The Yeongdeungpo-gu red light district controversy is heating up online after a viral tweet warned, “Do not ever go through this area.” A YouTube video showing one of Seoul’s last-surviving red light districts just outside the Times Square Mall in Yeongdeungpo-gu has triggered shock and confusion.
The Times Square Mall is a major attraction, located next to Yeongdeungpo Station, but right outside is a notorious alley where prostitutes sit inside glass box-like structures lit red. The alley even has signs banning minors 24/7, yet it remains highly accessible due to its proximity to the subway station.
Netizens expressed disbelief that this red light district still operates despite prostitution being illegal in Korea.
“Can’t believe this still exists. I’m seriously shocked.”
“I accidentally walked in there in broad daylight once, and it was terrifying. Seriously… the moment you step in, the whole vibe just feels off. Super creepy.”
Concerns are rising about how tourists might unknowingly end up in the alley through navigation apps. Locals say the area is used mostly after 8PM but feels creepy even during daylight hours.
Reddit comments on the situation range from calling it “shady, but not actually dangerous,” to warning about the constant danger around such activities.
“When I was preparing to move to Mullae Station, I looked into why that area hasn’t been cleared out… the head of the redevelopment committee was both a pimp and a building owner… The police say they need to catch it in the act, so they pretend not to know.”
Rumors that the district would be demolished in 2025 have proven false, as it still stands halfway through the year.
Watch the full video exposing the red light district here:
