"No Need to Go to Japan" Taking 'Life Shots' on Red Lights... 'Extremely Dangerous' Haeundae Road

Tourists Take Photos Without Moving Even During Green Light for Cars
Police and Local Government Measures Fall Short of Stopping Them

A couple was caught taking commemorative photos in the middle of the road, refusing to move even when the traffic signal changed to allow cars to drive, drawing criticism.

A couple taking commemorative photos in the middle of the road did not move even after the traffic signal changed to allow cars to drive. YouTube Han Moonchul TV capture

On May 31, several online communities posted a thread titled "A couple taking life shots in the middle of the road." The video showed a man and a woman taking commemorative photos in the middle of an intersection near Cheongsapo Beach in Haeundae-gu, Busan. It is presumed that the video was released by a driver who was passing through the area and captured the scene on their car's black box camera.

In the footage, the couple was seen taking photos in the middle of the crosswalk even though the traffic light for vehicles was green and the pedestrian light was red. Cars had to stop and wait, unable to proceed despite having the green signal. After a while, the couple finally moved out of the way, but by then, the traffic light for vehicles had turned red again, so the cars had to remain stopped.

When the pedestrian signal turned green, the man and woman returned to the middle of the crosswalk to take more photos. The couple continued their photo session even as the traffic light for vehicles changed again, only hurriedly moving aside when a car honked at them.

Although the exact time when this video was filmed has not been disclosed, it is known that such behavior has occurred frequently around Cheongsapo in Haeundae in recent years. Due to the beach train scenery that resembles the setting of the popular animation "Slam Dunk," the area has gained fame, leading to ongoing conflicts between tourists trying to take so-called "life shots" and drivers. One well-known YouTuber was also criticized by netizens for taking photos without regard for the traffic signals.

As these dangerous situations have continued, the police have put up banners prohibiting unauthorized entry onto the roadway. Haeundae-gu has installed speed enforcement cameras. The beach train operator has deployed safety personnel to guide pedestrians. However, even with these measures, it remains difficult to guarantee the safety of tourists. Haeundae-gu is reportedly considering introducing a "smart signal" system that issues audible warnings, but since it does not meet standard specifications, it is unclear when it will be installed.

Some argue that the beach train operator, which profits from tourism, should take additional measures, while others point out that tourists themselves must follow safety rules. Netizens commented, "They don't even know what their priorities are and are just causing trouble," "They should be fined for violating traffic laws," and "Why risk your life for a life shot?"