A growing number of South Korean men are reportedly engaging in long-term sex tourism stays in Laos, a trend so widespread that it’s allegedly driving up local rental prices.
According to Lee Hyun-sook, CEO of the Tacteen Naeil Center for youth sexual violence counseling, many Korean men are not only participating in frequent prostitution while living in Laos but are also actively sharing explicit experiences and information online.
In an interview with CBS Radio’s Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show on November 6, Lee revealed that online chat groups for exchanging prostitution tips and arranging encounters have reached over 31 million views on some platforms.
She explained that her organization monitored 47 channels across six platforms, including Telegram and YouTube. “Some of these group chats had between 700 and 1,000 members, posting new content daily. It’s nearly impossible to track them all,” she said.
Participants reportedly ranged in age from their 20s to 60s, though the majority appeared to be middle-aged men. “When someone in their 30s joined, others commented that he was young, suggesting that most participants were in their 40s to 60s,” Lee noted.
She added that certain users — believed to be brothel operators — shared photos of women in chatrooms, prompting crude remarks like ‘She’s cute’ or ‘I want to meet her.’
Lee also mentioned the disturbing code “ㅊㅊ,” short for cheolchang (철창), which refers to establishments with barred windows — implying that young women may be confined inside. “It gives the impression that girls are being locked up, and many men reportedly visit such places for prostitution,” she said.
The phenomenon has even given rise to what’s now called “One-Month Sex Tourism in Laos”, echoing the once-popular “one-month stay in Southeast Asia” travel trend.
“Those with money rent luxury accommodations,” Lee explained. “Because the cost of living in Laos is low and food is inexpensive, many see it as a comfortable place to stay long-term. But with the surge in demand, local rent prices are inevitably rising. Some men even say they plan to retire and live in Laos while engaging in prostitution.”
This growing issue highlights not only the rise in exploitative sex tourism by foreign visitors but also its impact on local communities and the housing market, raising ethical and legal concerns that demand international attention.
Sources: Daum