Korea is known for being extremely clean. One reason is its strict recycling system.
If you stay at a hotel, the cleaning staff handles everything. But if you rent an Airbnb or guesthouse, YOU must follow the rules. If you throw trash in the wrong bag, the host can be fined, and they might charge you.
As a local insider at K-Life Lab, I will decode the confusing colors of Korean trash bags for you.
General Trash (Standard White/Color Bag)
You cannot just put trash in a plastic shopping bag. You must buy a government-issued "Pay-as-you-go Bag" (Jongnyangje).
- Where to buy: Convenience stores (CU, GS25) or supermarkets. Ask for "Sseuregi Bongtu" (Trash bag).
- What goes in: Tissues, used wet wipes, dirty plastic wrappers, broken items.
- Bag Color: Usually White (Seoul) or other colors depending on the district.
Food Waste (Yellow Bag)
Korea recycles food waste to make animal feed or fertilizer. This is the trickiest part.
- Bag Color: Usually Yellow.
- What goes in: Leftover rice, noodles, fruit peels, vegetable scraps.
- What is NOT food waste: Chicken bones, eggshells, clam shells, tea bags. (These go into General Trash!)
- Rule: Animals should be able to eat it. If an animal can't eat it (like a hard bone), it's general trash.
Recyclables (Clear Bags or Bins)
You don't need a special paid bag for recycling. Just use any clear plastic bag so the contents are visible, or use the designated bins in your building.
- Plastic (Pl-la-seu-tik): Bottles (remove labels), containers. Wash them first!
- Cans/Glass: Rinse out any beer or soda.
- Paper/Cardboard: Flatten all boxes. Remove tape.
💡 The Golden Rule: "Empty, Rinse, Separate."
If a plastic container is covered in spicy red sauce, wash it. If it doesn't come off, throw it in General Trash.
Street Trash Cans?
You will notice there are very few public trash cans on the streets in Seoul. This is to prevent locals from dumping household trash.
- Tip: Carry a small plastic bag in your backpack to hold your trash until you find a bin (usually inside subway stations or near bus stops).
- Do NOT: Dump your coffee cup on a random wall or bus seat. It's rude!
K-Life Lab’s Advice
If you are in an Airbnb, asking your host, "Where do I put the trash?" is the best first step. They will appreciate your effort to follow the rules.
