A Japanese-style structure on the "Seoul Mun" street in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. [Provided by Sungshin Women's University Professor Seo Kyoung-duk's team]
A Japanese-style structure on the "Seoul Mun" street in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. [Provided by Sungshin Women's University Professor Seo Kyoung-duk's team]

A large structure on the "Seoul Mun" street in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is drawing criticism for resembling a Japanese torii — the ceremonial gate traditionally erected at the entrance to Shinto shrines.

Sungshin Women's University Professor Seo Kyoung-duk said Tuesday that an internet user had tipped him off about the structure. "After looking into it, I found that it is shaped like a Japanese torii and even has Chinese-style red lanterns hanging from it — nothing about it fits the 'Seoul Mun' concept," he wrote on social media.

According to Seo, Seoul Mun is a commercial and cultural complex symbolizing friendship and exchange between South Korea and Uzbekistan, inspired particularly by Korean streetscapes and waterfront promenades. The street has become a popular destination for both Tashkent residents and foreign tourists.

"Using the official title 'Seoul Mun' while putting up signage on a structure shaped like a Japanese torii is plainly wrong," Seo said. He added that the structure should be replaced immediately to avoid cultural confusion, given the large number of visitors photographing and filming the site.


choigo@heraldcorp.com