The 37-year-old woman from Hanoi, who visited South Korea from October 29 to November 4, was photographed doing a handstand yoga pose next to the stone wall near Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the royal palace.

In one of the photos, she is seen leaning against the outer wall of the palace while in a yoga pose.

In a photo shared on social media, a Vietnamese tourist can be seen leaning against the wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace while doing a yoga pose.

Like major Korean media outlets Chosun, Yonhap, Every daytogether MBC And JTBC Television networks reported on the incident on November 5, sparking a heated debate on South Korean social media.

“This place is sacred and a symbol of Korean tourism; this woman’s actions are shameful,” wrote a South Korean netizen.

Another said: “Of course there would have to be sanctions. What if the wall is damaged?” he added.

Others echoed this sentiment, with comments such as “There are always attention seekers” and “If I had done this in Vietnam, I would have been immediately removed.”

Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women’s University criticized the tourist’s actions as inappropriate, emphasizing that Gyeongbokgung Palace is a national monument and placing one’s foot on the wall risks potential damage. Maeil Business Newspaper reported.

While practicing yoga is free everywhere, leaning directly on national cultural assets in other countries is clearly a mistake, Seo said, calling on Korean officials to prevent similar actions in the future.

However, some netizens also defended the tourist’s actions.

One netizen wrote on the online platform Naver: “I don’t think it’s a big problem. Practice more. Korea is a free and democratic country, so you can do yoga without worry.”

Another netizen said that there was a fashion show at Gyeongbokgung Palace. “I don’t think it’s wrong to wear tights and do handstand yoga outside the palace.”

Gyeongbokgung or Gyeongbokgung Palace was the main royal residence during the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395 in northern Seoul, it served as both the residence of the royal family and the seat of government. Today it is one of South Korea’s most popular tourist attractions.

Although there is no formal dress code for visitors, most people prefer modest attire; She avoids flip-flops, shorts and short skirts because these are generally considered inappropriate in South Korea.