Two tourists were filmed defecating along the stone walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul on 10 November 2025. The incident happened at one of South Korea’s most important cultural sites. A passerby captured the footage and shared it with local media.
Video Shows the Incident in Broad Daylight
Local broadcaster JTBC aired footage showing a man crouching in the bushes with toilet paper in hand. A woman stood beside him, pulling down her white trousers. After a few moments, she stood up and walked away. Visible stains marked her clothing as she left.
The man emerged from the bushes shortly after. The whole thing took place along the outer stone walls of Gyeongbokgung, the main royal palace from the Joseon era dating back to 1392. The Cultural Heritage Administration has designated it as Historic Site No. 117. It’s one of Seoul’s most visited tourist spots.
Witness Says Many Tour Groups Were Present
The person who filmed the clip told JTBC that many tour groups were at the palace that day. The pair appeared to be part of an overseas tour group. Several Chinese group tours were at Gyeongbokgung during the incident, according to the witness.
Police Issue Fine But Make No Arrests
Police officers patrolling nearby stepped in to stop the act. They didn’t detain or formally book either person at the scene. The man received a fine of 50,000 won (~S$44.44), South Korean media The Chosun Daily reported.
South Korean law treats defecating at a cultural heritage site as a misdemeanour. The Minor Offences Punishment Act says urinating or defecating in public can result in fines up to 100,000 won (~S$88.88).
Social Media Reacts
The incident drew sharp criticism on Korean social media platforms. Commenters condemned the disrespect shown at a landmark with deep historical significance. Some netizens drew comparisons to previous cases in Jeju Island, where tourists were seen letting their children defecate on streets and near natural monuments.
