▲ The traditional temple toilet at Seonamsa Temple in Suncheon is seen in this photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Aug. 4 (Yonhap) -- Three traditional Buddhist temple toilets, known as haewuso -- literally meaning "places to cast away worries" -- that have remained in their original locations for more than a century will be designated as state heritage, the Korea Heritage Service said Tuesday.

 

The agency announced that it plans to designate three historic structures as National Folklore Cultural Heritage: the toilet at Seonamsa Temple in Suncheon, the haewuso at Bodeoksa Temple in Yeongwol, and the haewuso at Gugilam Hermitage in Hapcheon.

 

Haewuso is the Buddhist term for a toilet.

 

▲ The interior of the traditional temple toilet at Seonamsa Temple in Suncheon is seen in this photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

The facilities reflect the communal rules and monastic practices of Buddhist life, making them important examples of the everyday folk culture of Korean temples.

 

According to the Korea Heritage Service, the term haewuso was first used after the Korean War by the monk Gyeongbong (1892-1982) of Geungnakam Hermitage at Tongdosa Temple, carrying the meaning of letting go of worries and concerns.

 

The three structures selected for designation all have long histories.

 

Inscriptions on the roof ridge indicate that the haewuso at Bodeoksa Temple was built in 1882, while the one at Gugilam Hermitage of Haeinsa Temple was constructed in 1910.

 

▲ Haewuso, meaning a traditional temple toilet, at Bodeoksa Temple in Yeongwol is seen in this photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

 

The toilet at Seonamsa Temple is believed to have been built before the 1920s, based on photographs taken during Japan's colonial rule and records of repairs carried out in 1928.

 

"All three have remained in their original locations and retained their original forms for more than 100 years while continuing to serve their intended purpose, giving them significant historical value," a Korea Heritage Service official said.

 

The three structures are also notable for their architectural consideration of ventilation and natural lighting.

 

Built on sloping terrain, each features a single-story front and a two-story pavilion-style rear. They have an open design with chest-high partitions instead of doors.

 

Wooden lattice windows installed at eye level allow light and air to pass through while maintaining privacy and offering views outside.

 

The agency also highlighted the traditional practice of fermenting human waste with rice husks and fallen leaves before returning it to fields as fertilizer, saying it demonstrates traditional wisdom in resource recycling.

 

This marks the first time that haewuso structures will be designated as state-designated cultural heritage.

 

"The designation is meaningful in that it broadens the scope of national heritage beyond religious spaces to include areas that embody the everyday culture of monastic communities," the agency said.

 

The Korea Heritage Service will collect public opinion for 30 days before making a final designation following deliberation by the Cultural Heritage Committee.

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