Child Climbing Tombs, Father Taking Photos, Foreigners Smoking... Public Outrage Over Inconsiderate Acts at APEC Gyeongju

Taking Photos on Top of the Tombs
Smoking Nearby as Well

A photo submitted by a whistleblower on the 12th showing tourists climbing on top of a tumulus at the Gyeongju Silla Cultural Festival to take pictures. Online community BobaeDream

At the 52nd Gyeongju Silla Cultural Festival this year, visitors were seen climbing on top of ancient tombs and smoking nearby, sparking public outrage over their inconsiderate behavior. As the festival was expanded this year ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, there are growing calls for more thorough guidance for both domestic and international visitors.

On the 12th, a post titled "Child on Top of Tomb, Father Taking Pictures... Controversy Over Damage to Gyeongju Silla Tombs" was uploaded to an online community along with photos. According to the whistleblower who reported that the photos were taken in Gyeongju, a child was seen standing on top of a tomb while a man, presumed to be the father, was taking pictures from below.

On the same day, there were also reports of citizens smoking in the park during the Gyeongju festival. Both groups of tourists, presumed to be foreigners, and Korean tourists were seen sitting and smoking on benches and curbstones next to the tombs.

A whistleblower submitted a photo on the 12th showing tourists smoking near the ancient tombs at the Gyeongju Silla Cultural Festival. Online community BobaeDream

The whistleblower stated, "On the day of the festival, the 11th, there were many people climbing on top of the tombs and smoking throughout the park. I contacted city hall, but the only response I received was, 'There is no other choice.' Although police officers were present, they did not take any action."

Online users also reacted strongly. Comments included, "There is no sense of safety," "Not only are they climbing on thousand-year-old tombs, but they are also smoking," and "Acts that degrade cultural heritage should be strictly controlled and punished."

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