Patricia CaleonSeoul‘s iconic Bukchon Hanok Village is currently facing overtourism, prompting the local government to take significant steps to address this and preserve its historic charm. The move started just this November, with the Jongno District Office imposing restrictions on visitor access to certain areas of the village.
Also read: 20 Stunning Hanoks in South Korea You Can Book on Airbnb
Bukchon Hanok Village overtourism: curfew and zoning system
Image credit: Republic of Korea | Flickr
To mitigate the negative impacts of excessive tourism, the district has introduced a curfew and zoning system. The most heavily visited areas, particularly along Bukchon-ro 11-gil, will be closed to visitors from 5pm to 10am. Violators of the curfew may face fines of up to 100,000 won (S$95.86) after an initial trial run.
The village has also been divided into three zones: red, orange, and yellow. The red zone, as mentioned, is subject to the curfew. The orange zone, encompassing residential areas and commercial establishments like coffee shops and restaurants, will be monitored by district officials to guide visitors and maintain order. Lastly, the yellow zone will also be monitored to ensure compliance with regulations.
Restrictions on tour groups
In addition to the curfew and zoning system, the district is imposing restrictions on large tour groups. Chartered buses will be prohibited from entering a 1.5-kilometre section of Bukchon-ro, a popular route for most tourists. This action aims to reduce a high traffic of visitors and alleviate congestion in that specific area.
The impact of overtourism at Bukchon Hanok Village
The sudden spike in tourism to Bukchon Hanok Village has led to many issues, including noise pollution, littering, and invasion of privacy. Residents have reported instances of tourists entering private homes and taking pictures without permission. These disturbances have forced many residents to relocate, resulting in a significant decline in the village’s population. In 2023, Bukchon Hanok Village recorded a staggering 6.4 million tourists, which is already over 1,000 times more than the number of residents in the area with a total of around 6,100.
Current preservation efforts
To address these challenges and preserve the village’s cultural heritage, the district office is implementing a range of measures. These include hiring multilingual staff to guide tourists and inform them about the new regulations, as well as sending notification to tourism organisations and agencies. The revenue generated from fines may be used to fund local development projects.
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By taking decisive action to curb overtourism, the Jongno District Office aims to strike a balance between preserving the cultural heritage of Bukchon Hanok Village and accommodating tourists who want to see the beauty of the village up close and personal.
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