A recent incident at the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai has sparked online discussion in China. A video filmed by a Chinese visitor shows several South Korean middle school students loudly shouting, pushing each other, and even jumping and running on the tower’s glass skywalk. The footage quickly went viral, climbing trending lists and triggering a wave of debate across social media platforms.
According to multiple witnesses, the students’ behavior went beyond ordinary excitement. They were reportedly making loud noises for an extended period, engaging in physical horseplay, and ignoring the presence of other visitors. More concerning was the fact that some of them were jumping on the transparent glass flooring of the elevated observation corridor. This not only disrupted the experience of others but also raised safety concerns, as such actions could potentially lead to accidents or stress in a high-altitude environment.
For some commentators, the students’ conduct stood in stark contrast to the widely circulated perception that South Koreans generally exhibit high civic awareness and discipline in public spaces. A number of online users drew from personal experiences, claiming that loud conversations and energetic behavior among Korean students are not uncommon in restaurants, campuses, or tourist sites. Others even pointed to the expressive, often exaggerated communication styles seen in Korean dramas, suggesting that such patterns may influence real-life interactions.
The dominant view criticizes the students’ actions as a clear violation of public etiquette and a disregard for shared spaces, emphasizing that such behavior has nothing to do with a country’s level of development. Many also stressed the importance of safety, arguing that scenic spots, especially those involving heights and glass structures, require stricter supervision and enforcement of rules. Meanwhile, some urged people not to idealize other countries based on media portrayals or online narratives.
A smaller group of voices called for a more lenient perspective. They argued that teenagers, especially while traveling, can become overly excited and loud, and that such behavior, while inappropriate, should not be overinterpreted or excessively criticized.
The discussion has also expanded into broader reflections on cultural differences and double standards. Some users pointed out that if similar behavior were displayed by Chinese tourists abroad, it might quickly be generalized and criticized internationally. This has led to calls for avoiding nationality-based labeling and instead focusing on individual responsibility. Certain actions in the video, such as pushing others toward the glass area, have raised concerns about whether elements of bullying might be involved.
Shanghai has recently become an increasingly popular destination for South Korean tourists, especially following visa-free policy adjustments. Iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower frequently attract Korean tour groups, whose spending habits and travel preferences have themselves become a topic of online discussion. This growing exchange between the two countries inevitably brings more opportunities for cultural interaction, but also friction.
Some online comments are as follows:
“Among all the foreigners I’ve met, Koreans are the noisiest.”
“Middle schoolers are like this everywhere. Same in China, same in the West. Don’t label people.”
“It’s normal for young people to be lively and energetic. No need to blow it out of proportion.”
“If this happened abroad, people would start saying it’s Chinese again.”
“If they can afford to travel abroad, they’re probably not from ordinary families. Acting wild like that reflects a particular kind of family upbringing.”
“If the glass had shattered, that’d be a whole different story, lol.”
“Are they deliberately trying to break it?”
“Japanese and Koreans have performative personalities, they really like putting on an act.”
