A Seoul neighborhood is so crowded with tourists that the government is taking over
As the issue of over tourism sweeps cities and countries around the world, authorities in South Korea have announced stricter controls and measures to protect a historic traditional village district in downtown Seoul from throngs of tourists, who have flooded its streets and caused friction with local residents over the years.
Known for its picturesque and well-preserved traditional Korean houses called “hanok,” Bukchon Hanok Village is one of Seoul’s most popular tourist hot spots – attracting thousands of visitors every day.
But tourists greatly outnumber residents and complaints about noise, littering and privacy issues in the vicinity have escalated over the years.
Located in the Jongno district in downtown Seoul, Bukchon sits near other cultural landmarks like the Jongmyo royal ancestral shrine and the grand Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces.
In a bid to ease tensions and control crowds, district officials will start to restrict tourist access to the popular village from as early as October this year.
It will be designated the country’s first-ever “special management area” under South Korea’s Tourism Promotion Act.
Strict curfews for non-residents will be reinforced daily between 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. Chartered buses carrying tourists will be restricted in several sections. The aim is to reduce traffic and make Bukchon “foot-centered,” officials said.
Three color-coded zones – red, orange and yellow – will also be designated to allow local authorities to control and monitor crowds in the most densely populated areas. Fines will also be imposed on violators, officials said.
Following public complaints, signs in four languages warning tourists about noise levels were installed in 2018.
The area once served as residential quarters for high-ranking authorities and nobility during the era of the Joseon kings, who ruled Korea from the 1300s until 1910. Today, the area is home to around 6,000 residents as well as businesses like inns, craft stores and cafes – with several prominent photo spots.
However, some of those living and working in the area have dismissed the new measures as being “empty talk.”
Cafe owner Lee Youn-hee told CNN that tourists usually leave after sunset anyway, as they’re mostly there to take photos.
“In the winter, visitors are gone by 5 p.m. and during summer maybe by 6 p.m. because the days are longer,” Lee said. “This won’t make a big difference.”
Source https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/11/travel/south-korea-overtourism-bukchon-hanok-village-intl-hnk/index.html
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