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The traditional center of prostitution activity in the area is known as Hooker Hill. [[Prostitution in South Korea|Prostitution]] has long been visible in Itaewon. Although efforts to crack down which began in 2000 and were renewed in 2004 have reduced the visibility of the trade, brothels still exist and are quite easy to find. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,333899,00.html|title="Base Instincts", [[Time Magazine]], August 5 2002}}</ref>
==American presence==
[[Image:Itawon10302012221.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Itaewon is a popular with foreigners for its active and varied nightlife.]]
Itaewon is visited mostly by the large number of Americans (both [[United States Forces Korea|Military]] and civilian) and other foreigners who work, shop and relax in the area. Many of the bars and restaurants in Itaewon are frequented by and cater to this immigrant population. U.S. Military Police work in tandem with Korean counterparts to enforce the 03:00 curfew imposed on military personnel. Several bars in Itaewon are deemed "off-limits" for soldiers, usually due to instances of violence or prostitution. This has led to the common practice by owners of these establishments of regularly changing their names in order to avoid losing the patronage of the military. The principal U.S. Military base in Korea, [[Yongsan Garrison]], is located nearby. There are currently over 30,000 [[USFK|U.S. troops in South Korea]] and Itaewon is expected to be strongly affected if the United States Forces Korea (USFK) completes the planned shift of all Yongsan Garrison personnel to [[Pyeongtaek]] in 2012.
==Gay community==
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