A growing number of South Korean men are reportedly engaging in long-term sex tourism stays in Laos, a trend so widespread that it is 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 not only frequently participate in prostitution while living in Laos, but also actively share explicit experiences and information online.
In an interview with CBS Radio Kim Hyun-jung’s news 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.
He explained that his organization monitored 47 channels across six platforms, including Telegram and YouTube. “Some of these group chats had between 700 and 1,000 members and were posting new content every day. It’s almost impossible to track them all.” he said.
Participants reportedly ranged in age from their 20s to their 60s, although most appeared to be middle-aged men. “When someone in their 30s signed up, others commented that they were young, suggesting that most participants were between 40 and 60 years old,” Lee noted.
He added that some users, believed to be brothel operators, shared photos of women in chats, prompting crass comments such as ‘She’s cute’ OR “I want to meet her.”
Lee also mentioned the disturbing code “ㅊㅊ,” short for cheolchang (철창), which refers to premises with bars on the windows, implying that young women may be confined inside. “It gives the impression that girls are being locked up and many men reportedly visit these places for prostitution,” he said.
The phenomenon even gave rise to what we now call “One month sex tourism in Laos”echoing the once-popular “month-long stay in Southeast Asia” travel trend.
“Whoever has money rents luxury accommodation,” 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 as demand increases, local rental prices are inevitably rising. Some men even say they want to retire and live in Laos while engaging in prostitution.”
This growing problem highlights not only the increase in sex tourism exploitation by foreign visitors, but also its impact on local communities and the real estate market, raising ethical and legal concerns that require international attention.
Sources: Daum
