All About Korea’s Cheonho-dong Red Light District: Directions and Fees

Among the nightspots in Seoul, Korea, “Cheonho-dong Red Light District” was historically known as one of the three major red light districts.

In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the current situation of Cheonho-dong Red Light District, its location, how to get there, fees, and how to play. From the current operating status to how to enjoy Cheonho-dong Red Light District, we have all the information you need, so please use it as a reference.

What is the Cheonho-dong Red Light District in Korea?

Cheonho-dong Red Light District, which has been loved for many years as one of Seoul’s three major red light districts, is gradually fading from existence due to recent redevelopment and regulations. In the past, there were about 80 red light district establishments lined up, with around 200 girls working there, but that number has dramatically decreased today. Cheonho-dong Red Light District is also called “Chono Texas,” named after the style of brothels appearing in American Westerns.

Cheonho-dong’s red light district is an area with an old-fashioned, deep atmosphere, and was also known to foreign tourists. However, compared to other famous red light districts, its scale was smaller, making it a ‘hidden gem’ in Seoul.

If you are interested in other red light districts, please read the summary article on Korean red light districts.

What Is a Red Light District in Korea? Popular Areas, Features, How to Enjoy, and Price Guide

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Location and How to Get to Cheonho-dong Red Light District in Korea

Cheonho-dong Red Light District is located around “Cheonho (Chono) Station” in Seoul.

It takes about 35 minutes by train from Seoul Station, and about a 5-minute walk from Exit 3 on Subway Line 3.

Directions from Cheonho Station

1. Exit Cheonho Station from Exit 3
   When you get off at Cheonho Station, head to Exit 3 and go above ground. After exiting, go straight ahead, and you will see “kt plaza” on your right—pass it and keep going straight.
2. Use the brown building on the right as a landmark and turn right
   Walk a bit, and you will see a large brown building on your right. Turn right there and continue straight.
3. An outlet appears on your left
   When you see an outlet store on your left, turn left there. You will then come to a street lined with red light district establishments. Similar to Tobita Shinchi, there are several alleys lined with red light districts, so it’s worth taking your time to look around.

Current Redevelopment and Construction

Cheonho-dong is currently undergoing redevelopment, and construction is taking place everywhere. The entire area is gradually being replaced by new buildings and facilities, so it may only be a matter of time before the old Cheonho-dong Red Light District atmosphere is gone.

How to Enjoy Cheonho-dong Red Light District in Korea

Although enjoying Cheonho-dong Red Light District is simple, it does have slightly different characteristics from other adult entertainment areas. Below is a specific step-by-step guide:

1. Check out the girls from outside
   Cheonho-dong Red Light District has rows of glass-fronted shops, so you can see the girls waiting inside from outside. Usually, 2–4 girls are waiting in each shop, wearing skimpy or sexy dresses.
2. Enter the shop you like
   If you see a girl you like from outside, go inside the shop to confirm the fee. Be sure to check the price clearly when you enter.
3. You will be guided to a playroom
   After choosing a girl, you will be taken to a back room or a playroom on the second floor. Pay the fee to the girl in the playroom, and the play begins.
4. Take a shower
   In Cheonho-dong Red Light District, you can take a shower before playing. This service is not often seen in other red light districts, and being able to enjoy it cleanly is a hallmark of this district.
5. Full-service play
   The play in Cheonho-dong Red Light District generally includes fellatio with a condom and intercourse. Service quality varies depending on the girl, but they can cater to those who just want a quick session or those who want to take their time.

Fee Structure of Cheonho-dong Red Light District in Korea

Fees at Cheonho-dong Red Light District start at 80,000 won（about＄56） for 20 minutes, increasing with the length of play. For foreigner, the fee might be slightly higher, so it’s a good idea to have at least 100,000 won（about＄70） on hand.

