A red-light district is a neighborhood where prostitution is a common part of everyday life. The term was first recorded in the United States and derives from the practice of placing a red light in the window to indicate to customers the nature of the business.
There are several explanations as to why red lights gained this particular meaning. According to one theory, it is based on the Biblical story of Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho who aided the spies of Joshua and identified her house with a scarlet rope.
Others claim that it comes from the red lanterns carried by railway workers, which were left outside brothels when the workers entered, so that they could be quickly located for any needed train movement.
In Korea, red light districts are particularly noteworthy for their bright neon streets and girls standing behind glass windows while men browse by walking or driving, before deciding which establishment to enter. Costs can range between 80K to 200K won, depending on the time, girl, and whether you're a foreigner or not. Foreigners frequently get shooed away by the ajummas who run these places. Even if you go with a Korean, you may still get shunned. It takes some diligence, negotiation, and scouting.
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