Itaewon district
Seoul's cosmopolitan and multicultural district, famous for its culinary diversity, unique stores and international ambience. Explore Itaewon's best attractions, restaurants and stores.
Welcome to Itaewon, Seoul's cultural melting pot. Located near the U.S. military base, Itaewon has become a meeting place for expatriates and tourists alike, offering an incredible diversity of cultures, cuisines and lifestyles. It's here that Korean traditions and international influences intermingle, creating a vibrant and unique atmosphere. Embark on a journey through Seoul's most international district!
Itaewon: A Cosmopolitan and Welcoming Neighborhood
Itaewon is distinguished by its open and welcoming atmosphere, attracting an international crowd. The streets are packed with restaurants from all over the world, designer boutiques and lively bars.
What makes Itaewon so charming?
Culinary diversity
Itaewon is renowned for its restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world.
Fashion and unique boutiques
The area is a shopper's paradise, with numerous designer boutiques and international stores.
International ambience
Itaewon is a cultural crossroads, where people of all nationalities meet.
How did Itaewon become a multicultural center?
The influence of the nearby U.S. military base and the influx of expatriates have transformed Itaewon into an international hub. The district has adapted to meet the varied needs and tastes of its cosmopolitan population.
How to get to Itaewon
Itaewon is one of Seoul's most accessible districts, thanks to its excellent public transport links. Here's how to get there easily:
By metro (most recommended)
- Line 6 (brown line) : Go down to the Itaewon station (output 1, 2, 3 or 4)
- Visit exit 1 takes you directly to Itaewon's main street
- Visit exit 2 is ideal for accessing Gyeongnidan-gil
- Visit outputs 3 and 4 take you to Seoul's shopping district and central mosque
- Nearby station: Noksapyeong (line 6)
- 10-15 minutes' walk from the heart of Itaewon
- Recommended for access to Haebangchon and Gyeongnidan-gil
- Borrow the exit 2 then the underpass to cross the main artery
By bus
- Local buses Lines 110B, 421, 740, and 110A serve the district
- Bus express 6030 from Incheon airport
- Main stop Itaewon Station or Itaewon Sageori (Itaewon crossroads)
By cab
- Just ask the drivers for "Itaewon" (이태원).
- From Gangnam: approx. 15-20 minutes (KRW 10,000-15,000)
- From Myeongdong: approx. 10-15 minutes (KRW 7,000-10,000)
- Tip: show your driver the address in Korean to avoid any confusion.
On foot from nearby neighborhoods
- From Namsan 20-25 minutes down the hill
- From Yongsan : 15-20 minutes
Practical advice
- Subways generally operate from 5.30 a.m. to midnight.
- Get a T-money card for smoother travel
- The Kakao Metro app is very useful for navigating the Seoul metro network.
- The area is quite hilly - bring comfortable shoes
The subway remains the most efficient option for getting to Itaewon, especially during rush hour or at weekends when traffic can be heavy in this lively district.
Nightlife and Entertainment in Itaewon
Itaewon is famous for its lively nightlife, with a multitude of bars, clubs and lounges. The neighborhood comes alive especially in the evenings, offering entertainment options for all tastes.
Where to go out in Itaewon?
International bars
Enjoy a relaxed, festive atmosphere in one of Itaewon's many bars.
Clubs and lounges
Dance the night away in clubs offering a variety of music and atmospheres.
Concerts and live events
Attend live music performances and cultural events.
Why is Itaewon's nightlife so famous?
Itaewon attracts a diverse and open-minded crowd, making its nightlife unique and inclusive. Nightlife establishments offer a diverse experience, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the neighborhood.
Nightlife I recommend in Itaewon:
Shopping and Fashion in Itaewon: A Complete Guide
Itaewon isn't just a shopping district - it's a true fashion experience where local creativity meets international style. From avant-garde to vintage, luxury boutiques to budget finds, Itaewon caters for all tastes and budgets.
