KMK: Hooker Hill 2023

South Korea, a country known for its technological advancements and culinary delights, hides a lesser-known reality within its boundaries: a booming sex industry. Behind the bustling streets and vibrant culture, there exists a world where paid-for sex is a pervasive part of Korean society. Today, we delve into the intricate dynamics of South Korea’s sex trade, shedding light on its various aspects, societal implications, and the plight of its victims and victors.

Once a bustling hub in Itaewon, Hooker Hill, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Formerly frequented by the discreet Korean, international businessmen and bold GIs, the hill now bears a desolate wreckage of it’s former glory. Some prostitutes still linger, their bony bodies hidden behind smoked out glass doors, their faces a mask of heavy make up and false smiles. Bars like Tiger Tavern, VIP, and Sheba stand empty, their interiors reminiscent of a time long past. The decline in business stems from the downsizing of Yongsan Garrison and the gentrifying of Itaewon, and has reshaped the once iconic neon glazed Hooker Hill into a murky street of neglect. But the people, though fewer, still come.

Sex workers, it seems, hold a fascination for Koreans. From consensual paid encounters to unconventional servitude the sex worker in Korea works around the clock. While countries like Thailand, the Philippines, and Cambodia are more often associated with the sex industry, Korea remains Asia’s best kept sex secret as it boasts a culture that has embraced paid-for sexual encounters. Despite being recognized globally for its technological prowess and culinary delights, Korea finds itself entangled in a web of prostitution that permeates all corners of its society fueled by the multibillions of Korean Won it generates. Money Matters, and money talks.

Like any industry driven by demand, the sex trade in South Korea thrives due to the existence of a customer base willing to pay for sexual services. Supply meeting demand is the fundamentals of economics and Korea would have Adam Smith squealing like a greased pig at a red neck sleepover. The supply of sex workers continually flows to meet even the most voracious of appetites. From heartless CEO’s to overworked salarymen, the demand, aided by a culture of acceptance, seeks out the veritable smorgasbord of room salons and love motels that embody the physical manifestation of business meeting pleasure. These folks truly are the victors, but for those trapped by circumstance and not choice how does one stop the never-ending line of naïve waifs seeking a quick buck or a way out of destitution? Never mind, the ones who enter the age old trade willingly with eyes open.

Fair exchange, as the old saw goes is never robbery.

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Even outside of traditional establishments Love Motels offer a perfect avenue for sex workers to operate outside the usual places that might be targeted by police raids or MPs. Love Motels can be found throughout Seoul, and most certainly on Hooker Hill. Brightly lit neon signs even lure in straight laced couples desperately looking for a bit of privacy by the hour or the night. Most, if not all, of these young couples still live with families, or perhaps are already married and want to engage in a little extramarital hijinks. Either way, with couples shamed for cohabitating before marriage, love motels offer an escape. A most wanted escape given the huge number of love motels and room salons scattered about cities all across Korea from the thriving overpopulated likes of Seoul all the way to the rural countryside outskirts of podunk (no offense) Yeosu. The ease of access makes the love motel an ideal location to conduct business for a sex worker and many people are happy about that. These establishments play a vital role in accommodating the needs and desires of the horny masses seeking to save face.

Chumps prefer a beautiful lie to an ugly truth.

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Suffice it to say, anyone looking to put a significant dent may rejoice in Hooker Hill’s recent years of stagnation, however, the sex industry remains a bright red scarlet A, definitely part of Korea’s societal fabric yet conveniently hidden on the back of it’s skirt of false modesty. Perhaps one day someone will find a way to mend the economic disparities, cultural tolerance, and deep seeded desire so that Hester no longer feels maligned or taken advantage of, free to pursue a life outside of sex work. But until then, Hooker Hill may be dying but it ain’t dead yet.