The Double-Edged Sword of Film and TV Tourism: Overcrowding Challenges Local Communities

While film and TV productions have long been celebrated as economic boosters for local areas, they don't always play the role of a 'golden goose.' The surge in popularity of certain shows and movies can lead to overtourism, disrupting the lives of local residents. In some cases, the very success of these productions becomes a burden.

A prime example is the filming location of the tvN drama 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.' Following the show's airing, the Pohang location saw a significant increase in visitors, leading to discomfort for residents to the point where the production team had to request visitors to refrain from entering private properties. The influx of tourists visiting actual residences raised issues of privacy invasion and daily life disruptions.

'Crash Landing on You' experienced a similar trend. The Swiss location of Iseltwald, where the character Ri Jeong-hyeok (played by Hyun Bin) played the piano, became a tourist hotspot due to the show's popularity. Consequently, the local authorities began charging a fee for dock usage to manage the influx of visitors. While the show's success promoted the area, it also brought about congestion that the small village struggled to handle.

Recently, Kamakura in Japan has become another focal point. Already a popular destination due to the anime 'Slam Dunk,' it has gained renewed attention as a filming location for Netflix's 'From Me to You.' Reports indicate that the area is experiencing increased congestion, with residents complaining about noise, trespassing, and traffic issues.

This phenomenon aligns with the rapid recovery of tourism demand. According to UN Tourism, international tourist numbers are expected to reach approximately 1.4 billion in 2024, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels at 99%. As tourism activity surges, the concentration of visitors at specific filming locations can significantly burden local communities.

Local governments are implementing various measures to combat overtourism, such as increasing tourist taxes, limiting short-term rentals, imposing entrance fees, and controlling visitor routes. However, there are concerns that these measures may not be sufficient to handle the sudden influx of visitors following a production's success. The concentrated nature of filming location tourism means that post-event responses alone may not be adequate.

While the success of productions remains a powerful tool for regional promotion and economic revitalization, the focus is shifting towards establishing sustainable tourism management systems that can coexist with local residents' lives. The challenge now is not just attracting more tourists but ensuring that tourism can be managed in a way that supports community well-being.

By Yeji Ryu, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr