Itaewon (이태원)

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이태원 (I-tae-won) means “large pear tree”.
다양성 (da-yang-seong) means Diversity
국제 (guk-jae) means International

Fun Facts

Itaewon dates back to the early 20th century when it served as a hub for American military personnel stationed in South Korea, creating a unique blend of cultures.
Itaewon hosts several historical landmarks including: The Korean War Memorial, the Hanseong Baekje Museum, the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, the Seoul Central Mosque as well as the Itaewon Antique Furniture Street.
It has served as a backdrop for numerous films and television shows, contributing to its popularity as a cultural and entertainment hub.
The neighborhood is home to a large expatriate community, contributing to its cosmopolitan vibe and creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors from all over the world.
Itaewon is known for its LGBTQ+ friendly establishments and events, making it an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to gather and celebrate.

Itaewon is a vibrant melting pot which offers a mix of culture, history, and cinematic charm. Once a hub for American military personnel, the streets of this eclectic neighborhood are now lined with trendy boutiques, markets, and famous restaurants serving up a fusion of global cuisines. There are many iconic filming spots including the Hamilton Hotel and streets like Usadan-ro and Gyeongnidan-gil. The rooftop bars with city views, and local markets like the Antique Furniture Street add to its charm. But what truly sets Itaewon apart is its embrace of diversity and inclusivity, making it a welcoming sanctuary for people from all walks of life. So, whether you’re a history buff intrigued by its military past, a food enthusiast eager to explore its culinary delights, or a culture seeker drawn to its vibrant atmosphere, Itaewon promises an unforgettable experience.

Travel Tips

If you are not interested in the nightlife scene, visit Itaewon during the day. The many great shops, restaurants, landmarks, and photo spots in this area make it worth a brief visit.
At nighttime Itaewon transforms into an energetic hotspot, offering an abundance of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Be sure to try one of the numerous famous restaurants. Itaewon has a diverse culinary scene, known for everything from traditional Korean BBQ restaurants to global cuisines, reflecting its multicultural ambiance.

Address

English: 196, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Hangeul: 서울특별시 용산구 이태원로 196

This is another great spot for visiting famous filming locations from popular Kdramas. We took photos in front of Park Saeroyi’s Danbam (탄밤) pub from Itaewon Class and caught a glimpse of the Welcome to Waikiki guesthouse. Since Itaewon is frequently used for filming, there’s always the chance that you will bump into a film crew during your visit. On one of our trips, we stumbled upon one shooting a new commercial. The neighborhood also has amazing views of Namsan Tower which is close by. Both times we visited Itaewon it was raining out, but we were still able to enjoy walking down the street and on the second visit we were even rewarded with a bright rainbow!

Itaewon is one of the most-lively neighborhoods in Seoul, known for its trendy restaurants, cool rooftop bars, and party-going nightlife scene. Since I’m a bit seasoned (another word for older) and not much interested in the party scene, I like to go there during the daytime to visit some of the historical sites or stroll around and check out the quirky shops, cafes and adorable character shops. There is a wonderful pottery shop, Eden Pottery (에덴도자기), which carries beautiful pieces from local artists. The lovely owner will even ship your souvenirs home for you. I received my package within one week, unharmed, and it included lots of extra goodies in the box (Korean people love to give gifts). We had lunch at the very famous Jonny Dumpling restaurant which was amazing! There are lots of other places I want to try on my future visits.