"Please Stop the Scribbling" Art or Graffiti? Street Graffiti Conflicts [A Reporter Goes]

Busy Alley in Seoul's Downtown Suffering from Graffiti
Indiscriminate Graffiti on Walls and Public Facilities
Citizens Angry: "Why Graffiti in Front of Someone Else's House?"

Graffiti painted all over the busy streets of Seoul. Not only on store shutters but also on public facilities, they are filled with unknown drawings and writings. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Anyone can see it's just graffiti. Why do they do that on someone else's house wall?"

On the afternoon of the 18th, a wall in an alley of a busy street in Seoul was covered with unknown letters and drawings. This is so-called 'graffiti' created by scratching or using paint on walls. However, some criticize it as a crime that infringes on others' property for personal hobby. In fact, it is pointed out as just mere scribbling.

Such graffiti can be easily seen throughout the streets. In some cases, drawings were boldly painted on walls in no-parking zones.

Under a notice indicating that CCTV is in operation, the phrase "Bring it on, world" was written. Other alleys showed similar situations. Graffiti was easily found on utility poles, flowerbed walls, and even on parts of vending machines.

Someone scribbled graffiti on the shutter of a store located in Seoul. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

Meanwhile, unknown drawings and writings were also found on iron doors with high-pressure gas tanks. All of these are types of graffiti occurring in spaces that have managers or are under management. They are drawn indiscriminately on building exteriors, store shutters, and even air conditioner outdoor units.

Citizens immediately frowned upon seeing this. Mr. A, a man in his 30s whom we met near a graffiti-covered wall, said, "Graffiti itself causes many problems, but this is just scribbling. It can be seen as an infringement of property rights." He added, "It's not just here. Other streets are the same. Is it okay to infringe on others' property for your hobby?"

Mr. B, a man in his 40s, said, "Not only on the streets but also in parks and hiking trails, there are people who write anything anywhere, which is pure selfishness." He continued, "Imagine if someone scribbled on your face, would you feel good?" expressing his frustration.

Another citizen in his 50s raised his voice, saying, "It doesn't look good either. It's just an eyesore. I don't know who is doing such graffiti." Regarding the comment that "there is graffiti on store shutters," he pointed out, "Did they get permission from the owner? This is an extreme nuisance."

Graffiti saying "Dumbyeora Sesanga" under the notice during CCTV surveillance. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

In fact, the excessive graffiti is causing the entire street to suffer. There are criticisms that people cause harm to others for their own hobby. Mr. Kim, a man in his 30s, said, "There is graffiti even on public facilities, isn't that illegal?" and raised his voice, "Why do they scribble on facilities operated with our taxes?"

Graffiti on walls, utility poles, and various urban locations is all illegal. According to current law, acts such as creating graffiti on others' building walls and public facilities without permission are punishable under property damage and trespassing laws.

If charged with property damage, one may face up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 7 million won; for trespassing on buildings, up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 5 million won.

Graffiti drawn on a wall with a utility pole. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

Nevertheless, it is not easy to catch those who do such graffiti. Most of them draw secretly late at night or early in the morning and disappear. Also, even if the drawings are erased, new graffiti often appears in the same place.

An official from a district office responsible for alleys full of graffiti said, "(It is) difficult to identify the perpetrators. Also, it is actually hard to predict when and where they will do graffiti and disappear." He added, "We respond only when complaints are filed."