"Hiking Club Grills Meat and Urinates Near Temple: 'We Have No Right to Blame Chinese Tourists'"

Online Users: "People With No Basic Common Sense"
Public Urination and Outdoor Cooking Subject to Minor Offense Penalties
Some Raise Possibility of Violations of the Forest Protection Act

Controversy over damage to public order is growing after people who appear to be hiking club members were caught grilling meat and urinating on the roadside near a temple in Mungyeong-si, Gyeongbuk.

On the 8th, an online community posted two photos along with a post titled "Isn't this hiking club going too far?" In the photos, a group is gathered in a parking lot near the temple, setting up makeshift tables and grilling meat, and one man is seen urinating on the roadside. Nearby, a tour bus bearing the name of a hiking club was parked. The author of the post criticized them, saying, "If you walk just a little, there is a restroom."

People who appear to be hiking club members grilling meat and urinating on the roadside near a temple in Mungyeong-si, Gyeongbuk. Online community

People who saw the photos online commented, "Because of people like this, responsible hikers get blamed," "They went beyond just being a nuisance and exposed their own level," "A typical nuisance club that becomes bold when they are in a group," and "Before blaming foreign tourists, we should first look at ourselves." One commenter strongly criticized them, saying, "They ignored the symbolic nature of a temple as a religious space" and "They did not even observe the most basic public order."

This is not the first time group hikers have sparked controversy over causing a nuisance. In October 2023, at a rest area on the Namhae Expressway in Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam, a group of hikers was spotted setting up makeshift tables in the parking lot and having a drinking party, which stirred criticism. At the time, about 20 hikers were drinking at several tables set up next to a tour bus. A rest area official said at the time, "It is prohibited under the rules to set up tables and eat and drink in the parking lot," adding, "We are offering guidance, but there are limits to management because group hikers repeatedly engage in the same behavior."

According to Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the current Minor Offenses Punishment Act, urinating or defecating at will on roads, in parks, or other places where many people gather or pass through is subject to punishment. Acts of exposing major parts of the body in public places and causing shame or discomfort to others are also subject to sanctions under the same provision. Violators may be punished by a fine of up to 100,000 won, detention, or a minor fine.