"A Stunning Lack of Common Sense"... Chinese Tourists Draw Criticism for Climbing on Tank at Yongsan's War Memorial of Korea for Photos

[Financial News] Tourists believed to be Chinese visitors at The War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan District, Seoul, have drawn criticism for behavior that left other visitors frowning.
On the 31st, Kyoungduk Seo, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, wrote on social media that he had received numerous tips from users online regarding a video that sparked controversy. He said that repeated footage showed people climbing onto an exhibited tank to take photos.
The released video showed tourists visiting The War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul, ignoring a restriction sign that said, 'Do not enter,' and climbing onto the tank to take pictures.
The War Memorial of Korea is a historical and security education site visited by domestic and international tourists. It also serves as a place to honor the countries that fought in the Korean War and those who sacrificed their lives.
Seo pointed out that such inappropriate behavior deserves criticism at a place visited by many overseas tourists and dedicated to honoring the victims from UN forces.
This is not the first time Chinese tourists have been criticized for disorderly behavior. Last year, a Chinese man and woman were caught relieving themselves near the stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace and faced strong backlash. Smoking in no-smoking areas inside heritage sites has also been seen repeatedly.
As the number of Chinese visitors continues to rise sharply, concerns are growing over how long such thoughtless behavior should be tolerated.
According to June tourism statistics for Korea compiled by the Korea Tourism Organization on the 23rd, Chinese nationals accounted for 649,582 of the foreign arrivals in the country last month, ranking first among all markets. They were followed by visitors from Japan with 348,216, Taiwan with 223,127, the United States with 177,744, and Hong Kong with 65,690.
Seo stressed that when Chinese tourists travel to other countries, they must observe basic 'global manners.' He added that setting a good example through fines and having guides consistently educate Chinese tourists would also be an effective way to reduce nuisance behavior.
[email protected] An Ga-eul Reporter