Gay nightlife moves deeper into Jongno's alleys

Outdoor food stalls spill into an alley in Jongno, Seoul, where locals and tourists grill meat and drink soju late into the evening. Less than two meters away, the bars on the other side of the alley give off a different vibe: no outdoor seating, their doors firmly shut. The bars aren't closed. They are gay bars. For decades, the alley has served as a gathering place for gay men looking to meet new people, share drinks, and find a sense of community. But the area of Jongno-3-ga has grown into an