South Korea Steps Up Efforts to Safeguard Bukchon Hanok Village

South Korea is implementing stricter measures to safeguard Bukchon Hanok Village, a treasured historical site within Seoul. These new regulations, set to come into effect this October, address the challenges posed by the village’s immense popularity amongst tourists.

Bukchon Hanok Village, renowned for its traditional Korean houses or hanoks, attracts millions of visitors annually. However, this influx has resulted in issues like noise pollution, littering, and traffic congestion, disrupting the lives of residents and jeopardising the village’s cultural heritage.

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New zoning system for differentiated access

Image credit: Line Knipst | Pexels

The new regulations involve the creation of designated zones within the village with varying access levels for tourists. The most restricted zone, designated as the Red Zone, will be closed to tourists at night (from 5pm–10am) to ensure tranquillity for residents.

The Orange and Yellow Zones will allow for a higher tourist presence, but will still incorporate certain measures to control visitor flow and minimise disruptions.

Promoting a pedestrian-friendly environment

Vehicular traffic will also be restricted under the new plan. Tour buses, which currently drop off passengers within the village, will be barred from entering altogether. Designated drop-off points will be established outside the core areas, promoting a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere within Bukchon.

Balancing tourism and preservation

Seoul’s local authorities believe these measures will strike a balance between generating tourism revenue and preserving the unique cultural and historical character of Bukchon Hanok Village. The plan also incorporates fines for regulation violations, emphasising the importance of maintaining the serenity and beauty of the village for both residents and visitors.

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Planning a trip to Bukchon Hanok Village soon? Make sure to abide by the new rules and practice responsible tourism, anywhere you go!

Featured image credit: Jakob Jin via Canva Pro