Pohang City Launches Public-Private Council to Close So-Called 'Jungangdae' Red-Light District

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Dong-guk] A public-private consultative body has been formed to shut down the former Pohang Station area’s sex trade district.

According to Pohang City on the 25th, the 'Sex Trade District Countermeasure Regional Consultative Body' held its inaugural ceremony and first meeting on the 23rd at the city hall’s main conference room, agreeing to strengthen cooperation as a communication channel between the public and private sectors.

The Pohang City Sex Trade District Countermeasure Regional Consultative Body consists of 23 members, including Pohang City officials, Pohang Northern Police Station and related departments, Pohang City Council members, religious groups, civic organizations, private organizations, human rights experts, and local residents.

The sex trade district near the former Pohang Station naturally formed alongside the opening of the railway era, centered around Pohang Station. Commonly called 'Pohang Jungang University,' it once flourished with over 50 establishments but now barely survives due to changes in the commercial district.

Recently, as an urban regeneration complex development project is underway in the 66,000㎡ area around Yongheung-dong and Daeheung-dong in Buk-gu, including apartment complexes and parks, the demolition of the existing sex trade district has emerged as a social issue.

Mayor Lee Kang-deok of Pohang City stated, "We will seek future directions for preventing and stopping sex trade activities and strive to build public consensus and raise community participation awareness."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.