Starting from November 1st, the Jongno District Office has designated the area around Bukchon-ro 11-gil in Bukchon Hanok Village as a 'Red Zone'. This means that tourist access to this area is restricted between 5:00 PM and 10:00 AM the next day.
Key Points to Know
Advice for Visitors
Plan Your Visit:
- Visit During Allowed Hours: Plan to explore the 'Red Zone' between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
- Respect Local Regulations: Be mindful of the residents and follow the guidelines to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Alternative Attractions:
- Consider visiting nearby sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace outside of the restricted hours.
Impact on Local Businesses
- Shop Owners' Concerns:
- Some local businesses worry about reduced tourist traffic due to the restrictions.
- Operating Hours: Shops typically open at 9:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM.
Understanding the Context
- Preservation Efforts:
- The area is primarily a residential neighborhood where people live.
- Previous requests since 2018 for tourists to limit early morning and late evening visits were unsuccessful.
- The new measures aim to balance tourism with the quality of life for residents.
Enforcement Measures
- Monitoring:
- Security personnel will be present to enforce the new regulations.
- From March, 'Bukchon Security Officers' will have the authority to issue fines.
Please respect these new regulations when visiting Bukchon Hanok Village to help preserve the community and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.