Mia-ri (Korean: 미아리) 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 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. Although policing has cracked down heavily on the most visible forms or prostitution, Miari remains as an officially listed red-light district.
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.
History
Leading up to the Joseon dynasty, Miari was a part of the king's territory within Outer old Seoul or Seongjeosimni. In 2002, the New Town Project aimed at redeveloping the area with large-scale apartment complex planning. President Park Chung Hee allowed red-light districts to continue operation as it helped circulate stable foreign currency and economic growth. Like many other large red-light districts, Miari was declared a “Youth Prohibition Zone.” Before this decree in the late 1990s, Miari women had to undergo compulsory health checkups aimed at preventing the spread of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). However, it is also believed that the actual numbers were much higher. Miari Texas’ alleyways were lined with brothels next to each other with glass doors. Miari Texas continues to shrink due to continued redevelopment plans by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. As of January 2010, only recorded 136 prostitution establishments remain in Miari. Most modern prostitution tends toward scattered, underground groups and individuals or on the internet rather than clustered brothels.
Policing
Even though prostitution was made illegal in 1961, police action was generally limited to the suppression of human trafficking and underage prostitution. In addition, due to economic benefits, red-light districts were purposefully overlooked. Kang Ja claimed 80% of the area's 1,500 prostitutes were underage. At least 40 of the estimated 260 brothels were closed, which define prostitution as a form of human trafficking. While over 500 sex workers in Miari protested this law—demanding job security and a grace period—, red-light districts across the country began to shrink. In 2007, the Seoul Metropolitan Government began a new project to make Seoul safer for women under the Department of Women and Family Affairs. In 2002, the Seoul Metropolitan Government passed the New Town Project aimed at redeveloping many of its districts with Miari included. As of 2020, recent projects in Seongbuk aim for the creation of 2,244 apartments and 486 officetels and other facilities.