Quite the exaggeration – but it did feel like this on my first visit to Korea. You do get the nice big and fluffy towels in the hotel, however less so when you’re maybe staying with a friend or visiting a jjimjilbang (Korean spa), for example.

Koreans never use their bath towels more than once, which is likely the reason for their size. They use it once, wash it, dry it, and use it again. If you’re doing this daily with bigger towels, it’s probably less efficient.

It says a lot about how efficiency and hygiene shape daily life in Korea. The small towel isn’t just about space-saving — it reflects a culture that values cleanliness, routine, and practicality. There’s an elegance in the simplicity: use it once, wash it, repeat. No fuss, no lingering damp fabric hanging on the bathroom door for days. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes.