86% of adults wash their hands after using the toilet, but only 11.4% do so for 30 seconds or more

[Financial News] At least 8 in 10 adults wash their hands after using the toilet, but only about 1 in 10 wash properly with soap for 30 seconds or more.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 15th the results of its “2026 First-Half Survey on Infectious Disease Prevention Practices,” conducted with the National Medical Center. The survey observed 4,560 adults at 120 public restrooms in multi-use facilities across the country from May 28 to June 30, and conducted exit interviews with 1,800 people.
The survey found that 86.0% washed their hands after using the restroom, up 1.9 percentage points from the previous year. The proportion who used soap was 46.7%, up 1.7 percentage points. Another 39.3% washed their hands with water alone, while 14.0% did not wash their hands at all.
However, only 11.4% washed their hands with soap for 30 seconds or more. That was up 1.1 percentage points from the previous year, but the figure has remained in the 10% range for the past three years. Actual handwashing time averaged 13.9 seconds, while the time spent rubbing hands with soap lather was 5.8 seconds—well short of the 30-second standard for proper handwashing.
Although 51.2% said they usually wash their hands properly, this differed considerably from the results of direct observation. The KDCA said continued education and public awareness efforts are needed, as awareness of the importance of handwashing is not translating into actual behavior.
To track changes in preventive practices in response to infectious disease outbreaks and seasonal conditions, the KDCA expanded the survey this year from once to twice a year, in the first and second halves. The second-half survey will run from October 6 to November 6, and the final results, combining both halves, are scheduled to be announced in December.
KDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-gwan said, “Handwashing is a basic means of preventing infectious diseases that people can easily practice in their daily lives at no cost. Make a habit of washing your hands with water and soap for 30 seconds, and follow personal hygiene practices, including cough etiquette, to prepare for respiratory infections during the winter season.”

[email protected] Jung Sang-hee Reporter