PHOTOS: Seoul restricts tourist access to historic hanok village

SEOUL, July 05 (AJU PRESS) - In an unprecedented move, Seoul's Jongno District has decided to limit tourist access to the popular Bukchon Hanok Village starting next year, citing concerns over overtourism and residents' quality of life.

Starting in March 2025, parts of the picturesque neighborhood in central Seoul, known for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses, or hanok, will be designated as a "special management area" under the Tourism Promotion Act.

This decision came after residents had been grappling with the negative effects of overtourism. The influx of visitors has disrupted their daily lives, causing excessive noise and compromising their privacy.

The plan includes a complete ban on tourism in certain areas from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. Such "red zones" include the densely populated residential street of Bukchon-ro 11-gil. Other areas, dubbed "orange zones," will remain open but with increased supervision with staff deployed to guide visitors and minimize noise.

A sign asking tourists to be quiet is placed at Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul on July 5, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

A staff member checks the time at Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul on July 5, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is vacant on July 5, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

Visitors stroll at Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul on July 5, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

Visitors take photos at Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul on July 5, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul, teems with visitors on July 5, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

Visitors walk at Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul on July 5, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

A visitor poses for a photo at Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul on July 5, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo

Kim Dong-woo dong@ajupress.com