Capital Alley, the little-known last surviving red-light district in Seoul, is set to be demolished in But when night falls, red lights turn on and skimpily dressed women open curtains to beckon the men and cars passing by. Welcome to Capital Alley, the little-known last surviving red-light district in Seoul that is set to be demolished in , when the area undergoes redevelopment. Clad in a short dress accentuating her long legs and with heavy make-up over her doe eyes and pouty lips, she reminds one of South Korean actress Yoo In-na.
Prostitution is illegal but tolerated in South Korea. The country passed an anti-prostitution law in , then enacted a Bill in to ban commercial sex acts and protect victims.
Noodle restaurant Myeongdong Kalguksu is located in the middle of Capital Alley. In the years that followed, the local authorities moved to clamp down on prostitution and eradicate brothels, including in the once-thriving Cheongnyangni in north-eastern Seoul.
As at , however, there were still 15 red-light districts in the country — down from 35 two decades ago, according to government data. Records showed there were about women working in these areas, although actual numbers were believed to be higher. Experts say prostitution remains a controversial topic, and removing brothels does not stamp out prostitution itself. The police have conducted numerous raids nationwide but the sex industry continues to thrive underground in places such as room salons bars with private rooms for hostesses to entertain customers , kissing rooms where men pay for kisses and more , massage parlours which offer extra services and even ear-cleaning rooms a false front for sex.
Capital Alley, in the south-western Yeongdeungpo district, is known to host some prostitutes. ST understands that most are in their 40s and 50s, and some moved over from shuttered brothels in other areas. Ms Lee Ok-ran, who owns the five-year-old eatery, said she used to be biased against the women, but has since learnt to accept their presence.
