South Korea To Introduce Curfews To Curb Overtourism In Bukchon Hanok Village
Trial runs are expected to begin in October this year.
By Celine Low — 11 Jul 2024, 05:33 PM
Planning to visit Bukchon Hanok Village soon?
Foreign tourists will soon have to abide by curfews and restrictions set by local authorities in South Korea.
Bukchon Hanok Village, located in the heart of Seoul's Jongno district, is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses, known as 'hanok'.
This picturesque village, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, is a popular tourist spot, attracting an estimated 6.44 million visitors annually, according to Chosun Daily.
However, the hotspot has fallen victim to overtourism, with residents becoming fed up with the loud noises, littering, and overparking.
The authorities have decided to take action by designating Bukchon Hanok Village as a "special management area" under the Tourism Promotion Act, and limiting tourists' access and visiting hours.
A pilot operation will be conducted as early as October this year before being officially implemented in March next year.
Certain designated areas in Bukchon Hanok Village will be divided into three zones: Red, Orange, and Yellow Zones, in an effort to reduce noise and ensure residents' privacy
The Red Zone, which includes Bukchon-ro 11-gil, where residential hanoks are densely located, will be restricted. Foreign travellers will not be permitted into these areas in the village between 5pm and 10am.
Those who fail to comply will be fined around 100,000 won (about RM346).
Meanwhile, Bukchon-ro 5-gil and Gyedong-gil, which feature a mix of residential hanoks, cafés, and restaurants, will be designated as Orange Zones. Rather than imposing a curfew, local authorities will assign staff to guide visitors and help minimise noise.
Similarly, Bukchon-ro 12-gil will be designated as the Yellow Zone, with the number of visitors being monitored. Information boards may also be installed to guide travellers.
Following growing complaints, signs in four different languages warning tourists about noise levels, were installed in 2018.
Image via Chosun DailyAdditionally, tourist buses will face new restrictions
Chartered buses carrying tourists will be prohibited from entering certain sections of Bukchon Hanok Village, including the Anguk Station intersection to the entrance of Samcheong Park. This is to block buses from driving through the village's main road and reduce large tourist groups.
Instead, the authorities will create chartered bus boarding and drop-off areas on the outskirts of Bukchon Hanok Village to encourage people to walk around the village.
This initiative will be piloted starting July next year, with full enforcement expected to take effect in January 2026.
