Itaewon is Seoul’s most international neighbourhood. The best non-Korean food in the city, a bar culture that runs later than anywhere else, and the adjacent streets of Haebangchon and Gyeongnidan-gil that most visitors never discover.
Itaewon developed its international character partly from its proximity to the US military base at Yongsan, which drew international visitors and expat residents, and from the service economy that catered to them. The neighbourhood has evolved considerably and now has the most diverse restaurant scene in Seoul, excellent nightlife, and some of the city’s most interesting independent retail.
Getting to Itaewon
- Seoul Metro Line 6: Itaewon Station, exits 1 to 4. About 10 minutes from Hongdae, 15 minutes from Gangnam.
Itaewon for Food
Itaewon has the best selection of international restaurants in Seoul. The main Itaewon-daero street and its side streets feature authentic Turkish, Lebanese, Mexican, Indian, Thai, Italian, and American restaurants, as well as high-quality Korean fusion concepts.
Haebangchon (HBC)
The hillside neighbourhood immediately northwest of Itaewon Station is known as Haebangchon or HBC. This is where the most interesting independent restaurants in the Itaewon area cluster: small authentic ethnic restaurants, excellent brunch spots, specialty coffee, and the kind of neighbourhood cafe culture that has developed organically rather than commercially. The steep alley streets and hilltop view over Seoul are additional charms.
Gyeongnidan-gil
A restaurant and bar street running between Itaewon and Noksapyeong stations. Developed in the last decade as a destination in its own right. Quality Korean and international restaurants, craft beer bars, and some of Seoul’s finest contemporary restaurants at prices more accessible than Gangnam equivalents.
Halal Food
Itaewon has the highest concentration of halal restaurants in Seoul, around the Seoul Central Mosque area on the hill above the main street. Halal Korean, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern restaurants have operated in this area for decades.
Itaewon Nightlife
Itaewon’s bar and club scene is the most international in Seoul and among the city’s most active. The main club strip runs along Itaewon-daero and the side streets running off it. The character is more mixed-nationality than Hongdae’s predominantly Korean student scene. Several LGBTQ-friendly bars operate in the adjacent streets, making Itaewon one of Seoul’s most inclusive nightlife areas.
The famous Itaewon Halloween event, when the neighbourhood’s streets fill with tens of thousands of people in costume, was suspended following the tragic crowd crush of October 2022. The neighbourhood has continued to develop as a nightlife and dining destination.
Antique and Furniture Shopping
The streets south of Itaewon Station, running toward the Hamilton Hotel, have the highest concentration of antique shops and furniture dealers in Seoul. Korean antiques, Buddhist art, and reproductions of traditional furniture. Worth browsing for visitors interested in Korean decorative arts.
Combining Itaewon with Other Areas
Itaewon sits between the historical Seoul north of the Han River and the Gangnam commercial area to the south. The National Museum of Korea is 10 minutes from Itaewon by subway (Ichon Station, Line 4) and is one of Asia’s finest history museums. The War Memorial of Korea is adjacent to Samgakji Station, one stop from Itaewon.
See the Seoul neighbourhoods guide to see how Itaewon compares to other accommodation bases.
