PHOTOS: Overtourism at Bukchon Hanok Village

SEOUL, May 13 (AJU PRESS) - Bukchon Hanok Village, nestled in the heart of Seoul, is a major tourist draw. This historic neighborhood, lined with traditional Korean houses (hanoks), offers visitors a glimpse into the country's past. However, while it thrives as a cultural destination, Bukchon remains a residential area.

With the approaching summer picnic season, concerns are rising over the impact of increased tourism. Influxes of foreign visitors and student field trips have brought noise and litter, causing inconveniences for residents, many of whom have lived there for over 30 years.

Despite facing these disruptions, residents have yet to see effective solutions or compensation. The Jongno-gu district office has implemented measures, such as installing signs promoting visitor respectfulness and deploying guides. However, these efforts appear insufficient.

A guide asks students to be quiet while visiting Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno Seoul on May 10 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — A guide asks students to be quiet at Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul on May 10, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

Tourists visit Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — Bukchon Hanok Village is crowed with visitors. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

Signboards installed by the Jongno-gu Office request tourists to remain quiet AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — A signboard asking tourists to remain quiet is seen at Bukchon Hanok Village. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

Tourists take photos at the entrance of Bukchon Hanok Village AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — A signboard asking tourists to remain quiet is seen at Bukchon Hanok Village. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

Park Jong-hyeok qkrwhdgur2164@ajupress.com