Incident at resort parking lot in Gangwon Province draws criticism online

An image created to help illustrate the concept of "body parking" and not directly related to the article. [AI-generated image]
An image created to help illustrate the concept of "body parking" and not directly related to the article. [AI-generated image]

A photo of a woman standing in an empty parking spot with both arms raised has drawn criticism online. She appeared to be attempting so-called "body parking" — using her own body to block other vehicles from taking the space.

According to a post on the online community Bobae Dream on Friday, a user uploaded a photo Thursday along with an explanation of the scene under the title, "A lady is blocking the parking spot with her arms raised."

The poster, identified only as A, wrote, "I saw a lady occupying a parking spot at a resort parking lot in Gangwon Province," adding, "She's blocking it with her arms raised so no one can park there."

The photo shows a woman standing at the end of an empty parking space with both arms raised high. Next to her is a vehicle believed to belong to the person who took the photo.

The woman appeared to be holding the spot for a family member or acquaintance's car that had not yet arrived, engaging in behavior that drew frowns from onlookers.

Commenters reacted with remarks such as "People like that still exist?" "Thought she was a scarecrow," "Just parallel park in front of her," "Is she directing traffic?" "Looks like she's praying," and "The Korean National Police Agency should really run a campaign about this."

Holding a parking spot in this manner is difficult to punish directly, as there is no specific fine provision for it under current law. However, depending on the circumstances — such as ignoring a parking attendant's instructions — charges of general traffic obstruction or obstruction of business could apply.


jshan@heraldcorp.com