A Vietnamese woman performing yoga at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul has sparked controversy online, with Prof. Seo Kyung-duk from Sungshin Women’s University criticizing the act for its potential risk of “damaging cultural heritage.”
According to industry sources on the 6th, the Vietnamese tourist shared a video of herself doing yoga in full-body leggings on her social media. The video, shot on October 29, shows her performing handstands and other yoga poses in front of the stone wall next to Gwanghwamun Gate at Gyeongbokgung.
The act has drawn criticism from the Vietnamese community, who labeled it “disrespectful behavior at a historical site in Korea.” The photos and videos quickly went viral on Korean online platforms, with many netizens expressing negative reactions to her actions.
The woman, however, claimed that she did not violate any regulations and was not stopped by Gyeongbokgung officials, suggesting that her actions were not problematic.
In response, Prof. Seo Kyung-duk released a statement on the 6th, asserting, “Her claim is seriously misguided.” He emphasized, “Gyeongbokgung is a national heritage site representing Korea, and leaning against its walls for such acts poses a risk of ‘cultural property damage.'”
He further stated, “While one is free to practice yoga anywhere in the world, doing so against a national cultural heritage of another country is a clear mistake.”
Prof. Seo also urged Gyeongbokgung officials to intervene and stop such incidents in the future.