A few hours ago, I was riding my bike, not really heading anywhere in particular. I had been riding for a while, it was starting to get dark, and I started thinking that I ought to head to the subway to go back home (I wasn't about to return the way I came, but that's a different tale for a different time). As I'm making my way to a subway station, I find a sign leading to an attraction. In Korea, you can always tell if an attraction is close by because the road sign will be brown, much like this:
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| From langintro.com |
A mere 300 meters away, tucked in a quiet part of town (Suwon, specifically, because I know you'll all be asking me after reading this), I found it. I was expecting a temple, a tomb, a pagoda, something like that. That's not what I got.
Ladies and gentlemen, I found "Mr. Toilet House."
Yes. You have questions. One at a time.
Q: Is that what Haewoojae means?
A: Almost. The meaning is "a house it relieves people of all worries," as indicated below. There's more...the house was built by a man nicknamed "Mr. Toilet" in 2007. Well, more specifically, Mr. Toilet "rebuilt his 30-year-old home into the shape of a toilet."
Q: W-...why...?
A: As stated on the board, "to commemorate the World Toilet Association and spread awareness of the importance of toilets throughout the world."
Q: Wait. Did you take a picture of the toilet house?
A: Yes I did, and how I wish it turned out better. But there it is. A toilet bowl-shaped building, with the flags of different countries lining the seat.
Q: Who is this Mr. Toilet?
A: Mr. Sim Jae-duck.
Q: Gosh, he looks like you. (Not an actual question...I know.)
A: You think so? (In a strange twist of events, the answer is a question.)
Q: Pictures, please?
A: Sure thing.
Please be aware, there are more where these come from. I just...I have this feeling that posting all the photos I took from this wonderland may some day, I dunno, bite me in the hindquarters. Let me know if you want more insanity, and I'll send more photos your way.
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| Potty plants |
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| Potty plant part deux |
Q: Anything for the kids?
A: An entire section, buddy.
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| Yes, your children can climb those stairs and enter the bowl. |
A: Good news.
And this place isn't just about poo.
And this place isn't just about poo.
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| "Everyone farts. Every living one farts. Everyone farts differently everyday." |
The ten-year-old version of me had a heyday here. Ah, what the heck; the modern-day version of me had a field day here.
Moral of the story: Seize the day. You just may find a toilet theme park.
