Disgraceful Diaper Left at Gyeongbokgung: Need for Improvement in Civil Awareness

A used children's diaper was unlawfully discarded inside Gyeongbokgung, sparking public outrage.

On the 15th, JTBC's "Incident Headquarters" reported a tip from citizen A, who discovered the discarded diaper during a visit to Gyeongbokgung in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 13th.

According to A, the diaper was left on the curb in a heavily trafficked area of the palace, rolled up after use.

A particularly expressed disappointment, stating, "There were several trash bins placed nearby, and even a restroom was close by. It’s just absurd that someone would leave a diaper on the curb."

Protection of Cultural Heritage and Related Regulations

A reported this incident in hopes of improving civil awareness at tourist sites and added, "I didn’t witness who left it behind."

After learning of the situation, citizens reacted with comments like, "I want to believe it was a foreign tourist who discarded it, not a Korean," and "Koreans should take the lead in protecting our historical heritage with pride."

Meanwhile, Gyeongbokgung is designated as National Heritage No. 117 and is one of the representative cultural heritages of the Republic of Korea.

According to the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, acts of destruction, contamination, or littering within cultural heritage preservation areas (including the palace grounds) can be penalized under Article 86 (Penalties) with up to five years of imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won.

Image source: youtube 'jtbc news', material photo for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank