Flushing Away the Ordinary: Discovering Seoul’s Quirkiest Attraction
As I stepped through the grand entrance of the Toilet Museum in Suwon, just south of Seoul, I knew I was in for a rather unconventional experience. The larger-than-life golden statue of a winged turd – the museum’s mascot, apparently – greeted me with a playful wink, setting the tone for the peculiar adventure that lay ahead.
Tucked away in this unassuming suburb, the Toilet Museum, or ‘Mr. Toilet House’ as it’s fondly known, is the brainchild of the late Sim Jae-duck, a former mayor of Suwon who proudly proclaimed himself ‘Mr. Toilet.’ You see, Sim was born in an outdoor toilet, and this lifelong fascination with all things bathroom-related led him to establish the World Toilet Association and, eventually, this one-of-a-kind museum.
As I wandered through the converted family home, I was struck by the sheer audacity of Sim’s design choices. The centerpiece of the ground floor was none other than a fully functional toilet, completely exposed to the living room through a large glass window. I can only imagine the awkward dinner conversations that must have taken place here, with Sim’s guests trying their best to maintain eye contact while nature ran its course.
The garden outside was equally, if not more, captivating. Scattered among the greenery were statues depicting the evolution of toilets, from ancient Roman latrines to modern-day porcelain thrones. Some of the more graphic displays had me stifling a giggle, while others left me wondering just how much thought and planning had gone into these scatological sculptures.
Flushing Out the History of Toilets
As I made my way through the exhibits, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the sheer breadth of information on display. The Toilet Museum covers the history of sanitation and hygiene, tracing the development of toilets from ancient civilizations to the present day.
Did you know that the earliest flush toilets were invented in the 16th century by Sir John Harington, godson of Queen Elizabeth I? Or that the iconic American entrepreneur Thomas Crapper, whose name has become synonymous with the act of relieving oneself, didn’t actually invent the modern toilet, but rather helped popularize and improve upon existing designs?
The museum delves into the cultural differences in toilet practices around the world, with interactive displays showcasing everything from ancient Roman latrines to traditional Japanese squat toilets. I was particularly fascinated by the section on bidets – a fixture that, despite its widespread use in many parts of the world, remains a mystery to many Americans.
As I wandered through the exhibits, I couldn’t help but wonder about the thought process behind some of the more outlandish displays. The life-sized statues depicting people in various states of defecation seemed to push the boundaries of good taste, but I suppose that’s all part of the museum’s quirky charm.
Flush with Excitement: Exploring the Toilet Culture Center
Across the street from the main museum building, I discovered the Toilet Culture Center, a complementary attraction that takes the visitor experience to the next level. This interactive space is designed to educate and entertain, with exhibits that delve deeper into the world of toilet technology and etiquette.
One of the highlights was the observation deck, which offered a panoramic view of the Toilet Museum’s centerpiece – Sim Jae-duck’s former home, designed to resemble a giant toilet. It was a truly surreal sight, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer audacity of Sim’s vision.
But the real fun was to be found on the second floor, where a series of exhibits catered to the inner child in all of us. I slid down a giant toilet-shaped slide, sat on a seat that emitted the unmistakable sound of flatulence, and even learned the answers to burning questions about our bodily functions (in Korean, unfortunately, as the English translations were a bit sparse).
The goal, according to the museum’s information, is to create a “Toilet Theme Park” – a concept that both intrigues and terrifies me. I can only imagine what other scatological surprises might be in store for future visitors.
Flushing Away Preconceptions
As I made my way back to my hotel in Seoul, I couldn’t help but reflect on the Toilet Museum’s unique blend of historical significance and unapologetic quirkiness. What started as an offbeat curiosity had quickly become one of the most memorable and entertaining attractions I had encountered during my time in South Korea.
Sure, the museum’s displays might push the boundaries of good taste for some visitors, but that’s precisely what makes it such a delightfully quirky and unforgettable experience. It’s a place that challenges our preconceptions about what a museum can be, inviting us to embrace the absurd and unexpected with open arms (and, perhaps, a strong stomach).
So, if you find yourself in the Seoul area and in search of a truly unique adventure, I urge you to pay a visit to the Toilet Museum. Whether you’re intrigued by the history of sanitation, amused by the tongue-in-cheek exhibits, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, this quirky attraction is sure to leave a lasting impression – and maybe even a few giggles along the way.
