Seoul police crack down on illegal maid cafe operations in Hongdae

Police in Mapo, Seoul, have booked two maid cafes in the Hongdae area for violating the Food Sanitation Act. During a month-long intensive crackdown conducted between August 12 and September 7, authorities identified that these establishments operated as unauthorized entertainment venues by offering ‘live show’ menus, where employees dressed in maid costumes performed dances on stage for customers.

An investigative task force, composed of officers from Mapo, Geumcheon, Yeongdeungpo, and Guro police stations, targeted 19 high-risk establishments out of 29 operating in the district. The crackdown focused on illegal activities such as employees drinking alcohol with customers, performing songs or dances to entertain guests, and the potential involvement of minors in conversations that cause sexual shame or disgust.

Authorities noted that while many cafes offered similar ‘live show’ menus, some owners have voluntarily ceased these practices due to increased social scrutiny and police monitoring. The Mapo Police Station plans to continue collaborating with the Mapo District Office to monitor these businesses and ensure menus are corrected to comply with legal standards.