Residents of Bukchon, one of Seoul's most popular tourist destinations, have hired 'quiet police' to silence noisy visitors. The uniformed officers patrol the area holding signs that read: 'This place is a residential area. Keep your voice down.'
The neighbourhood, known for its traditional hanok houses dating back 600 years, has seen a surge in tourism. Locals have grown frustrated with the crowds, noise, and traffic, leading to a pilot programme in July 2025 that banned large tour buses. The policy became permanent in February, with fines of 300,000 won (£150) for violators.
Tourist-free 'red zones' have been cordoned off, and from 5pm each day, the Bukchon Guardians politely ask tourists to leave, allowing the area to return to its peaceful state. Professor Kim Nam-jo of Hanyang University supports the changes, stating: 'The convenience of the residents must be the number one priority.'
Long-time resident Jung, who has lived in the area for nearly 30 years, welcomed the rules: 'We deserve peace and quiet too. These rules help us control our own daily lives again.'
The success of the policy may be linked to South Korea's low crime rate and high respect for rules, with fines for smoking in non-designated areas and jaywalking strictly enforced. Whether similar measures would work in UK tourist hotspots like Bibury remains to be seen.