Details of the Fees

• 20 minutes: 80,000 won（about＄56） /Korean price
• 30 minutes: 120,000 yen（about＄84）
• 40 minutes: 150,000 yen（about＄105）
• 60 minutes: 210,000 yen（about＄147）

An additional 20,000 won（about＄14） or so is often added on, and there is a tendency to set slightly higher prices for tourists. Cash is the basic payment method, although some shops do accept credit cards. However, if you pay by card, the price is even higher, so paying in cash is recommended.

Experiences and Current Status (2024) of Cheonho-dong Red Light District

My first visit to Cheonho-dong Red Light District was during a time when I was exploring every nightspot in Korea. After visiting Miari Texas and Yeongdeungpo Red Light District, I learned of Cheonho-dong Red Light District and naturally felt compelled to see it.

At that time, Cheonho-dong Red Light District still had over 50 establishments in operation, and I remember walking down the street, seeing numerous girls waiting behind glass illuminated by dazzling neon lights.

Compared to other red light districts, Cheonho-dong felt a bit more intimidating at the time. The reason was its distinct atmosphere and the lack of touts. While there were older ladies in front of the shops, they didn’t aggressively call out, so I could walk at my own pace. That meant I had plenty of time to pick a girl, and I felt secure on my first visit.

The Interior and Play at Cheonho-dong Red Light District

When you enter a Cheonho-dong Red Light District shop, you are guided to the playroom, similar to other Korean red light districts. The first thing I noticed was that the playroom was more spacious than expected and was relatively clean. Some other red light districts I’d visited had places that felt a bit dirty, so this stood out in a good way.

There were also shower facilities, and being able to refresh before playing was a characteristic of Cheonho-dong not seen in other red light districts.

The play itself was a standard package of fellatio and intercourse, but the girl’s attitude was friendly, and the service wasn’t bad. The girl I chose was a Korean woman in her early 20s who always had a smile and created a relaxed atmosphere. Although there was a language barrier, I used a bit of English and gestures to communicate, and it was enjoyable enough.

Returning for a Second Visit: The Decline of Cheonho-dong Red Light District

A few years later, I had another opportunity to visit Cheonho-dong Red Light District. However, the energy from before had completely vanished. Many shops had their shutters down, and only a handful of places were still open. In the past, as I walked down the street, I’d see girls glance at me and beckon me over, but that was no more.

When I revisited, only a few establishments were operating, and there were few customers that night as well. The lack of variety in girls meant the fun of picking “just the right one” was cut in half. While the redevelopment has led to a run-down impression, it was striking to see the shops that were still operating, though on a very small scale.

Operating Status as of 2024

Once flourishing, Cheonho-dong Red Light District has dramatically shrunk in scale today. Around 2017, approximately 50 establishments were in business, but redevelopment and fire damage caused that number to plummet. By 2023, only a handful of shops remained.

In addition to redevelopment, a fire in 2018 that killed two people also accelerated the depopulation. After that, the number of shops declined even further, and the area remains in a slum-like state.

The Appeal and Cautions of Cheonho-dong Red Light District

Cheonho-dong Red Light District once attracted many tourists as a place where you could experience its unique atmosphere and deep adult entertainment culture. However, its former glory is fading, and it’s now an area where you can sense remnants of the past. Compared to other red light districts in Korea, it offers a quiet environment, which could, in a sense, be considered part of its appeal.

However, since the number of shops has decreased and the selection of girls is limited, it may be a bit daunting for first-timers. Because your options for girls are limited, those who prioritize the quality of girls or who want to visit many shops may find this place unsuitable.

Current State of Cheonho-dong Red Light District and Recommended Alternative Spots

Cheonho-dong Red Light District has never recovered its former bustle and is now in a devastated state. It has been largely affected by redevelopment and regulations.

Even if you have a particular interest in this area, you may find it hard to have the experience you expect if you visit now. Therefore, if you want to enjoy Korea’s adult entertainment culture, instead of Cheonho-dong, I recommend visiting Yeongdeungpo Red Light District or other red light districts.

In those areas, many shops are still open, and you should be able to fully experience the adult entertainment culture.