Ahead of Mia-ri Texas Closure... Seongbuk District Supports Self-Reliance for Women Leaving Prostitution

Closure Due to Redevelopment, Building a Foundation for Independence
Up to 2.1 Million Won in Monthly Support

Seongbuk District in Seoul (Mayor Seungro Lee) announced on October 23 that it has begun providing self-sufficiency support payments this month, funded by the district's own budget, to help women in the Hawolgok-dong prostitution zone (commonly known as Mia-ri Texas) transition out of prostitution and achieve independence.

Seungro Lee, Mayor of Seongbuk District. Provided by Seongbuk District.

The district selected eight women living in the prostitution zone, which is scheduled for closure due to redevelopment, who are seeking to leave prostitution and participate in self-sufficiency programs, and has started offering support to them.

The support will be provided for up to 12 months: 700,000 won per month for completing certification training, 600,000 won per month for participating in shared workshops or internships, and 600,000 won per month for working at general companies. In particular, in addition to national and city government subsidies, recipients can also receive additional support from Seongbuk District, which is expected to help establish a stable foundation for independence.

Specifically, participants in self-sufficiency programs can receive additional district funding on top of the existing national and city self-sufficiency support, with total monthly support reaching up to 2.1 million won. This will help them take the first step toward maintaining their livelihoods and building a sustainable foundation for independence. Applications can be submitted through the Seongbuk District Women’s Human Rights Center ‘Boda’.

A Seongbuk District official stated, “We will ensure that women wishing to leave prostitution can receive prompt support when they apply for self-sufficiency payments after participating in vocational training,” and added, “We will continue to support the social reintegration of women who have experienced prostitution.”

Mayor Seungro Lee emphasized, “It is most important to help women who are determined to leave prostitution settle into society,” and added, “Seongbuk District will do its utmost to help women who have experienced prostitution become self-reliant, support themselves, and build safe social networks.”