With a youthful face, despite the restaurant owner's objections, 'Ppeokkeumppeokkeum'... Inconsiderate Chinese tourists [Video]

Chinese Female Tourist Visiting Korea
Smoking Electronic Cigarette 'Ppeokkeum Ppeokkeum' in Restaurant
Ignoring Restaurant Owner's Objection
"Continued Smoking Despite Many Children Present"

A Chinese tourist visiting Korea was seen smoking openly inside a restaurant, sparking public outrage. Despite repeated requests from the restaurant staff to stop smoking, the woman ignored them and continued, further fueling anger.

A Chinese woman smoking at a restaurant in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam.
Photo by Online Community

On the 14th, a post titled "Inconsiderate Chinese woman smoking in a restaurant" was uploaded to an online community. The author, A, who witnessed the scene at a restaurant located in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, said, "Four Chinese men and women visited the restaurant," and added, "It was very noisy, so I looked over and saw a woman smoking an e-cigarette."

In the video released by A, a Chinese woman estimated to be in her early 20s is seen looking at her phone while smoking an e-cigarette. She does not bother to hide the smoke. A explained the situation, saying, "Our eyes met, and I told her not to smoke, but she ignored me and kept smoking," and "The restaurant staff also told her not to smoke, but she paid no attention. Even a Chinese woman working at the restaurant warned her in Chinese not to smoke, but she continued."

A Chinese woman smoking at a restaurant in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam.
Photo by Online Community

A said, "It was Sunday, so there were many families with children in the restaurant," and added, "If they have strong anti-Korean sentiments, why come all the way to Korea and cause trouble? I deliberately recorded the video very clearly, but she stubbornly kept smoking." She continued, "I filed several complaints without holding back. The owner tried to kick her out, but since the food had already been ordered, I guess they couldn't bring themselves to do it," and "There were two men and two women, and none of them spoke Korean. That woman kept smoking even after the food arrived, as if eating side dishes."

Netizens who saw the story responded with comments such as, "China is just being China," "If even the Chinese staff told her not to and she didn't listen, she has no manners," "What leaks at home leaks outside too," "They should be taxed," "I hope they never come to Korea again," "Someone should report this to the police to shame them," and "I guess all of them are Chinese since none of them stopped her."

Meanwhile, Korea has banned smoking in all bars, restaurants, and cafes regardless of size, including smoking rooms, since January 1, 2015. Business owners who allow illegal smoking can be fined between 100,000 and 5,000,000 KRW. China also banned indoor smoking in public places under the Public Health Law Enforcement Regulations starting May 1, 2011.