Groundbreaking Discovery at Donggung Palace
Archaeologists in South Korea have unearthed a rare medieval flush toilet at a 1,300-year-old palace, shedding light on sanitation practices during the Unified Silla period (A.D. 668–935). This sophisticated system, designed specifically for the crown prince, featured a drain that channeled waste directly into a nearby river—an advanced method compared to other contemporary waste disposal systems.
A Symbol of Status and Innovation
Excavation leader Kim Gyeong Yeol highlighted the uniqueness of the prince’s toilet compared to other palace facilities. Unlike standard palace restrooms that functioned like outhouses, storing waste within, this exclusive design allowed direct waste disposal into the river. Experts believe this feature was reserved for the crown prince and high-ranking palace women, emphasizing its role as a status symbol within the palace hierarchy.
The Donggung Palace, meaning “Crown Prince’s Palace,” was constructed in A.D. 674 alongside Wolji Pond, during the early years of the Unified Silla Kingdom’s rule over the Korean Peninsula. Excavations at the site have revealed remains of at least 26 structures and numerous artifacts, including ceramics, decorative bricks, and household items. However, the discovery of these ancient flushing toilets represents a major advancement in understanding sanitation technologies of the time.
Ancient Sanitation Systems Across Civilizations
While this is the oldest flush toilet found in Korea, similar systems have been uncovered in earlier civilizations. The Indus Valley Civilization (2600–1900 B.C.), in present-day Pakistan, had cities equipped with drainage-based toilets that funneled waste into a complex sewage network. According to a 2016 study, these sanitation methods predated comparable systems in other parts of the world by centuries.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the English are often credited with pioneering the modern flush toilet. Sir John Harrington designed a flushing toilet for Queen Elizabeth I in 1596. However, his invention emptied waste into cesspools without an S-bend, allowing odors to escape, and required 7.5 gallons (28 liters) of water per flush—far less efficient than today’s toilets.
A Glimpse into Early Sanitation Practices
The discovery at Donggung Palace offers new perspectives on ancient sanitation systems and their role in social structure. Unlike today’s automated flush toilets, these early versions required manual water pouring to function. This find provides invaluable insight into how early civilizations managed hygiene and highlights the technological advancements of the Unified Silla period.
The research at Donggung Palace continues to reveal fascinating aspects of Korea’s historical innovations, further solidifying its place as a key cultural and archaeological site.
