"Please Mind Your Manners": Outrage Over Chinese Tourists Climbing Tanks for Photos at War Memorial

Taking Photos on Exhibits Despite "Do Not Enter" Signs
Seo Kyoung-duk: "Basic Global Manners Must Be Observed"

A controversy has arisen after some tourists, believed to be Chinese nationals, were seen climbing onto exhibits at the Yongsan War Memorial in Seoul to take photos.

Controversial scenes of tourists at the Yongsan War Memorial. Screenshot from Professor Seokyoungduk's Instagram (@seokyoungduk)

On the 31st, Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women's University stated on his Facebook page, "A number of internet users informed me about a video that became the focus of debate on social media," and added, "The footage shows some tourists repeatedly climbing onto a displayed tank to take photos."

According to the information released by Professor Seo, some tourists ignored 'Do Not Enter' signs installed inside the War Memorial and climbed onto a displayed tank to take photos. Critics have pointed out that such actions disrupt other visitors and can negatively impact the management of the exhibits.

Professor Seo noted, "There has been a constant stream of inconsiderate behavior by Chinese tourists at various historical sites in Korea," emphasizing, "This location is not only visited by many foreign tourists but is also a place that honors fallen soldiers from United Nations member states. Such inappropriate attitudes should rightfully be criticized."

In the past, controversies have arisen when Chinese tourists were caught relieving themselves beneath the stone walls at Gyeongbokgung Palace. There have also been repeated instances of people smoking in designated non-smoking areas within palaces and cultural heritage sites.

Professor Seo stressed, "When visiting other countries as tourists, Chinese nationals must observe basic global etiquette," adding, "Introducing fines and ongoing educational programs by tour guides for tourist groups could be effective in reducing such inconsiderate acts."

Meanwhile, the incident in question has already become widely discussed on YouTube and various social networking services (SNS). Online users expressed criticism such as, "The exhibits could be damaged," and "There is a need for strong sanctions, such as imposing fines." In addition to these behaviors, there have been numerous online controversies over some tourists smoking in non-smoking areas. Despite warning signs and announcements in Chinese, repeated violations of basic rules by some tourists have led to calls for more effective sanctions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.