Seoul National University (SNU) and Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have recently implemented gender-neutral bathrooms, providing inclusive facilities for all, especially sexual minorities such as transgender. These bathrooms, designed as single-user spaces, feature essential amenities like toilets, sinks, diaper changing tables, and showers. The doors remain closed while in use, ensuring privacy and avoiding any potential discomfort.

History: The First Adoption of Gender-neutral Bathrooms at Korean Colleges

According to the Herald Corporation, in March last year, Sungkonghoe University (SKHU) was the first school to install a gender-neutral bathroom in Korea. Despite facing opposition from some students, discussions regarding this initiative began as early as 2017. The proposal for gender-neutral bathroom installation was put forward by Baek Seung-mok, the former student president of SKHU, during the 32nd student body president by-election, where he openly expressed his identity as a gay individual.

Following SKHU’s lead, KAIST also announced its decision to replace certain male-disabled toilets with gender-neutral bathrooms in the School of Computing (SoC) building in December. More plans are underway to incorporate additional gender-neutral bathrooms in the extension building of the SoC, set to be finalized in 2024.

SNU has also embraced the introduction of gender-neutral bathrooms as part of the design plans for the expansion and renovation of their cultural center, which is slated for completion in 2026. Lee Joong-sik, the director of the SNU Institute for Culture and Arts, remarked, “In international cases, the installation of gender-neutral bathrooms is a top priority in cultural facilities. Since SNU is both an educational institution and a cultural facility, it is only natural for us to lead the way.”
Myths and Truths Regarding Gender-neutral Bathrooms

While the introduction of gender-neutral bathrooms brings about legitimate concerns, including the risk of sexual assault, stalking, and invasion of privacy, it is important to separate fact from fear. A striking example is the 2015 referendum in Houston, Texas, USA, where opponents of trans rights exploited these anxieties.

Conservatives argued allowing individuals to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender identity would lead to increased sexual assault incidents. However, there is no evidence supporting this claim: in fact, studies from 12 states and 17 school districts with transgender protections have shown no rise in sexual assaults.

It is crucial to recognize sexual assault remains illegal regardless of restroom policies. Nondiscrimination laws play a vital role in protecting vulnerable communities and have no correlation with increased crime rates. The use of bathroom-related fears to discriminate against marginalized groups has a historical precedent, including the justification of racial segregation in the United States.

LGBTQ discrimination can contribute to severe mental health challenges, such as gender dysphoria, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and thoughts of self-harm. Understanding the realities and dispelling unfounded fears is essential for a more inclusive society.

A Gender-neutral Bathroom at Korean Colleges?

“Schools should be inclusive. The youngest, most active, and most progressive people gather at schools,” said Kim Yeon-sue, a Kyung Hee University student. “Gender-neutral bathrooms should be installed at our school as well.”
Having an identity is a fundamental human right. Some people struggle with choosing bathrooms just because of their gender identity. Gender-neutral bathrooms grant them the right to choose bathrooms regardless of outdated gender classification.
Kim Ji-hak, Director of Diversity Korea, emphasized universities should prioritize students' rights and ensure their enjoyment of these rights by taking proactive measures, specifically by installing gender-neutral bathrooms. According to Kim, even if students do not explicitly request these facilities, the installation movements will gain momentum as increasing options for students is a positive step forward.
However, the practicality of installing gender-neutral bathrooms should be a primary concern. In the case of KAIST, the placement of these bathrooms in areas inaccessible to a majority of students raises a valid point: undergraduate students do not typically have access to the SoC extension building, and even most SoC graduate students do not frequently access those areas.
Furthermore, the school has not actively promoted these bathrooms, resulting in limited awareness among students. Despite their installation two months ago, very few people are aware of their existence. Surprisingly, not a single post regarding these bathrooms has been uploaded on the student community platform.
Considering the ample space available on college campuses in Korea, there are numerous suitable locations for the installation of gender-neutral bathrooms. Regardless of the specific location chosen, schools will receive praise for taking a significant step towards promoting and protecting human rights.
However, if the installation of gender-neutral bathrooms is merely nominal and impractical, its purpose becomes questionable. If these facilities are not utilized by actual students, the adoption itself loses its significance. To effectively uphold the human rights of transgender students, Korean colleges must prioritize the installation of gender-neutral bathrooms in practical and easily accessible locations.