Vietnamese tourist practicing yoga at South Korean royal palace sparks controversy

Kieu Hoa from Hanoi shared images online on Nov. 3 showing herself in a handstand yoga pose in front of the royal palace, during her visit in South Korea from Oct. 29.

A photo shared on social media shows a female tourist from Vietnam in handstand yoga pose in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace in South Korea.

The photos quickly went viral, drawing criticism from many social media users who labeled her actions as "offensive" and "inappropriate" at a prominent tourist site.

"The palace is a sacred place in their country, much like our Hue Imperial City. Her behavior is disgraceful," one user commented.

"While yoga is beneficial for health, displaying one's body in such a manner in public is offensive and disrespectful. Moreover, that site is sacred and a symbol of South Korean tourism," another wrote.

"Rude and offensive. Such acts create a negative impression on foreigners about the image of Vietnamese people," read another comment.

Hoa, however, defended herself, arguing that the online backlash was excessive since her actions did not breach any regulations, nor was she cautioned by the palace's security staff.

"Everyone has their own preferences, and we should respect differences," she stated.

Some users supported her, arguing that her poses inspire others to practice yoga and express their personalities confidently, even when abroad.

Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace, was the main royal residence of the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395, it is located in northern Seoul and served as both the home of the royal family and the seat of government. Today, it is a popular tourist destination.

This is not the first time public yoga performances have sparked controversy.

Last month, a foreign tourist's video that showed a group of women practicing yoga in tight leggings on Mount Fansipan in northern Vietnam also triggered online debate about the appropriateness of such attire in public.

In May, a group of women in northern Vietnam's Thai Binh Province were fined after recording a yoga session in the middle of a street.