South Korea introduces curfews, limits on tourist buses to preserve Bukchon Hanok village

As the challenge of overtourism intensifies globally, Seoul is taking decisive action to protect Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic district renowned for its traditional Korean architecture.

As overtourism becomes an increasingly pressing issue worldwide, South Korea has announced new measures to address the growing visitor influx in Bukchon Hanok Village, a historic neighborhood in downtown Seoul. Known for its traditional Korean "hanok" houses and picturesque streets, Bukchon has become a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands daily and causing friction with local residents.

The picturesque district, located in Seoul's Jongno district, is surrounded by prominent cultural landmarks such as the Jongmyo royal ancestral shrine and the grand Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces. Despite its charm, the village has faced escalating complaints about noise, litter, and privacy concerns due to the overwhelming number of tourists, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

To address these issues and mitigate the impact on residents, district officials will implement new restrictions starting October. Bukchon will be designated as South Korea’s first “special management area” under the Tourism Promotion Act. This designation will introduce strict curfews for non-residents, from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m., and limit access for chartered tourist buses in several parts of the village. The new regulations aim to reduce traffic and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

The area will be divided into three color-coded zones—red, orange, and yellow—to help local authorities manage and monitor crowds more effectively. Violators of these new rules will face fines.

Previously, in response to public complaints, multilingual signs warning tourists about noise were installed in 2018. However, some local business owners, like cafe proprietor Lee Youn-hee, have expressed skepticism about the new measures. Lee noted that most tourists leave by sunset, particularly in winter months, and questioned the effectiveness of the proposed restrictions.

Globally, many cities face similar challenges balancing tourism revenue with resident quality of life. Barcelona, for example, has seen protests against mass tourism, while Venice introduced a trial fee to manage visitor numbers. Japan has also struggled with overtourism, particularly in popular spots like Mount Fuji and Kyoto.

In Seoul, about 6.6 million domestic and international tourists visited Bukchon in 2023, according to government data. Despite the new restrictions, some tourists, like Swedish visitors Sindere Schoultz and Emma Hägg, expressed understanding and support for the measures, emphasizing the importance of respecting local communities while enjoying their visit.

As cities worldwide grapple with the impacts of tourism, Seoul’s approach to managing Bukchon Hanok Village may offer valuable lessons in balancing visitor enjoyment with preserving local quality of life.