KMK: Hooker Hill

Before I came to Korea my picture of the country was of a pious nation of Buddhists and Christians living in spiritual calm against the tide of insanity from the North. Well, that picture shattered quickly. In a city where stiletto heels and short mini skirts are common work attire my eyebrows raised. Commercials showcase sexuality and flesh in such Dionyeisian proportions that you’d swear the entire population must be cavorting in some sweat soaked bacchanl. Needless to say, Chastity really is just a name and not a practice here in the ROK. Which is to say it’s similar to America except more intense. The commercials? Sexier. The men? Sexier. The women? Sexier. I swear the sexy just slaps you in the face.
So one would think that in a land of sexiness that the society would be open minded about a few things like, you know, prostitution. Wrong. To the powers that be there is no prostitution in Korea just like there are no gays. This makes me wonder how the authorities explain a certain infamous hill in Itaewon. Just a few blocks from the station, near the Seven 11 and before Cancun and King Club is a hill so full of prostitutes that its nickname has become hooker hill. Juice bars and brothels line the street showcasing enough naughty delights to make a die hard Amsterdam dweller blush.

Don’t fret if you want to explore hooker hill without looking like you’re out window shopping because there are other establishments. Polly’s Kettle is just one of the bars where Expats congregate to get smashed and dance the night away. In fact a Polly’s Kettle, a fruit juice and soju mix, is a great way to start the night off. So have no fear about your lily white reputation. You can climb the hill and leave with your virginity intact or not.