Several years ago, a prominent red-light district in front of a major train station was torn down. There are about five or six related entries in the LDB because of this development project. But then in 2013 it collapsed, leaving a whole bunch of very valuable empty land. On the grounds of the red-light district, several tents sprung up, serving a modest variety of Korean street and bar food.


1. Here's how it looked from above.






2. Some of the more portable foods.






3.






4. It got more exciting at night.






5. They even hung Christmas lights over it to make a starry atmosphere.






6. It became our de facto afterparty place for any exploring done around Yongsan area, including our annual Christmas tunnel walks.






7. Then last week, I heard the place had been shuttered up.






8. Peering through the metal fencing, I confirmed the area was being abandoned.






9. Seen better days.






10. Each lid represents a shittier hangover the next morning.






11. This was the place we usually favoured, as they had a surprisingly good selection of makgeolli, which is sort of like a milky, unfiltered version of sake.






12.






13. I think they were the tent owners preparing to move.






14. I came back just yesterday and slipped in again past a single worker. While I was creeping around, he left and locked up, trapping me inside. Score!






15.






16. Just me, the masked freak, and her in there.






17. Table for one.






18. Anyway, there were maps everywhere showing that this place was being moved to a new location in a nearby basement.






19. Yongsan Pocha, in multicoloured letters over the door.






20. Doesn't quite have the atmosphere of the old place though. Hopefully the business owners will figure something out to make it better, but for now they're probably just grateful to be inside where there's proper plumbing.

I enjoyed this. Thanks!

Nice set! Great story. The new location does look a little lacking.

What an enjoyable read with some pretty awesome photos to accompany.
Thanks for sharing

I enjoy your post very much. You give me a chance to live another part of the world.

Interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing.