"Hangul Graffiti Scattered Across Famous Tourist Spots... Lived in the US for 40 Years, Feeling Embarrassed"

Graffiti by Korean Tourists Fills National Park
Whistleblower: "A Moment I Felt Ashamed to Be Korean"

Graffiti believed to have been carved by Korean tourists has been spotted at a famous tourist destination in the United States, drawing criticism.

Korean tourists' graffiti was carved in the Grand Canyon National Park in the United States. [Source=JTBC 'Sageonbanjang']

JTBC's 'Sageon Banjang' reported on the 7th that Korean graffiti was found at a popular tourist spot in the U.S.

According to the report, a tipster who identified themselves as a Korean American who has lived in the U.S. for about 40 years said, "I recently visited Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona during a vacation and discovered this," attaching a video. The video showed several names written in black pen on rocks within the park. The phrase "2024.8.12 From Korea" was also visible. The rocks appeared blotchy and stained, covered with tourists' graffiti.

The tipster stated, "Just because others have left graffiti doesn't mean 'we should do it too.' It was a moment when I felt ashamed to be Korean." Netizens who saw the news also reacted with comments such as, "I don't understand why people write their names at tourist sites," "Don't disgrace our country abroad," "Isn't it basic etiquette not to graffiti?" and "What are they doing in a national park?"

Earlier, on the 2nd of last month, a similar incident occurred in Bohol, Philippines. At Virgin Island, a representative resort known as the "Mecca of Snorkeling," Korean tourists carved their names such as 'Soyoon' and 'Kim,' damaging coral reefs. In response, Bohol authorities announced an indefinite closure of the island to tourists to protect the marine environment.