Things to Do in Itaewon

Discover the things to do in Itaewon and the top restaurants here!

When visiting Seoul, the Itaewon district is a must-go. With its foreigner-friendly atmosphere, it promises to deliver a culturally vibrant and pleasant trip. It is famous for its cosmopolitan dining and nightlife, and the vast activities here keep tourists and locals coming for more.

Before we go further, if you have to carry your luggage during your visit to Itaewon, I recommend you to use the official subway luggage storage in Itaewon station. Or you can find many other options HERE.

Itaewon Tourist Information Center

A tourist information center located in front of Itaewon Station Exit 1, Seoul Metro Line 6. Here you can get travel information, interpretation service, reservation service, and convenience facilities for travelers visiting Seoul. Information is available in English, Japanese, and Chinese.

• Open hours: 09:00 – 20:00
• Address: 177 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: +82-2-749-9221

Things to Do in Itaewon

Hosting an array of different cuisines from all over the globe, the restaurants are unlike any you can find. Whilst the bars and shopping experience take the level of fun up a notch, the list of activities in Itaewon continues to grow as tourists all over the world visit this charming neighborhood.

The War Memorial of Korea

If you are interested in Korean history and the Korean War, visit the War Memorial of Korea, located in Yongsan-gu, the center of Seoul. This is the only war history museum in Korea that introduces 5,000 years of national history under the single theme of ‘war’. Let’s visit the War Memorial of Korea, a space for learning through history and a place for cultural relaxation representing Seoul. The War Memorial of Korea is composed of experiential facilities that help people easily and correctly understand the causes of the outbreak of the Korean War, the progress of the war, and the entire process of the armistice.

In the Peace Plaza, there is a monument to the Korean War veterans. On the monument, the words of gratitude and remembrance for the country that participated in the war for the Republic of Korea are engraved in the language of that country and in Korean.

• Open hours: 09:30 – 18:00 | Closed every Monday
• Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Admission: Free
• Website: https://www.warmemo.or.kr/LNG/main.do
• Tel.: +82-2-709-3139 or +82-2-709-3114
• Direction:
  5 minute walk from the Samgakji Station (line 4 and line 6) Exit 12.
  10 minute walk from the Namyeong Station (line 1).

Leeum Museum

The Itaewon district displays the best of both worlds, by being tech-savvy, alongside upholding a vintage aspect. The ‘Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art’ is a great example. Divided into two sections, the first section is for those who wish to learn about the Korean heritage – calligraphy, paintings, and cultural jewelry. It covers everything from Korean modern and contemporary artworks since the 1920s to world modern artworks since 1945. Whilst the second building represents the contemporary art created by Korean and international artists alike.

• Open hours: 10:30 – 18:00 | Closed every Monday
• Address: 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Admission:
  Adult 15,000 KRW / Adolescent & Univ.(grad) 7,500 KRW / Senior (Age 65 over) 7,500 KRW / People with disabilities 7,500 KRW / Veterans 7,500 KRW / Preschooler Free 
• Digital Guide Free 
• Tel.: +82-2-2014-6900
• Direction: 10 minute walk from the Hangangjin Station (line 6) Exit 1.

World Food Culture Street

Itaewon is a popular foreigner-friendly street in Seoul coming people of different nationalities and races together. There are many restaurants and pubs where you can taste food from all over the world, and most of them are run by local chefs. So, you can try exotic food from over 30 countries, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas, and fusion cuisine. This World Food Culture Street is an ideal place that is sure to please any lover of food. Go to a lively small global village in Seoul!

(Check the best restaurants such as ‘Le Saintex’ for French home-style cuisine, ‘India gate’ for authentic Indian cuisine, ‘Santorini’ to enjoy Greek food, and ‘Ponchos’ where you can enjoy Mexican food, is listed below again. )

• Address: Itaewon-ro 27na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Direction: 1 minute walk from the Itaewon Station (line 6) Exit 1 or 2.

