Starting in March 2025, parts of the picturesque neighborhood in central Seoul, known for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses, or hanok, will be designated as a "special management area" under the Tourism Promotion Act.
This decision came after residents had been grappling with the negative effects of overtourism. The influx of visitors has disrupted their daily lives, causing excessive noise and compromising their privacy.
The plan includes a complete ban on tourism in certain areas from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. Such "red zones" include the densely populated residential street of Bukchon-ro 11-gil. Other areas, dubbed "orange zones," will remain open but with increased supervision with staff deployed to guide visitors and minimize noise.
