Koreans could once be sure that their children would look after them in their old age, but no longer - many of those who worked hard to transform the country's economy find the next generation has other spending priorities. As a result, some elderly women are turning to prostitution.
ugly loneliness


Kim Eun-ja sits on the steps at Seoul's Jongno-3 subway station, scanning the scene in front of her. The 71-year-old's bright lipstick and shiny red coat stand out against her papery skin.

Beside her is a large bag, from which comes the clink of glass bottles as she shifts on the cold concrete.
pour purple love


Mrs Kim is one of South Korea's "Bacchus Ladies" - older women who make a living by selling tiny bottles of the popular Bacchus energy drink to male customers.
pour red cry


But often that's not all they're selling. At an age when Korean grandmothers are supposed to be venerated as matriarchs, some are selling sex.

"You see those Bacchus Ladies standing over there?" she asks me. "Those ladies sell more than Bacchus. They sometimes go out with the grandpas and earn money from them. But I don't make a living like that.
BELLE BOI BELLE VIE



"Men do proposition me when I'm standing in the alleyway," she adds. "But I always say, 'No.'"
design gifted paradise soul

Mrs Kim says she makes about 5,000 Won ($5) a day selling the drinks. "Drink up fast," she says. "The police are always watching me. They don't differentiate."
anna diving travel hk fun