Itaewon's Best Fashion Boutiques
Hamilton Shopping Center
📍 119 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu The counterfeiters' paradise has been transformed into a trendy shopping mall offering affordable made-to-measure clothing and high-quality reproductions. Ideal for getting a suit or dress tailored to your exact measurements at a reasonable price.
Aland
📍 736-18 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu This iconic multi-brand boutique showcases emerging Korean designers. You'll find unique, trendy pieces at moderate prices. Their selection of accessories is particularly recommended.
Comme des Garçons
📍 651 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu The famous Japanese brand has set up a concept store in Itaewon that's worth a visit even just for its minimalist interior architecture. An avant-garde collection for fashion lovers.
Vintage Market
📍 Antique Street, near Itaewon subway station This vintage market is a must for lovers of retro fashion. You can find clothes and accessories from the 60s to the 90s, often at negotiable prices.
Must-See Shopping Streets
Itaewon-ro
The main street is packed with international boutiques, department stores and pop-up stores. It's the ideal starting point for exploring the district.
Bogwang-ro Fashion Street
This street, parallel to the main thoroughfare, is dedicated to clothing by independent Korean designers, offering unique pieces at affordable prices. A real secret well kept by the locals.
Muslim Street
In addition to its halal restaurants, this street is home to boutiques specializing in fabrics, spices and Middle Eastern handicrafts - perfect for bringing back original souvenirs.
Concept & Lifestyle stores
My Boon
📍 732-20 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu This three-storey concept store offers carefully selected clothing, accessories, decorative objects and art books. Their top-floor café offers a splendid view of the neighborhood.
Millimeter Milligram
📍 241 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu This designer stationery store offers elegant desk items, handcrafted notebooks and stylish school supplies - ideal for lovers of beautiful, functional objects.
Vinyl & Plastic
📍 683-131 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu A temple for music lovers combining record shop, café and exhibition space. Rare vinyls and limited editions of K-pop.
Shopping tips in Itaewon
- Opening hours : Most stores open between 11am and 9pm, with longer opening hours at weekends.
- Negotiation : In local markets and some independent stores, bargaining is possible, especially for multiple purchases.
- VAT refund : Tourists can obtain a VAT refund for purchases over KRW 30,000 at participating stores.
- Best period : January and July are sales months, with discounts of up to 70%.
Gastronomy and Restaurants in Itaewon: A Culinary World Tour
Itaewon's gastronomic diversity is legendary. From Korean street food to the most exotic cuisines and haute cuisine, Itaewon is a veritable paradise for adventurous gourmets.
Must-See International Restaurants
Vatos Urban Tacos
📍 181-8 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu ☎️ 02-797-8226 Famous for its Korean-Mexican fusion tacos and creative margaritas, this casual restaurant is always packed. Don't miss their kimchi carnitas fries.
Plant
📍 736-9 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu ☎️ 070-4104-2323 Elegant vegan restaurant offering creative plant-based dishes. Their "portobello mushroom burger" and colorful bowls are particularly popular.
Linus' Bama Style BBQ
📍 136-13 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu ☎️ 02-790-2920 Authentic American barbecue run by a passionate expat. The slow-smoked ribs and pulled pork are extraordinary. Friendly atmosphere and karaoke nights on Fridays.
Petra
📍 124-6 Bogwang-ro, Yongsan-gu ☎️ 02-790-4433 Traditional Jordanian restaurant offering a variety of mezzes, succulent grills and freshly baked breads. Their narghile service also makes it a popular place to relax.
Trendy cafés & patisseries
Tartine Bakery
📍 200-5 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu This famous Californian bakery has opened a branch in Itaewon. Their sourdough breads and pastries are well worth a visit, as is their specialty coffee.
C.Through Coffee
📍 736-26 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu Known for its elaborate "cream art", this café has gone viral on Instagram. The barista draws detailed portraits on the lattes - both delicious and impressive.