Itaewon Antique Furniture Street

Wish for a trip down memory lane instead? The ‘Itaewon Antique Street’ is the place to go. In the 1960s, the soldiers used to sell their things before returning to their homeland. Thereby, making many Asian and European goods available for tourists as well as locals today. It holds the ‘Antique Festival’ every October and the ‘Flea Market’ every weekend, attracting visitors to Itaewon. If you want to feel as if you are walking through the alleys of a European city in the Middle Ages in the middle of downtown Seoul by enjoying shopping in antique shops, then you must visit the antique stores lining this street.

• Address: Itaewon-ro 27na-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Direction: 1 minute walk from the Itaewon Station (line 6) Exit 3 or 4. (Go to Bogwang-ro directions)

Gyeongnidan-gil

Gyeongridan-gil is one of the trendiest streets of Seoul with distinctive cafes, unique restaurants, and exotic pubs in every alley. As it is the area where most foreigners live in Seoul, the exotic culture created by locals from around the world is very attractive. The area became frequented by expatriates and tourists searching for their local cuisines. Also, It is fun to enjoy a tour of hidden restaurants and cafes in every small alley. Don’t forget to visit rooftop cafes or bars that offer a panoramic view of Seoul!

• Address: Heonamu-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Direction: 5 minutes walk towards Namsan 3 Tunnel from Noksapyeong Station (line 6) Exit 2.

Usadan-gil

Usadan-gil features many Muslim stores such as halal restaurants, supermarkets, and shops. This is an exotic street characterized by signs reading a mixture of Arabic, Korean, and English. What’s more, accessory shops display chador and hijab. On every last Saturday of the month, Usadan-gil hosts a flea market for young artists known ad “Gyedanjang”. 

• Address: Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Direction: 10 minutes walk towards Seoul Central Masjid from Itaewon Station (line 6) Exit 3.

Seoul Central Masjid

The Islamic Seoul Central Mosque, located in Usadan-ro, was established to promote Islam and Arab culture to the Republic of Korea and to facilitate smooth exchanges with Islamic countries. The Seoul Central Mosque of Islam has offices and conference rooms on the 1st floor of the Korean Islamic Central Conference, a men’s chapel on the 2nd floor, and a women’s chapel on the 3rd floor.

A Muslim mosque is a religious space, so there are a few things to keep in mind. You cannot wear revealing clothes such as sleeveless sleeves, short skirts or shorts, and you cannot smoke inside the temple. Non-Muslims are also allowed to enter the mosque, but be careful not to do anything that interferes with worship.

• Open hours: 10:30 – 17:00
• Address: 39 Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Direction: 10 minutes walk towards Seoul Central Masjid from Itaewon Station (line 6) Exit 3.

Haebangchon

It was formed along with liberation (해방), hence the name ‘Haebangchon’ (해방촌) located across from the beginning of Gyeongridan-gil. Haebangchon has become a new stage for young artists and entrepreneurs who have left Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon due to gentrification. There are many unique workshops, independent bookstores, a lot of stylish cafes and restaurants around Sinheung-ro.

Although the upper part of Haebangchon is difficult to access as connecting to Namsan Mountain, the air and scenery after climbing are very nice. If you want to enjoy a vintage rooftop bar where you can enjoy the night view of Seoul, you can tolerate the uphill road enough! Moreover, it the filming locations of the TV drama ‘Itaewon Class’ that ended in great success.

• Address: 90 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Direction: 5 minutes walk towards Namsan 3 Tunnel from Noksapyeong Station (line 6) Exit 2.

Sounds Hannam

Hannam-dong is one of the wealthy areas in Seoul, and it creates a unique atmosphere with trendy shops, cafes, and tea houses. Among them, Sounds Hannam is a complex cultural space in the city center where residence, office, and retail are harmonized in one place. In addition to Korean restaurant Ilhosik, Western cuisine Seconds Kitchen, and Bakery Café Quartet, there are also several shops such as a beauty lab, a bookstore, perfume shop, and a flower shop, attracting people through various attractions. Furthermore, you can enjoy contemporary art exhibitions here at Gana Art.

• Open hours: 10:00 – 18:00
• Address: 35 Daesagwan-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 02-6040-2345
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sounds.hannam/
• Direction:
  15 minutes walk from Hannam Station (Gyeongui Jungang Line) Exit 1.
  15 minutes walk from Itaewon Station (line 6) Exit 3.

