Sex workers share their stories of struggle and survival as Paju City aims to “clean up” the area for redevelopment
Paju City official Jeon Jeong-go leads a march through Yongjugol but against sex workers and activist opposing the demolition of the city's red-light district, May 7, 2024 | Image: Korea Pro
When A, a sex worker who wishes to remain anonymous, first arrived in Yongjugol at age 27, she found herself in one of South Korea’s most well-known red-light districts. Located in Paju, a city just an hour north of Seoul, the area has served as a center for sex workers for decades. And for A, Yongjugol means home.
A is one of a few dozen women who work in the brothels of Yongjugol. She says no one forced her to work there, and she enjoys living in the area.
When A, a sex worker who wishes to remain anonymous, first arrived in Yongjugol at age 27, she found herself in one of South Korea’s most well-known red-light districts. Located in Paju, a city just an hour north of Seoul, the area has served as a center for sex workers for decades. And for A, Yongjugol means home.
A is one of a few dozen women who work in the brothels of Yongjugol. She says no one forced her to work there, and she enjoys living in the area.
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