Seoul, South Korea
NCS
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As the problem of overtourism sweeps cities and countries all over the world, authorities in South Korea have introduced stricter controls and measures to shield a historic conventional village district in downtown Seoul from throngs of tourists, who’ve flooded its streets and brought about friction with native residents over time.
Known for its picturesque and well-preserved conventional Korean homes referred to as “hanok,” Bukchon Hanok Village is one in all Seoul’s hottest vacationer scorching spots – attracting hundreds of tourists day-after-day.
But tourists significantly outnumber residents and complaints about noise, littering and privateness points within the neighborhood have escalated over time.
Located within the Jongno district in downtown Seoul, Bukchon sits close to different cultural landmarks just like the Jongmyo royal ancestral shrine and the grand Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces.
In a bid to ease tensions and management crowds, district officers will begin to prohibit vacationer entry to the favored village from as early as October this yr.
It will likely be designated the nation’s first-ever “special management area” underneath South Korea’s Tourism Promotion Act.
Strict curfews for non-residents will likely be strengthened every day between 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. Chartered buses carrying tourists will likely be restricted in a number of sections. The intention is to scale back visitors and make Bukchon “foot-centered,” officers stated.
Three color-coded zones – crimson, orange and yellow – will even be designated to permit native authorities to management and monitor crowds in essentially the most densely populated areas. Fines will even be imposed on violators, officers stated.
Following public complaints, indicators in 4 languages warning tourists about noise ranges have been put in in 2018.
The space as soon as served as residential quarters for high-ranking authorities and the Aristocracy throughout the period of the Joseon kings, who dominated Korea from the 1300s till 1910. Today, the realm is house to round 6,000 residents in addition to companies like inns, craft shops and cafes – with a number of outstanding photograph spots.
However, a few of these dwelling and dealing within the space have dismissed the brand new measures as being “empty talk.”
Cafe proprietor Lee Youn-hee informed NCS that tourists often depart after sundown anyway, as they’re principally there to take photographs.
“In the winter, visitors are gone by 5 p.m. and during summer maybe by 6 p.m. because the days are longer,” Lee stated. “This won’t make a big difference.”
But Seoul isn’t alone. Many world cities are struggling to discover a stability between much-needed tourism income and sustaining their enchantment to residents.
Tourists visiting Barcelona this week have been sprayed with water by protesters marching by means of standard areas to reveal towards mass tourism within the metropolis. Italy’s lagoon metropolis of Venice launched a trial fee in April to restrict the variety of day trippers.
Overtourism has lengthy been an issue in Japan, with the scenario deteriorating quickly for the reason that nation reopened post-pandemic. The slopes of Mount Fuji have seen increasing human traffic jams, foothills suffering from rubbish in addition to unhealthy vacationer habits.
Out-of-control tourists have been particularly problematic in Kyoto, one in all Japan’s hottest vacationer cities, famed for its iconic Gion geisha district. Reports of “geisha paparazzi” fueled public anger and have prompted metropolis officers to take motion.
Back in Seoul, about 6.6 million home and abroad tourists are believed to have visited Bukchon in 2023, in accordance to authorities information.
“I think it’s important that tourists be respectful to those living here,” Sindere Schoultz, a vacationer from Sweden, informed NCS. “We want to come here and have a good time but we don’t want to step on somebody’s toes and be disrespectful.”
Another Swedish vacationer, Emma Hägg, stated she understood the explanations behind the ban. “I don’t mind it,” she stated. “I completely understand why and it’s good that they still want us.”