"This Restroom in Mudeungsan Is Not Right"... Even the Gwangju Mayor Steps In

Citizens Demand Removal, Citing "Damaged Scenery and Blocked Wind Path"
Gwangju City Protests to National Park Service and Puts Up Banners
Park Service Responds, "Facility Size Unavoidable Due to Water and Sewage Issues"

Gwangju City installed banners criticizing the Korea National Park Service regarding the construction of restrooms at Mudeungsan Rabbit Lantern. Photo by Kang Gijeong, Mayor of Gwangju, Facebook capture.

The newly installed restroom at Rabbit Lantern in Mudeungsan National Park continues to spark controversy. Hikers have demanded its removal, arguing that it "damages the natural scenery" and "blocks the wind path." Kang Gijeong, the Mayor of Gwangju, also urged the Korea National Park Service to come up with countermeasures, stating that the restroom was "poorly constructed."

According to Gwangju City on July 14, Mayor Kang personally called the president of the Korea National Park Service last weekend to protest, saying, "You built a restroom on Mudeungsan that does not match the environment, without even a word of consultation with Gwangju City." He further criticized, "It is completely wrong to construct something like this in Mudeungsan, a place where citizens come to rest," and demanded, "Take immediate action." Gwangju City also installed a banner in the area reading, "President of the Korea National Park Service! Restroom! This is not right."

The Korea National Park Service completed the restroom at Rabbit Lantern earlier this month, investing 420 million won to address complaints about odor and sanitation issues with the previous portable toilets. The new facility stands 6 meters tall and has a total floor area of 80.34 square meters. However, after its exterior was revealed, criticism arose that "the building is excessively large and does not harmonize with the landscape." There were also concerns that it blocks the wind path.

A citizen submitted a complaint on the National Park Service website’s "Customer Voice" board requesting the removal of the rabbit-themed restroom.

Complaints were also submitted to the "Customer Voice" board on the Park Service's website. One citizen pointed out, "This is a resting place frequently visited by Gwangju residents, but the oversized restroom blocks the wind and spoils the scenery," adding, "It is a waste of budget and an infringement on citizens' space to relax." The citizen also demanded, "Remove it as soon as possible and return this precious resting area to the public."

An official from the Mudeungsan National Park Management Office explained, "Rabbit Lantern and Jangbuljae are areas where it is difficult to connect water and sewage systems, so the facility became larger as we had to install water tanks and purification equipment." The official added, "We will do our best to ensure that visitors can use the facility comfortably."