Shocking Incidents at Gyeongbok Palace Spark Outrage: 'Respect Historical Sites!'

Visitors' blatant disregard for cultural heritage at Gyeongbok Palace, a symbol of Korean tradition, is drawing widespread criticism.

A recent online post featured a photo of what appeared to be a Chinese tourist urinating near the palace's stone walls, causing shock and dismay.

This incident follows the sighting of a shirtless tourist running in front of Gwanghwamun Gate. Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University commented, "While exercising in public is not inherently wrong, basic etiquette must be observed around historical and cultural sites."

This is not the first time such behavior has occurred. Last year, a Vietnamese woman's photos doing yoga against the Gyeongbok Palace walls sparked significant backlash both domestically and in Vietnam.

Professor Seo emphasized, "While the global spread of Hallyu leading to increased tourism is welcome, visitors must recognize that these are Korea's precious cultural heritages and show minimal respect and courtesy."

He urged the government and local authorities to implement measures such as improving signage, enhancing multilingual guidance, and increasing on-site staff to prevent future occurrences.

Netizens expressed strong disapproval, commenting, 'This is a national embarrassment,' 'They seem to lack basic civic awareness,' and 'Is this their living room, not a Korean historical site?'