-effective way to prevent infectious diseases, especially as we approach the winter respiratory season,” she stated. “We encourage everyone to wash their hands with soap for at least 30 seconds before and after meals and after using the restroom.”
