북촌 오버투어리즘 현상과 지역주민의 생활변화

The Over-tourism Phenomenon in Bukchon Village and the Life Changes of Local Residents

This study aims to research the unique reasons for local gentrification and touristification in Bukchon village- a place characterized as a historical residence area- through discourse with Bukchon residents, focusing on their perceived drop in the quality of life as well as inter-resident conflicts, both stemming from the over-tourism in the area. Bukchon Renovation Project which began in 2001 was a policy through which the Seoul Metropolitan Government purchased hanoks, used them as a traditional cultural facility, and provided part of the cost of maintaining or managing a hanok in case the residents of Bukchon registered it with the city. While this project was a way to preserve the traditional residential area, it also led to the soaring purchase of hanok by the wealthy, leaving the indigenous people who had been keeping the area for decades to be victims of real estate speculation. In this study, in-depth interviews were applied to understand various phenomena in Bukchon area. Detailed interviews were conducted to understand the residents understanding of over-tourism, and to understand the value recognition and meaning of local tourism or commercialization. To revitalize old urban areas like Bukchon or to utilize the cultural and tourism resources of these areas, a thorough understanding of the identity of local residents, the historical formation process and the specific spatial structure as well as division of the area is an absolute prerequisite. The study emphasizes that the locals should be at the core of the revitalization project. Therefore, long-term policies must be established by the decision of public officials or outside experts with the inclusion of local residents. While their implementation might take time, urban revitalization where the residents are not in the center of the project carries a risk of the loss of cultural identity for the target area.