Their embassy was informed.
A pair of Russian tourists are under police investigation after allegedly setting fire to a walking trail in Seoul Forest Park and fleeing the scene. MBN has confirmed through its investigation that the suspects, a woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s, were apprehended by the police shortly after the incident.
According to the Seongdong Police Station, the suspects — identified only as Ms. A and Mr. B for privacy reasons — were arrested on suspicion of arson. The incident occurred around 4:00 p.m. on June 11, at a walking trail located in the Seongsu-dong 1-ga area of Seongdong District. The two individuals reportedly used a lighter to start the fire before attempting to flee.
Surveillance footage played a key role in the swift response by law enforcement. Police tracked the suspects using nearby CCTV cameras, which captured the moment the fire was set. Authorities were able to locate and arrest the two individuals within approximately an hour and a half of the incident.
The fire damaged an estimated 500 square meters of the park’s walking trail, although no injuries were reported. Firefighters responded quickly to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the popular urban park, which is frequently visited by both locals and tourists.
Given the severity of the damage and the deliberate nature of the act, police have requested a formal arrest warrant for Ms. A. Mr. B, meanwhile, will be investigated without detention for the time being. Authorities are also examining whether the suspects had any prior criminal records or history of reckless behavior during their travels.
Officials expressed concern over the incident, especially considering that Seoul Forest is one of the city’s major green spaces, known for its ecological diversity and high public foot traffic. Investigators are currently working to determine the motive behind the arson, including whether it was intentional vandalism, negligence, or the result of intoxication.
The Russian embassy in South Korea has been notified, and consular support for the suspects is reportedly being arranged. The case is expected to draw attention both domestically and internationally, particularly with regard to tourist behavior and public safety in popular destinations.
The Seongdong Police Station stated that further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
