In an exclusive encounter, a man in a sharply pressed uniform approached, held a finger to his lips, and shushed me. Unaware of the 'quiet police,' I was puzzled until I saw his sign: 'This place is a residential area. Keep your voice down.' I quickly complied.
Bukchon's Struggle with Overtourism
Bukchon, one of Seoul's most photographed neighborhoods, features a maze of traditional hanok houses that recently inspired the setting for Netflix's hit series KPOP Demon Hunters. Dating back 600 years, the area has only recently seen locals grow frustrated with the constant influx of tourists. The 900 homes in the district are often besieged by chattering crowds dressed in rented hanbok, and souvenir shops have replaced supermarkets, especially during the April high season.
Local Initiatives to Restore Peace
Rather than merely complaining, residents have taken action. In July 2025, the district launched a pilot program banning large tour buses from narrow streets, which became permanent in February, with fines of 300,000 won (£150) for violators. Tourist-free 'red zones' were established, and starting at 5pm each day, the Bukchon Guardians—the quiet police—politely ask visitors to leave, restoring tranquility to the neighborhood.
This approach is still in its early stages but could inspire other overcrowded tourist destinations, such as residential parts of Venice, Barcelona, or Bibury in the Cotswolds, to adopt similar measures.
Expert and Resident Support
Professor Kim Nam-jo of Hanyang University's Department of Tourism supports the changes, stating, 'The convenience of the residents must be the number one priority. Hanok houses carry the identity of the Korean people, and preserving the actual living environment is crucial.' Local resident Jung, who has lived in Bukchon for 30 years, added, 'We deserve peace and quiet. The noise and traffic made it impossible to stay home. These rules help us control our daily lives.'
Cultural Context of Rule Compliance
South Korea has one of the lowest crime rates globally, according to Numbeo. Seoul's streets are exceptionally clean despite a lack of public bins, and police enforce fines for smoking in non-designated areas (100,000 won or £50) and jaywalking. This general respect for rules may contribute to the policy's success in Bukchon, though whether British tourists would comply similarly remains uncertain.
For those wishing to explore Seoul, Inside Asia offers tours with local guides, and Virgin Atlantic flies daily from London Heathrow to Seoul.
