A British outlet has spotlighted South Korea’s culture of cleanliness, calling it “K‑Hygiene.”
On April 8 (local time), the Daily Mail described South Korea as one of the cleanest countries in the world and examined everyday hygiene habits and the growing market for cleaning appliances.
The report said South Korean households commonly use a range of hygiene devices: robot vacuums, smart trash cans with automatic sealing, UV sterilizers for knives and cutting boards, shoe‑cabinet deodorizing and sterilizing systems, and cordless dust‑mite removers.
It added that strict recycling rules, food‑waste management, the custom of removing shoes indoors and extensive public sanitation measures together have helped shape Korea’s image as a clean nation.
That assessment has even spawned the term “K‑Hygiene.” Alongside K‑pop and K‑food, Korea’s hygiene culture is being noticed as a trend.
On social media, posts tagged #KoreanCleaning highlight the country’s cleaning habits and appliances, drawing attention from international users. Foreign influencers visiting Korea have posted videos expressing surprise at smart‑home systems and the clothing‑care device known as the Styler.
The outlet noted that Korea’s hygiene culture didn’t emerge overnight. After the 1950s Korean War, people endured poverty and unsanitary conditions, but policies such as the 1990s introduction of pay‑as‑you‑throw trash bags and tougher enforcement against illegal dumping significantly improved living conditions.
The article attracted more than 140 comments. Local readers reacted with remarks like, “Koreans live in 2050 while Britain seems stuck in the 1970s,” and “Korean cities are truly clean.”
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