Bukchon Hanok Village to implement stricter guidelines for visitors starting Oct due to complaints

Stepping back in time wearing a hanbok in Seoul's Bukchon Hanok Village is on the must-do list for many visitors. However, the growing popularity has brought challenges for residents, who've faced noise and privacy issues. To address these, the government is limiting tourist access starting this October.

The district officials said they will implement stricter guidelines and restrict tourist access to the popular village as early as October this year. It will become South Korea's first "special management area" under the Tourism Promotion Act, CNN reported.

Non-residents will be prohibited from entering between 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. in the village.

Additionally, chartered buses or coasters with tourists are not allowed in several sections in a bid to make Bukchon "foot-centered" and to lessen traffic in the area.

To manage crowds, the district will also introduce three zones (red, orange, and yellow) to control visitor flow. Those who break the rules will be fined.

In 2018, the district put up signs in four languages warning tourists about noise levels after residents complained about the overwhelming influx of tourists. It also allowed guests to enter only between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At that time, it was also reported that Bukchon draws 10,000 visitors every day, about 70 percent of whom are non-Koreans.

Bukchon Hanok Village in Seoul's Jongno district was once home to high-ranking officials and nobles. Today, these preserved traditional houses are a neighborhood for some 6,000 residents and businesses.