Beginning around 1945, it became a red light district that provided a variety of services, although namely drinking and prostitution, to American soldiers in the area.

Fewer American troops were stationed nearby (U.S. Navy and Marines were prohibited from entering circa 2018[3]), and more Russian sailors arrived.

Residents provided a diverse array of legitimate and illegitimate services to the American soldiers, including namely alcohol and prostitution.

[4] The area gradually lost its association with American servicemen beginning in the late 1980s, as the number of troops stationed in Busan began to decrease.

[1][2][4] The area then began catering to significant numbers of Russian sailors that moved between Vladivostok and Busan.

[2][1] Russian dancers and Filipina singers came to the area on work visas, although they were often forced into providing prostitution services.

[4] In addition, South Korea and the People's Republic of China established diplomatic relations in late 1992, and Busan and Shanghai were made sister cities the following year.

[2] However, business was slower than it had been when American soldiers frequented the area, as the Russians tended to have and spend less money.

[4][6] The area has retained some of its Russian character, particularly through a population of Koryo-saram: ethnic Koreans from the former Soviet Union.