Known for its picturesque and well-preserved traditional Korean houses called "hanok," Bukchon Hanok Village is one of Seoul's most popular tourist hot spots – attracting thousands of visitors every day. But the issue of overtourism has prompted officials to impose a curfew policy , with a trial set to begin this month (November). The curfew will limit tourist access to specific areas of Bukchon from 5pm to 10am.
READ MORE: Five things to do in the world's witch capital, Salem, Massachusetts Fines of up to 100,000 won ($110) will be imposed on violators. Pending the success of the trial, it is to be officially launched in March next year. Located in the Jongno district in downtown Seoul, Bukchon sits near other cultural landmarks like the Jongmyo royal ancestral shrine and the grand Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung palaces.
The area attracted approximately six million visitors last year, compared with its resident population of around 6,100. And complaints about noise, littering and privacy issues in the vicinity have escalated over the years. READ MORE: Everything you need to know about a Fly Cruise holiday Some tourists have been caught on surveillance cameras trying to enter private homes or peeking inside without permission, generating friction with locals, The Independent reported.
District officials first flagged the possibility of tourist restrictions in July. The area will also be designated the country's first-ever "special management area" under South Korea's To.