Baker's Table
📍 244-1 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu ☎️ 070-7717-3501 Artisan bakery-café offering hearty brunches and homemade pastries. Their cinnamon bread and blueberry pancakes are unforgettable.
Street Food & Food Markets
Itaewon Global Food Street
📍 Itaewon-ro 20-gil This little street is lined with street food stalls offering specialities from all over the world, from Turkish kebabs to Tibetan dumplings and Mexican tacos.
Unique Culinary Experiences
Cooking Class with Chef Lee
📍 45-4 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu 🌐 www.cookingwithcheflee.com Learn how to prepare traditional Korean dishes in this interactive course, ideal for bringing the flavors of Korea home.
Makgeolli Tasting at Sanullim
📍 72 Noksapyeong-daero 40-gil, Yongsan-gu Discover makgeolli, the traditional Korean rice alcohol, in this specialized bar offering over 30 artisanal varieties accompanied by small dishes.
Gastronomic advice
- Reservations : Indispensable for popular restaurants, especially at weekends.
- Tips : Not usual in Korea, but always appreciated in establishments frequented by expatriates.
- Peak hours : Avoid 7pm-9pm to reduce waiting times.
- Useful applications : Download MangoPlate or Shuttle for menu recommendations and translations.
- Allergies : Prepare a card in Korean indicating your food allergies to facilitate communication.
Itaewon continues to evolve, with new addresses appearing all the time. Don't hesitate to venture into the side streets - these are often where you'll find the best gastronomic discoveries and most original boutiques in this fascinating district of Seoul.
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Itaewon Art and Culture
Itaewon is not just an entertainment center; it's also a place where art and culture meet. From art galleries to cultural festivals, Itaewon is a space for artistic and cultural expression.
Explore Art and Culture in Itaewon
Art galleries and exhibitions
Discover works by local and international artists.
Cultural festivals
Enjoy music, dance, unique events and live art.
Music and live shows
Enjoy concerts and shows representing different cultures.
How are Art and Culture Integrated into Itaewon Life?
Itaewon is a district where different cultures meet and express themselves through art and music. Cultural events and art galleries are places where different communities meet and exchange ideas.
Housing in Itaewon: Discover the Cosmopolitan Heart of Seoul
Itaewon, with its international character and vibrant atmosphere, offers a diverse range of accommodation options. From the discreet luxury of boutique hotels to friendly youth hostels, Itaewon has an option to suit every type of traveler.
Variety of Accommodation Options in Itaewon
Boutique hotels
Perfect for those looking for a stylish, comfortable stay, these hotels offer a unique experience with a personal touch.
Modern youth hostels
Ideal for travellers on a budget, they provide quality accommodation in a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Apartments and studios for rent like AirBnB
These options are ideal for visitors looking for a longer stay with the comforts of home.
Advantages of staying in Itaewon
- Strategic location: Itaewon is ideally situated for exploring Seoul, with easy access to public transport and major attractions.
- Cultural diversity: Staying in Itaewon allows you to live in a multicultural environment, with direct access to a variety of international cuisines and activities.
- Options for every budget: Whether you're looking for luxury or budget accommodation, Itaewon offers a full range of options.
Tips for choosing the right accommodation in Itaewon
- Book early: Itaewon is a popular destination, so it's advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during tourist seasons.
- Read reviews: Consult online reviews to choose accommodation that meets your expectations in terms of quality and service.
- Consider your needs: Choose accommodation according to your plans in Seoul - whether for sightseeing, exploring the cuisine or nightlife.
Itaewon is distinguished by its international ambience, culinary diversity and unique shopping scene, attracting a cosmopolitan crowd.
Itaewon offers a wide range of bars, clubs and lounges, perfect for a lively and varied nightlife experience.
Designer boutiques, local markets and international fashion stores are a must for a unique shopping experience.
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