A group of men believed to be foreigners sparked debate in South Korea after videos of them jumping off Seoul’s Banpo Bridge into the Han River spread online.
The men appeared to swim back to shore safely, with no injuries reported.
Despite this, the stunt drew criticism over the potential risks of their actions and the possibility of emergency services being unnecessarily deployed.
According to The Korea Herald, videos of the incident began circulating on social media on Wednesday (7 Oct).
The footage showed several men climbing onto the railing of Banpo Bridge in the evening before jumping into the river one after another.
They were later seen swimming through the water and appeared to leave the area without harm.
Source: @realkimchiboy on X
Emergency personnel were also spotted near the bridge, though it is unclear whether they were dispatched because of the men.
The footage prompted mixed reactions online.
Some users criticised the men for potentially endangering themselves and others, noting that someone jumping from a bridge could be mistaken for a person in distress.
This could then result in police, firefighters, or other rescue personnel being unnecessarily deployed.
Source: @realkimchiboy on X
One commenter further argued that responders being sent to attend to such reckless behaviour could divert resources from actual emergencies, Maeil Business reported.
However, not everyone viewed the incident seriously.
Some commenters argued that swimming and jumping into urban waterways are common recreational activities in certain countries.
Source: @realkimchiboy on X
Others, however, argued that visitors should still observe local safety practices and public order while in South Korea.
According to The Korea Herald, swimming or diving in the Han River is not explicitly banned.
However, South Korea’s Water Leisure Safety Act restricts certain activities involving water leisure equipment in designated sections of the river, including areas around Banpo, Yeouido, and Mangwon.
Authorities have been enforcing stricter rules against illegal water sports and risky swimming along the river since April.
These efforts will reportedly run through the end of October.
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Featured image adapted from @realkimchiboy on X.