According to local reports, a group of naked men and women has been spotted by local residents at a two story building in a typically quiet and secluded area in the city of Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province. (Image: Kobiz Media)
North Chungcheong Province, Jul. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — A group of nudists who convene at a remote villa in the South Korean countryside is facing a backlash from the local community, with residents threatening to take legal action and some preparing to hold a protest near the building.
According to local reports, a group of naked men and women has been spotted by local residents at a two story building in a typically quiet and secluded area in the city of Jecheon in North Chungcheong Province.
At the midst of the controversy is a villa located at the top of a hill a couple of hundred meters away from a residential area, occupied by a group of nudists who travel to the region on the weekend to spend time with their fellow nudists, a shocking disturbance to local village life in the eyes of the predominantly elderly inhabitants of the town.
Though the property was first used as a holiday home for the same group back in 2009, it stayed closed due to the backlash from local residents until the group recently began accepting new members on the internet.
Park, a local resident in his 80s, has trouble suppressing his frustration and rage when he discusses the group’s activities.
“It’s so disgraceful I can no longer live here. Can you imagine a nudist villa in a small town in the country? It angers me so much.
“A group of nudists are visiting what was once a peaceful town every weekend, causing a storm.”
Park is not alone, as a banner that urges the group to leave the community hanging in the middle of the town reflects the anti-nudism sentiment among local residents, who are predominantly in their 60s and 70s.
Choi, a high-profile citizen of the community, is among those who are showing concerns over the negative impact the nudist villa could have on their town’s image.
“I often go to the mountain at night to find wild vegetables and visit graveyards. Since I can’t just close my eyes while climbing, it’s humiliating and embarrassing.”
The nudist group, however, argues there is nothing to see here.
“The villa is set away from the town and is a privately owned property. I don’t understand the outrage from local residents,” a member of the group said.
Park is not alone, as a banner that urges the group to leave the community hanging in the middle of the town reflects the anti-nudism sentiment among local residents, who are predominantly in their 60s and 70s. (Image: Yonhap)
Despite the criticism, police argue not much can be done to stop the nudity.
“Since the building in question is located away from residential areas and is a privately owned property, what people do of their free will is not punishable by law,” a police official said.
Hyunsu Yim (hyunsu@koreabizwire.com)
