Chinese Tourists Caught Defecating at Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace Spark Outrage

A pair of tourists from China have sparked outrage in South Korea after they were caught on camera taking a dump beside a historic stone wall at Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace.

The incident, which occurred on November 10, was first reported by JTBC News. In a video from the scene, a middle-aged man and woman were seen squatting close to each other among the dense bushes lining the palace walls.

The man appeared to be holding tissues while doing a number two, while the woman — dressed in white pants — appeared to be doing the same. Footage showed that her pants seemed to be stained as she stood up, before both individuals left the scene seemingly unaware that they had been filmed.

According to reports, patrolling police officers caught the pair at the site. The Seoul Metropolitan Police later confirmed the incident on November 12, stating that the man was fined 50,000 won (S$44.40) under the Minor Offences Punishment Act, while the woman was not penalised.

The tourists’ actions have triggered widespread anger online, particularly because the incident took place within a cultural heritage protection zone. Netizens expressed their disgust and disbelief that such behaviour occurred in the heart of one of Korea’s most important landmarks.

Originally built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace is a key symbol of South Korea’s history and culture, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Many Korean netizens have since called for stricter punishment, with some suggesting that the tour agencies responsible for bringing the visitors should also be held accountable.

Others condemned the tourists’ actions as “deeply disrespectful,” saying they should be “properly educated on how to behave abroad.”