Prostitution District 'Haeundae 609' Fades into History

Busan Haeundae-gu, Ceremony Declaring Closure of Prostitution District on the 3rd

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] ‘Haeundae 609,’ which had formed a red-light district for over 70 years along with Busan Seo-gu’s ‘Wanwol-dong,’ is entering history. It is like removing a ‘thorn in the side’ of the world-famous tourist destination, Haeundae Beach.

On the 3rd, Haeundae-gu, Busan, will hold an official ceremony to declare the closure of the area known as Udong 645, also called 609. Kim Hyang-sook, head of the sex trade victim counseling center ‘Kkumari,’ will explain the process leading to the closure of 609, and after local representatives make a ‘Declaration to Eradicate Sex Trade,’ Hong Soon-heon, the head of Haeundae-gu Office, will officially announce the closure.

‘Haeundae 609’ derives its name from the designation of a U.S. military transport unit stationed near the sandy beach of Haeundae Beach after the Korean War (6.25) until 1971.

Along with ‘Wanwol-dong’ and ‘Beomjeon-dong 300-beonji,’ it formed one of Busan’s three major red-light districts. It prospered until the mid-2000s but began to decline after the enactment of the Special Act on Prevention of Prostitution in 2004.

Haeundae-gu had attempted to purchase the site (42,856㎡) to develop it into a tourist facility to close 609, but the plan was abandoned due to budget shortages.

Subsequently, a ‘local council for the closure of 609’ was formed with Haeundae Police Station, Haeundae Fire Station, and others, and together with ‘Kkumari,’ continuous dialogue and persuasion were made to encourage sex trade victims to leave the area voluntarily. Efforts were made to establish a foundation for self-sufficiency through medical and legal support.

Last year, Haeundae-gu granted building permission for this site to the private sector, and a residential lodging facility with five basement floors and 38 above-ground floors is scheduled to be constructed by 2022.

Hong Soon-heon, the district head, said, “609, which originated against the backdrop of the Korean War (6.25), is a scene from our dark past, and I am relieved that the long-standing hope of the residents has been resolved.”