Miari Texas demolition begins, marking end of Seoul’s last red-light district

A quiet atmosphere surrounds the former prostitution flats in Hawolgok-dong, Seongbuk District, on Nov. 19 ahead of demolition. Courtesy of Seongbuk District

The demolition of Seoul’s last remaining red-light district in Hawolgok-dong, Seongbuk District, better known as “Miari Texas,” is now underway, marking the end of an area that operated for nearly seven decades.

The narrow alleys of Miari Texas — still lined with faded “No minors allowed” signs — revealed a landscape frozen in time on Nov. 19.

Inside old wooden buildings with worn sliding doors advertising “100,000 won ($77) cash, 120,000 won card,” partitioned rooms, cracked glass tiles and outdated floral curtains offered silent reminders of the illegal businesses that once operated there.

Miari Texas emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as brothels began clustering in the area, eventually becoming one of Seoul’s most notorious red-light districts. Residents and community groups had long demanded redevelopment as deteriorating buildings, safety concerns and crime continued to plague the neighborhood.

Seongbuk District designated Sinwolgok Zone 1 as a redevelopment area in 2009. The plan moved forward after the district approved a management disposition plan in 2022, followed by relocation notices to association members and tenants in September 2023.

However, resistance from brothel owners and workers delayed the timeline, prompting the district to begin dismantling residential and general commercial sites while negotiating compensation with sex industry stakeholders.

After years of negotiations, the district divided the brothel area into two sections and began full-scale demolition. As of this month, 111 of the 115 establishments have relocated. Three of the four remaining sites have agreed to move out by year-end, leaving only one business.

“We are continuing to persuade the last remaining site,” a district official said. “We will not rush the process at the cost of excessive pressure.”

Authorities have also worked with relevant agencies to support relocation efforts and introduced customized welfare measures, including financial assistance to help former sex workers transition to new livelihoods.

Once demolition is complete, Sinwolgok Zone 1 will be transformed into a residential complex featuring 11 apartment buildings of up to 46 stories, 2,201 housing units, and a 170-room officetel.

Seongbuk District Mayor Lee Seung-ro said the project represents more than urban cleanup. “This demolition marks an important opportunity to reshape Seongbuk District’s history and identity,” he said.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.