South Korean authorities issued a fine to a Chinese tourist last month following an incident where a pair of visitors were allegedly filmed publicly defecating beside the historic stone walls of Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace, sparking widespread public outrage and demands for stricter behavioral standards near cultural heritage sites. The event, which reportedly occurred on November 10, involved a middle-aged man and woman who were allegedly captured on video squatting in the dense shrubbery adjacent to the palace grounds before leaving the scene.
Seoul Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident on November 12, noting that patrolling officers apprehended the individuals near the site. The man was subsequently fined 50,000 Korean won (approximately $38 USD) under the Minor Offences Punishment Act. While both individuals were seen engaging in similar actions on the widely circulated footage, the woman was not penalized, according to police reports.
Disrespect at a National Landmark
The incident drew immediate and furious condemnation from the South Korean public, particularly because Gyeongbokgung Palace is recognized as the country’s most significant cultural asset. Constructed in 1395, the palace served as the main royal residence during the Joseon Dynasty and attracts millions of domestic and international visitors annually. Its surrounding walls are protected as part of a national cultural heritage zone.
Online commentary highlighted a sense of profound disrespect for South Korea’s history and culture. Many citizens expressed disbelief that such an act of public indecency could occur at such a prominent national landmark located in the heart of the capital. The location of the alleged misconduct amplified the severity of the perceived transgression, moving beyond a simple minor offense to an insult against national heritage.
The captured footage, which was first reported by JTBC News, showed the two individuals close to each other among the bushes lining the palace boundary. The man was seen appearing to be attending to his needs while holding tissues, and the woman, dressed in distinctive white pants, was also seen squatting before standing up with visible stains on her clothing.
Calls for Enhanced Penalties and Education
The relatively small penalty imposed on the male tourist has fueled demands among some Korean netizens for more significant action. Critics suggest that the current minor offenses law is insufficient to deter behavior that damages national prestige and disrupts public order at culturally sensitive locations.
There have been calls for increased accountability, with some suggesting that the travel agencies responsible for organizing the tourists’ visit should also face consequences or be part of an educational intervention. The prevailing sentiment online is that international visitors must be “properly educated on how to behave abroad” and respect local laws and cultural norms.
This incident underscores the challenge of balancing mass tourism with the preservation of sensitive historical sites. Authorities face the ongoing task of educating a varied international audience on the importance of respecting local heritage laws, particularly in high-traffic, symbolically vital locations like Gyeongbokgung Palace. Ensuring adequate signage, providing readily accessible public sanitation facilities, and enforcing strict, visible patrols remain key strategies to prevent future occurrences of inappropriate behavior near irreplaceable cultural treasures. The broader implication is a sustained effort needed by both tourists and operators to prioritize mindful travel over mere sightseeing.