Shocking Incident at Gyeongbok Palace: Chinese Tourists Defecate Near Historic Walls, Sparking Outrage

A deeply troubling incident has surfaced at Gyeongbok Palace, South Korea's most iconic royal heritage site, with reports of foreign tourists engaging in unsanitary behavior near its historic walls.

According to eyewitness accounts and subsequent police reports, a Chinese tourist, identified as a man in his 70s, was apprehended by police after being reported for urinating in public near the stone walls of Sinmumun, the north gate of Gyeongbok Palace. He was subsequently issued a fine of 50,000 KRW.

Adding to the public outcry, allegations have emerged that another Chinese national, believed to be traveling with the first individual, also defecated in the same vicinity. The location, adjacent to the palace's original stone structures dating back to 1935, has raised concerns about cultural heritage preservation and public decency.

This incident follows a similar controversy last month involving a Chinese child allegedly defecating at Yongmeori Coast in Jeju Island, a designated natural monument. These repeated occurrences have ignited widespread criticism regarding the conduct of some international visitors and a call for greater adherence to basic etiquette.

Korean netizens have expressed strong condemnation and disappointment, with comments such as "This is truly going too far," "Our cultural heritage has been disgraced," and "A lack of basic civic awareness is a serious issue." Many also stressed the need for "enhanced guide education and stricter law enforcement."