A Japanese tourist visiting Korea was deeply moved by a street vending machine. What is the story behind it?

Recently, a Japanese tourist identified as A, who visited Itaewon in Seoul, gained significant attention after posting a review on social media about using a free bottled water vending machine.

Tourist A was surprised to see a sign reading "One free bottle per person" while attempting to purchase water from a street vending machine.

The tourist shared that they were "on the verge of dehydration due to the heatwave, but regained their strength after drinking a bottle of cold water," adding that "Korea's measures against the summer heat are truly excellent."


The vending machine is part of a free bottled water support program operated by Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to combat heatwaves, and it is available for anyone to use until this coming October.

As this story became a major topic in Japan, reactions included comments such as "I wish we had a system like this in Japan" and "I don't mind my taxes being used for things like this."

Domestic internet users also expressed their support for the initiative, with many saying, "I hope this expands nationwide," and "I hope the 'one bottle per person' rule is strictly followed."

(Source: X @Eveniffen, Yongsan-gu)