Well-preserved traditional Korean houses are one of Seoul’s most popular attractions. The streets of Bukchon Hanok Village have been flooded with tourists for many years. Thousands of guests arrive in the village every day, sowing discord among the residents.
According to the South Korean government, 6.6 million people will visit the village in 2023. Due to the influx of tourists, complaints from local residents about noise pollution and garbage have increased. In this regard, access to the village for tourists will be limited from October. The area will be the country’s first “special management zone” under South Korea’s tourism development law.
Authorities will impose a strict curfew from 17:00 to 10:00 and the movement of tourist buses within the village will be limited. This measure should reduce traffic and make the area more accessible to pedestrians. In addition, the village will be divided into green, orange and red zones, allowing authorities to better control crowded areas. Violators will face a fine.
However, local residents are skeptical about the effectiveness of the new measures. Lee Young-hee, owner of a popular local cafe, told the station that most tourists usually leave shortly after sunset, even when there is no curfew. “In winter, visitors leave around 5 p.m., and in summer, around 6 p.m. The introduction of the curfew will not change much,” he said.
