A new curfew policy set for trial in November and expected to launch in March will impose restricted hours in Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul, to manage the impacts of overtourism. This historic area, with origins in the Joseon Dynasty, is popular for its picturesque hanok houses, characterized by wooden pillars, tiled roofs, and traditional courtyards. Visitors, drawn by media exposure, have surged, reaching approximately 6 million last year—vastly outnumbering the resident population of about 6,100. However, the influx has led to several issues, such as noise, litter, and privacy invasion, with some tourists reportedly attempting to enter private homes. Consequently, Jongno district authorities aim to curtail disturbances by restricting tourist access from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m., with fines of up to 100,000 won ($72) for violations.

Residents remain skeptical about the curfew’s effectiveness, expressing concerns about enforcement and potential exemptions for tourists staying in hanok accommodations. The influx of corporate-operated hanok stays has further intensified residential disruptions, often with tourists holding loud gatherings and generating waste in residential areas. Since 2020, eased restrictions on hanok accommodations have led to a proliferation of these stays, surging from 10 in 2010 to 116 by October 2024. Some hospitality businesses argue that these accommodations emerged due to homeowners’ difficulty in maintaining older properties. Meanwhile, questions persist about implementing fines on non-local tourists and distinguishing between tourists and residents. While some tourists understand the residents’ frustrations, others feel such a policy may create an unfavorable impression of South Korea as a travel destination.