"물장수" (Muljangsu) would typically carry a large barrel or container filled with water on their back. They would use a dipper or ladle to scoop and serve water to customers.
The practice of selling water by Muljangsu, or water sellers, originated in a time when access to clean and safe water was limited. This was especially true in historical periods when there were no modern water supply systems or widespread availability of tap water. The water sellers would travel from place to place, providing a convenient source of water for people who didn't have access to wells or other water sources. They played an important role in ensuring that people had access to drinking water, especially during times when water scarcity was an issue.
Water sellers, known as "Sakka" (사크카) in Egypt, would transport water from the Nile using large leather containers. They would then travel through the streets, calling out to announce their presence and the availability of fresh water for sale. People would come out of their homes to purchase water for their households.
Nowadays, tap water is widely available in many areas, making the role of water sellers less common. However, they still hold a nostalgic and cultural significance in Egyptian and Korean society.
*Note: The last picture is of the last "Sakka" in Egypt, who passed away last July.
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