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Famous for its traditional houses showcasing distinctive Korean architecture, Bukchon Hanok Village is one of Seoul's most popular tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors daily. Located in the Jongno district in the heart of Seoul, Bukchon Hanok Village is close to other cultural landmarks such as the Jongmyo Shrine and grand palaces like Kyungbokgung and Changdeokgung.
Bukchon Hanok Village is famous for its houses featuring traditional Korean architecture.
However, the overwhelming number of tourists has led to problems with noise, urban pollution, and the privacy of local residents. In an effort to alleviate the tension and control the crowds, officials in Jongno district announced they will begin restricting tourist access to the popular village starting in early October this year.
This area will be designated as the country's first "special management zone" under South Korea's Tourism Promotion Act. A strict curfew for non-residents will be enforced daily from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. Charter buses carrying tourists will be restricted in certain areas. Authorities say the aim is to reduce traffic congestion and the influx of people to Bukchon.
The area is also divided into three zones coded red, orange, and yellow to allow local authorities to control and monitor crowds in the most densely populated areas. Officials said they will enforce fines for violators.
This village is always overcrowded with tourists.
Some people living and working in the area have rejected the new measures, arguing that the government's actions will be ineffective. Lee Youn-Hee, the owner of a cafe, said that tourists usually leave after sunset because they mainly come to take photos: “In winter, tourists leave before 5 p.m., and in summer it might be before 6 p.m.,” Lee said, suggesting that this wouldn't make a big difference.
In the near future, the Seoul government is making thorough efforts to manage tourists with the aim of improving the quality of life for residents in the area. At the same time, they are enhancing the quality of tourism services to provide visitors with a wonderful experience when visiting South Korea.
