Seoul's Infamous Red-Light District: Demolition Begins! What Happens Now?!

Seoul is saying goodbye to a rather unsavory piece of its past. The demolition of Miari Texas, once Seoul’s most infamous red-light district, is officially underway. For almost seven decades, this area in Hawolgok-dong, Seongbuk District, has been a fixture, albeit a controversial one, in the city's landscape.

Seoul's Infamous Red-Light District: Demolition Be...

I took a walk through the area just before the heavy machinery moved in. It was a surreal experience. The faded “No Minors Allowed” signs still clung to the entrances of the narrow alleyways, a stark reminder of the district's purpose. Inside, the dilapidated wooden structures looked like they were frozen in time. Sliding doors advertised services for ₩100,000 ($77) in cash or ₩120,000 by card. Peeking through gaps, you could see partitioned rooms with cracked tiles and outdated floral curtains – silent witnesses to decades of illicit activity.

Miari Texas sprung up in the 1950s and 60s, quickly becoming one of Seoul’s most well-known red-light districts. Over the years, the brothels concentrated here, and the area became synonymous with the sex trade. For a long time, residents and community groups have been pushing for redevelopment, and it's easy to see why. The buildings were falling apart, raising serious safety concerns. Plus, the persistent crime was a constant worry.

The wheels of change started turning back in 2009 when Seongbuk District designated Sinwolgok Zone 1 for redevelopment. However, things really sped up in 2022 after the district approved a detailed management plan. Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. There was initial resistance from the brothel owners and the workers themselves. To manage the situation, the district started dismantling residential and commercial sites while simultaneously negotiating compensation packages with those involved in the sex industry.

After years of back-and-forth, the district divided the area into two sections and began full-scale demolition. As of this month, a significant milestone has been reached: 111 out of the 115 establishments have already relocated. Apparently, only four remained, and thankfully, three of those have agreed to move by the end of the year. That leaves just one holdout.

"We are continuing to persuade the last remaining site," a district official told me, emphasizing that they were taking a measured approach. "We will not rush the process at the cost of excessive pressure," he assured. It's a delicate situation, and it seems like the authorities are trying to handle it with sensitivity.

The authorities are also working with other agencies to help with the relocation process, offering tailored welfare programs, including financial assistance, to help the former sex workers transition into new jobs and lives. It’s a necessary step to ensure a just outcome for everyone involved.

So, what will rise from the ashes of Miari Texas? The plan is to build a residential complex featuring 11 apartment buildings, reaching up to 46 stories, with a total of 2,201 housing units, plus a 170-room officetel. Quite a transformation, really.

Seongbuk District Mayor Lee Seung-ro has emphasized that this project is more than just urban renewal. "This demolition marks an important opportunity to reshape Seongbuk District’s history and identity," he said. And I think he's right. It’s the closing of a dark chapter and the beginning of a new one for this part of Seoul.