Climbing, Crossing Barrier for 'V' Signs... Tourists Criticized for Another Nuisance

Tourists visiting the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, are drawing attention online for behavior that defies common sense.

Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University posted on social media, saying, "Controversy has arisen due to the nuisance behavior of some tourists presumed to be Chinese," and adding, "It has been repeatedly confirmed that people are climbing on top of displayed tanks to take pictures."

Photos posted by Professor Seo show a tourist ignoring a control sign reading "Do Not Enter" and climbing onto a tank, as well as crossing restriction lines to take photos right in front of the exhibits.

Professor Seo pointed out, "Such improper viewing behavior deserves criticism, especially at a place visited by many foreign tourists and where the sacrifices of UN allied nations' veterans are commemorated."

This is not the first time disorderly behavior by tourists has occurred at major historic sites in South Korea.

Last year, a group of Chinese tourists frequently sparked controversy by relieving themselves near the stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace and smoking in non-smoking areas within the historic site.

Local governments are struggling with the management of tourist attractions as the number of visitors has surged following COVID-19.

According to South Korean tourism statistics for the first half of this year compiled by the Korea Tourism Organization on the 23rd, the total cumulative number of foreign visitors to South Korea reached 10.71 million, representing a 21.3% increase compared to the same period last year.

Compared to the first half of 2019, before COVID-19, it has recovered to 126.9% of that level.

By country, Chinese tourists were the most numerous at 3.21 million, followed by 1.95 million Japanese, 1.15 million Taiwanese, and 810,000 Americans.

Professor Seo emphasized, "Setting good examples such as imposing fines and having tour guides continuously educate Chinese tourists is a good way to reduce nuisance behavior."

(Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Lee Yu-jin | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News | Video source: Professor Seo Kyoung-duk's social media)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.