Security Guard Assaulted, Public Urination at Gyeongbokgung: Why Aren't They Punishable?

With a recent surge in visitors to royal palaces and royal tombs, incidents of damage and vandalism are occurring continuously across various sites.

The Heritage Administration has urged the public to comply with visiting regulations.

The Cultural Heritage Protection Act stipulates that damaging nationally designated cultural heritage is punishable by imprisonment with labor for three years or more, along with civil and criminal liability, including the cost of restoration.

However, as crowds exceeding capacity flock to these sites, catching violators has become difficult, and some cases of damage lack even penal regulations.

Damage caused by foreign tourists is a prime example.

Due to their large numbers and diverse nationalities, once they commit an offense, there is no way to catch them if they leave the country.

In February, Chinese nationals who assaulted a Gyeongbokgung security guard asking them to follow visiting rules left the country without being stopped, sparking controversy. Similarly, a foreign tourist who relieved themselves near the stone wall of Gyeongbokgung left South Korea without any particular restrictions other than a 50,000 won fine.

Poking holes in traditional paper doors (changhoji), which has become a trend online, also lacks relevant punishment regulations.

Critics are pointing out that practical crackdowns on violations and a revision of the regulations are urgently needed.

(Source: Money Today, Video Source: Professor Seo Kyoung-duk's Instagram)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.