Modernization in Asia leads to the Phasing Out of Squat Toilets
In a move towards modernisation and addressing public discomfort, Seoul, South Korea's capital city, has decided to remove squat toilets from its subway station restrooms. The decision, made by Mayor Oh Se-hoon, was announced during his visit to Jamsil Station in Songpa district, southern Seoul.
Currently, approximately 33% of the total 3,647 toilets in subway station restrooms are squat toilets. However, the Mayor highlighted that the younger generation finds these toilets uncomfortable, indicating a shift in public preference towards more modern facilities.
The decision to replace the about 1,200 squat toilets with Western-style sitting toilets by 2028 is in response to public complaints about the traditional toilets. The move appears to address existing dissatisfaction, particularly among the younger demographic, who have expressed discomfort with squat toilets.
Although some people in South Korea prefer traditional squat toilets over modern equivalents, the decision seems to have broad support. There is no strong indication of significant public opposition, although historically, resistance to removing squat toilets in parts of Asia can stem from cultural preference and resistance to globalization.
This decision reflects a wider regional trend where urban centers in Asia are phasing out squat toilets in favour of Western-style toilets for increased comfort. The move towards modernisation is a notable example of a city addressing public complaints about traditional facilities and focusing on improving public facilities with modern equivalents.
In Seoul, out of six stalls in a men's public restroom at Jamsil Station, two had squat toilets. The decision to remove these toilets may lead to a significant shift in the city's public restroom infrastructure.
However, the decision may be seen as a resistance to globalization and modernity by some. Despite this, the focus remains on improving public facilities and providing comfort and convenience to the majority of the population.
[1] Source: Korea JoongAng Daily
The decision to replace squat toilets with Western-style ones in Seoul's subway station restrooms by 2028 demonstrates a shift in the city's lifestyle, inclining towards modern facilities, aligning with the arts and home-and-garden sectors that prioritize comfort and convenience.
This move towards modernization in Seoul's public restrooms also mirrors a broader trend in Asian urban centers, where a focus on improved lifestyle, including home-and-garden and arts, is driving the phase-out of squat toilets in favor of Western-style equivalents.
