It is estimated that it cost nearly 10 million won to erase the magic graffiti written on Gwanghwamun, the main gate of Gyeongbokgung.
According to the Korea Heritage Service and others on the 24th, the Gyeongbokgung management office provisionally counted at least 8.5 million won spent on removing the graffiti from the stone wall of Gwanghwamun on the 11th. This includes the expenses for renting professional equipment such as laser devices and various supplies. At that time, it is reported that 5 to 6 conservation science experts from the National Palace Museum worked on-site for about 7 hours to remove the graffiti.
Earlier, the Korea Heritage Service and the police arrested and investigated a person surnamed Kim (79) on the 11th on suspicion of graffiti on the stone wall of Gwanghwamun. Kim was caught writing with a black magic marker, 'A letter to the people of our country and the world, President Trump,' on the stone of the wall. The area of the writing is approximately 1.7 meters wide and 0.3 meters tall.
The act of graffiti, including on Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun, is a clear act of cultural heritage damage. Under current laws, the person who graffitis on cultural heritage can be ordered to restore it to its original state and can be charged for the necessary restoration expenses. The Korea Heritage Service is reviewing legal responses.