Seoul cracks down on tourismophobia

30-08-24

The problem of mass tourism has prompted South Korean authorities to implement stricter controls to protect the historic Bukchon Hanok Village district in central Seoul. This area, known for its traditional Korean houses called “hanok,” attracts thousands of tourists daily, outnumbering residents and causing friction due to noise, garbage and lack of privacy.

Bukchon, located in Jongno district and close to other cultural sites such as the Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces, will become the first “special management zone” under South Korea's Tourism Promotion Act from October this year. The new measures will include access restrictions for tourists, especially at night, and the implementation of color-coded zones to control and monitor crowds. Fines will also be imposed on those who violate these regulations.

However, some local residents and merchants have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures. One cafe owner, Lee Youn-hee, mentioned that most tourists leave after sunset, so the time restrictions will not have a major impact on daily activity in the neighborhood.