Temple Restrooms Preserved for 100 Years Designated as National Heritage Sites

Seonamsa, Byeodeoksa, and Gukilam Hermitage Restrooms at Haeinsa Temple

Three traditional temple restrooms that have maintained their original form and have been in continuous use for over 100 years will now be managed as National Folk Cultural Heritage sites.

Byeodeoksa Temple Restroom in Yeongwol / National Heritage Administration.

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 30th that it has designated the Seonamsa Temple restroom in Suncheon, the Byeodeoksa Temple restroom in Yeongwol, and the Gukilam Hermitage restroom at Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon as National Folk Cultural Heritage.

The construction periods are confirmed by historical inscriptions. The restroom at Byeodeoksa Temple was built in 1882, while the restroom at Gukilam Hermitage at Haeinsa Temple was constructed in 1910. Records indicate that the Seonamsa Temple restroom dates back to 1704, and there is an inscription from a repair in 1928, revealing that its structure has evolved since before the 1920s.

All three facilities are notable for their architectural structures, which maximally utilize the natural terrain. Built on sloping ground, the front features a single story, while the back is a multi-story pavilion. Without entrance doors, they instead have chest-high partitions for an open-plan design and lattice windows positioned at eye level to secure natural lighting, ventilation, and a view.

The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "The restrooms—core spaces of monastic communal living—retain their historical and folk value in their original form."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.