A computer science student at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has developed a new mobile app aimed at helping residents and visitors quickly locate public restrooms across South Korea.

The app, called KORE, was created by student Chanyong Shim, who said the idea came from repeated difficulties finding restrooms while traveling abroad. He spent several months developing the app while studying at KAIST.

According to the developer, KORE focuses on providing up-to-date restroom information and fast location searches.

“I love traveling—Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan—but every trip came with that same

terrifying moment of desperately searching for a restroom in an unfamiliar country and

almost not making it in time,” says Shim. “After a few too many close calls, I

decided to do something about it.”

KORE doesn’t just point you to a location; it gives foreign visitors the confidence to travel anywhere in the country without worry.

The app stands out by offering features completely tailored to the traveler’s experience:

• A Nationwide Guarantee: Whether you are in the bustling center of Seoul or a quiet coastal village, KORE guarantees you will find a nearby restroom anywhere in South Korea.

• Truly Localized in 9 Languages: To completely eliminate the panic of language barriers, the app is fully localized into 9 languages. These aren’t just machine translations, but natural, culturally accurate texts designed for each country’s users.

• The “Premium” Blue Markers: For travelers who prioritize hygiene and comfort, KORE highlights premium, highly-maintained “clean restrooms” in blue. Users can check cleanliness ratings, view interior photos, and see available amenities before they even walk through the door.

Registered users can also submit new restroom locations to expand the database.

Shim said the iOS version launched recently and has attracted several hundred users, many of them international visitors.

An Android version is expected to be released soon.