| Jangan-dong | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 장안동 |
| Hanja | 長安洞 |
| Revised Romanization | Jangan-dong |
| McCune–Reischauer | Changan-tong |
| Statistics | |
| Area | 2.33 km2 (0.9 sq mi) |
| Population (2001) | 63,175 [1] |
| Population density | 27,114/km2 (70,224.9/sq mi) |
Jangan-dong is a dong, neighbourhood of Dongdaemun-gu in Seoul, South Korea.[1]
Jangan-dong is situated in Dongdaemun-gu in East-Central Seoul. By day, it is a quiet residential area of Seoul with several apartment complexes visible, including those built by Hillstate, SM, Samsung Ramien, and Hyundai. Near Jangang-dong subway station on the purple line #5, several used automotive and repair shops can be found. Near some of the southernmost subway exits, men stand in the street and shout in attempts to woo customers into their auto shop. Northeast of the subway and one street behind are several low-priced shops doing auto repair on air conditioners, fixing damaged bumpers, selling new wheels and rims, etc.
There are several restaurants in the Jangan-dong area, although most of them could be categorized as Korean-style "dirty spoon" establishments tailored toward the evening crowd, though there is a Pizza Hut and a few coffee shops. As for shopping, the Bauhaus department store sells a variety of discount goods, and includes a Coffee Bean and a grocery store in the bottom floors.
By night, Jangan-dong's main street lights up with a plethora of Korean-style bars, motels, nightclubs, and massage parlors catering to the prostitution industry. Most Koreans recognize this area of the city to be a haven for prostitution, and this has had an effect on property values. In the summer of 2008, a group of angry [1] apartment associations protested in order to get police to do something about the illegal, yet openly condoned activities.1 It was widely reported that police rattled businesses and removed dozens of whirlpool tubs from illegal massage parlors in the ensuing crackdown. The brothels and pimps shot back, threatening to reveal the names of several corrupt police officers who had been taking bribes, as well as taking part in other illegal activities.2 As of summer 2009, much of the prostitution remained. Random crackdowns do occasionally take place, but the sex industry remains open and obvious to those who recognize it. Foreigners generally do not see the prostitution, as it takes place behind closed doors, but the establishments are in great supply. It is worthy of note that foreigners are almost never allowed into these businesses. It should also be noted that prostitutes rarely walk the streets in South Korea, other than in the process of commuting from one business to the next.
Despite its negatives, Jangan-dong is an affordable area to live, and can be considered attractive for its somewhat centralized location and quick transportation into the heart of Kangnam or Dongdaemun.
2http://www.rjkoehler.com/2008/09/08/jangan-dong-wars-episode-ii-the-pimps-strike-back/
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