Tourists suspected to be Chinese photographed entering restricted zone at Jeju heritage site

Tourists suspected to be Chinese have been photographed entering a restricted zone at Oedolgae in Seogwipo, Jeju Island — a nationally designated heritage site — stirring controversy.

JTBC's "Sageon Banjang," a TV news magazine program, on Thursday aired footage shot Wednesday by a tipster identified only as A, who captured the scene while traveling on Jeju Island near Oedolgae. The site is a roughly 20-meter-tall stone pillar designated as National Scenic Site No. 79.

A no-entry sign and a wooden fence had been erected at the scene, but the tourists climbed over the fence to take photographs.

A initially assumed the group were Korean tourists and told them not to cross the fence. After hearing them speak in Chinese, A concluded they were likely Chinese tourists.

When A asked in English where they were from, the tourists did not respond. Some sat down and stared back at A, according to the account.

A ultimately filed a complaint with Seogwipo City Hall, warning that unauthorized entry could damage the natural heritage site.

A similar incident had been reported the previous month, when tourists were also filmed taking photographs inside the restricted zone near Oedolgae. The tipster in that case also said the individuals were Chinese, though their nationality was not confirmed.