A redevelopment plan has been approved for a high-rise complex in Wanwol-dong in Seo-gu, Busan, once known as the “largest gathering place for prostitution in the East.” There is criticism that the plan, which benefits those who have operated sex trafficking establishments, is not ethically justifiable and that it recklessly develops while going against human rights, strengthening the breeding ground of the prostitution.

On August 2nd, the “Citizens’ Countermeasure Committee for the Closure and Public Development of Wanwol-dong (Countermeasure Committee)” held a press conference in front of Busan City Hall, advocating for Busan's responsibility of redevelopment for public welfare. The approved private redevelopment plan perpetuates a vicious cycle where development profits go to sex offenders.

Since the enforcement of the special law on prostitution in 2004, Wanwol-dong has remained a historical site of sexual exploitation issues. The Countermeasure Committee was established in 2019, and has consistently emphasized the need for a shift towards a more public-oriented development. In 2020, a joint effort between Busan and Seo-gu for public development was initiated, but it ceased when they failed to be selected in the final stage of the New Deal competition for urban regeneration by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in December of the same year. While discussions on redevelopment were delayed, a private construction company proposed a project for a 49-story high-rise complex in June, 2023. Due to the Joint Committee of Architecture and Urban Planning’s rejection, a modified plan was approved to build six buildings with a reduced height of 46 stories.

■ Benefits from Redevelopment Go to Offenders?

The Countermeasure Committee opposes this, saying that the decision funnels benefits to criminals. If the construction of the high-rise complex proceeds as planned, it not only fails to fundamentally dismantle the sex trafficking cartel but also directs redevelopment profits to sex trafficking operators such as pimps, as many property owners in the Wanwol-dong are involved in sex trafficking. Byeon Jeong-Hui (Representative, the Women’s Rights Support Center “Sallim”) stated, “Redevelopment in this manner rewards those who have accumulated wealth through illegal sex exploitation. Constructing high-rise complexes only allows them to amass wealth once again, with no benefit to our society.”

It is uncertain whether the buildings surrounded by sex trade establishments will have an advantage for the public. Although the area is practically being phased out, illegal operations persist, evading control. Byeon mentioned, “Simply demolishing some establishments and making superficial improvements without considering the residents is not meaningful.”

If redevelopment involves areas of sex trafficking, specific plans for closing sex trade establishments must be outlined. Local government support is crucial to completely shut down operations. In fact, the prominent sex trafficking gathering place, Jagal Madang, in Daegu, was closed systematically by the establishment of a cooperative task force team encompassing three subjects—women’s support, urban planning, and enforcement—by Daegu City and Jung-gu.

■Without Self-Sufficiency Support, Sex Trafficking Will Grow

Civil organizations, including the Countermeasure Committee, emphasize the necessity of support for the self-sufficiency of women affected by sex trafficking. Since 2017, Daegu has provided financial and housing support to help women safely leave gathering places, spending a total of 1.5 billion won over four years to support 90 women. Asan in Chungcheongnam-do also operates a counseling center for women affected by sex trafficking, providing medical support. There also were efforts to improve public awareness through programs like “Walking in the Rose Village, the former gathering place of prostitution.”

A representative from Women's Support Center “Kkumari” said, “To assist prostitution victims’ return to society, it is necessary to figure out what factors hinder self-reliance when they leave the business and devise a "long waiting time" and a "continuous self-support policy.”

Despite being one of the first regions to enact an ordinance supporting the self-sufficiency of sex trafficking victims in 2019, Busan has yet to allocate a budget for it. During this time, there have been observations that workers in the sex industry have relocated to another gathering place. The representative from the Kkumari stated, “After the closure of the sex trafficking gathering place in Busan, ‘Haeundae 609,’ it was observed that many women victims have moved to other gathering places, such as Wanwol-dong and Minam-chon. For comprehensive redevelopment, changes to the external appearance of the area must be accompanied by internal changes, including those related to the sex trade.”

Reporter Choi Yun-Hui

Translated by Lee Soo-Hyun