Miari, Red-light district in Wolgok-dong, Seoul, South Korea.
Miari is a red-light district in Wolgok-dong, within the Seongbuk area of Seoul, featuring multiple interconnected narrow backstreets marked by a curtain at the entrance. Located near Gireum Station, it remains one of 44 officially recognized such districts in South Korea.
The area was once royal protection land during the Joseon dynasty and later became a cemetery under Japanese colonial rule in the early 1900s. Following the war, it gradually transformed into an entertainment district.
The name "Miari Texas" reflects the influence of American soldiers who spent time here, shaping it into an entertainment hub. This military connection remains visible in the area's character and how locals perceive the district.
The area is best reached on foot via the nearby Gireum Station. Visiting in the early evening allows a gentler introduction to the district, as activity increases significantly later.
The opening of the subway station in 1985 significantly changed access to the area. This connection later brought increased visitor numbers during the 1988 Olympic Games.
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