This is a different approach to the
problem of mass tourism.
The government in South Korea is looking
to take over and regulate a popular neighborhood in Seoul that appears
to be overrun by tourists.
Officials have said they will enact stricter regulations
in Bukchon Hanok Village, a tradition-laden neighborhood in Seoul that is popular with
tourists.
This appears to be a new problem for the Asian country but
many cities and towns in Europe have experienced what
they consider a massive tourism influx. The South Korean government said it
will restrict the number of tourists to the neighborhood starting in October as
part of the Tourism Promotion Act. Those restrictions will include curfews for
non-residents.
Cafe owner Lee Youn-hee said tourists usually leave after
sunset anyway.
“In the winter, visitors are gone by 5 p.m. and during summer maybe by 6 p.m.
because the days are longer,” he said. “This won’t make a big difference.”
There are concerns about noise pollution, however.
Overtourism has been a growing problem around the world.
“I think it’s important that tourists be respectful to
those living here,” Sindere Schoultz, a tourist from Sweden, said. “We want to
come (to Korea) here and have a good time but we don’t want to step on
somebody’s toes and be disrespectful.”
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