116-Year History Changwon Seoseong-dong 'Seongmaemae Jipgyeolji' Park Development Plans Discussed

Sex trade hotspot in Seoseong-dong, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon, Gyeongnam. / Provided by Changwon City

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Ju-cheol In] Changwon City is planning to develop the Seoseong-dong sex trade district in Masanhappo-gu, Changwon, Gyeongnam, located in the heart of the city, into a park, and will hold a public forum involving citizens to discuss detailed utilization plans.

This marks the beginning of a full-scale transformation of the area two years after establishing the "Basic Plan for Closing the Seoseong-dong Sex Trade District" in 2020, which aimed to create a neighborhood park in the area.

On November 12, Changwon City announced on the 30th that it will hold the "116 Years of Women's Human Rights Violations: Changwon City Seoseong-dong Sex Trade District Park Development Roundtable" at the City Hall Citizen Hall.

The city organized this forum to gather opinions from various citizens on detailed maintenance and utilization plans for the area.

A city official explained the reason for holding the forum, saying, "While there is a broad plan to develop the Seoseong-dong sex trade district into a cultural park, it is necessary to hear diverse opinions from women's groups and residents on the detailed aspects."

The Seoseong-dong sex trade district, known to have emerged after the opening of Masan Port in 1905, currently has about 11 establishments and around 50 workers remaining.

The conflicts surrounding this place are as deep as its 116-year history.

Starting with the preparation of the "Basic Plan for Closing the Seoseong-dong Sex Trade District" in June 2020, Changwon City also enacted an ordinance in July to protect the human rights of sex trade victims and support their independence and self-sufficiency.

The full-scale demolition work began in May when the city purchased buildings and land within the district. Unauthorized occupation of national land and buildings within the district was met with restoration orders and compensation fees.

For illegal buildings, the city is actively enforcing closure administrative measures such as correction orders and imposition of fines for non-compliance.

However, during this process, the appropriateness of support for women engaged in sex work has also become an issue.

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