Miari, Seoul

Mia-ri is one of largest red-light districts in northern Seoul, South Korea. Located in the Wolgok-dong, or Hawolgok-dong, and Sinwolgok 1 area at Gireum Station in the Seongbuk district, it is also known as Miari Texas or Texas Miari after the American servicemen that helped popularize the area and Miari Hill. It was historically state-owned land aimed at ensuring the king’s protection prior to the Joseon Dynasty. The area is entered through a curtain at an alleyway entrance with several connected backstreets. The red-light district is located between the Jongam Intersection Police Box and exit 10 of the metropolitan Gileum train station. Before the severe crack down on brothels following the 2004 Anti-Prostitution Law, Miari was populated by many brothels, most with the window shop style. Although policing has cracked down heavily on the most visible forms or prostitution, Miari remains as an officially listed red-light district. In fact, Miari was once South Korea's largest red-light district. However, modern redevelopment projects have quickly turned Miari into a more residential and official business neighborhood. The nation’s sex industry has shifted online and scattered in more inconspicuous residential areas. Officially, it is still one of South Korea’s 44 red-light districts according to government data from 2016. ()