Archaeologists in Korea have made a groundbreaking discovery at the Donggung palace complex, unearthing the remains of multiple flushing toilets dating back 1,300 years. The palace, built in A.D. 674 during the unified Silla period, served as a residence for the crown prince and is located in what is now modern-day Korea. This find marks the first of its kind in Korea and sheds light on the advanced sanitation practices of the time.
Kim Gyeong Yeol, an archaeologist with the Korean Heritage Service, noted that the toilets "directly discharge human waste into the river through a drain," indicating a sophisticated understanding of waste management systems. These flushing toilets required 7.5 gallons (28 liters) of water per flush, a remarkable feat given their age. Despite lacking an S-bend, which would have prevented odors from escaping back into the room, their design reflects a significant technological advancement for the era.
The Donggung palace complex has revealed the remains of at least 26 buildings, alongside numerous artifacts such as bowls, plates, and flower-patterned bricks. This extensive archaeological site offers a glimpse into the lives of those who lived within its walls over a millennium ago. The palace was constructed at the onset of the unified Silla period, which spanned from roughly A.D. 668 to 935 when the Kingdom of Silla ruled much of the Korean Peninsula.
Located within the palace grounds is Woji Pond, an integral part of the complex built simultaneously with the palace in A.D. 674. The pond and other structures highlight the grandeur and sophistication of the period's architectural achievements. The toilet believed to have been used by the crown prince and his closest court ladies held a "hierarchical meaning," as Kim Gyeong Yeol explained, signifying its importance within the palace hierarchy.
The discovery also positions Korea's ancient plumbing systems alongside those of other early civilizations. The Indus Valley Civilization, for instance, had cities equipped with flush toilets, as documented by researchers in a 2016 paper. In contrast, the English did not develop flush toilets until much later. Sir John Harrington invented an early version for Queen Elizabeth I in 1596, which "released wastes into cesspools," laying groundwork for modern toilets.
"These flush toilets are the first of their kind," – Kim Gyeong Yeol
The archaeological findings at Donggung palace provide crucial insights into historical sanitation practices and illustrate the advanced technological capabilities of ancient Korean society.