AMORE PACIFIC Museum of Art

Amorepacific is a company that owns many Korean beauty brands such as Innisfree, Sulwhasoo, and Laneige. A new art museum was opened with the construction of a new headquarters in Yongsan. It aims to be an ‘open space to discover beauty in everyday life’. Not only do they collect and exhibit both domestic and international contemporary art, but it also has a program to support young artists. In the exhibition room on the first basement floor, a variety of special exhibitions are held covering ancient art, modern art, and Korean art.

Because the place itself is awesome with the large space ‘Atrium’ from 1st to 3rd floor, another exhibition space ‘APMA Cabinet’, and the world exhibition catalog library (apLAP), I highly recommend a visit If you are an art student or are interested in art!

• Open hours: 10:00 – 18:00
• Address: 100 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 02-6040-2345
• Website: https://apma.amorepacific.com/index.do
• Admission: Adult 10,000 KRW | Student 8,000 KRW | Kids & People with disabilities 5,000 KRW
• Direction: 1 minute walk from Sinyoungsan Station (line 4) Exit 1.

ARC N BOOK

Arc N Book is a cultural complex where bookstores and lifestyle shops coexist. It is a curated bookstore divided into four themes that invigorate the reading culture. Here you can share books, and communicate connecting together through a love for books.

• Open hours: 10:00 – 22:00
• Address: 23 Jangmun-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 070-4258-2787
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arc.n.book_official/
• Direction: 15 minute walk from Itaewon Station (line 6) Exit 4 or Noksapyeong Station (line 6) Exit 3.

Create Perfume

Itaewon is a hub for everything unique. So in case you’re wondering what to do in Itaewon, trying something new like making your own fragrance at G.N. Perfume Studio, is the answer to your question. Providing visitors with the unique ability to make their own fragrance from scratch, this is a place unlike any other. With 150 perfume bases and about 20 natural flavors, this is the moment for you to make a scent, made by you, for your loved ones. A one of a kind gift indeed.

Best Restaurants in Itaewon

Maple Tree House (단풍나무집) – Premium Korean BBQ House

No vacation is complete without devouring delicacies that tantalize your taste buds. With many delicious cuisines to deliver, you must add the Maple Tree House in Itaewon to your to-go list. For fusion Korean cuisine or the ever-tasty Korean barbecue, ‘Maple Tree House, Seoul’ is the restaurant to book your table in. Offering meat of the highest quality, and food of supreme standard, all things on the menu are must-haves. But the Korean Beef (locally called Hanu) takes the cake as it is cut in thin strips, and grilled tenderly on your table.

The ‘Two-Plus, Itaewon’ is another Korean barbecue favorite restaurant. Though a bit heavy on the pocket, it truly delivers with its’ Korean Hanu Beef. Also highly appropriate for big groups, it wouldn’t feel much on the pocket if you’re going Dutch (pro-tip!).

• Open hour: 11:30 – 22:00 | Break time 15:00 – 17:00
• Address : 26 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 02-790-7977
• Website: http://www.mapletreehouse.co.kr/eng/html/main.asp
• Price: 16,900KRW – 50,000KRW
• Direction: A minute walk fallowing Hamilton Hotel’s side road from Iteawon Station Exit 1 (line 6)

Jonny Dumpling

Jonny Dumpling, which has been in business since 2007, is a restaurant specializing in Chinese-style handmade dumplings. The best menu of Jonny Dumpling is fried dumplings on one side and steamed on the other side. Besides, there are various handmade dumplings such as water dumplings filled with shrimp and meat, and egg chives dumplings. They are super juicy! Also, the veggie dumpling is available for vegetarians.

This dumpling house was introduced at Wednesday Food Talk (수요미식회) which is a well-known Food-Talk show in Korea and had great reputations.
If you like dumplings, check it out!

• Open hour: 11:30 – 21:15
• Address : 33 bogwang-ro 59gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 02-790-8831
• Price: 10,000KRW – 12,000KRW
• Direction: 3 minutes walk from Iteawon Station Exit 4 (line 6)

Sigol Bapsang | 곽경찬의 시골밥상

Jeolla-do is located in the southern part of Korea and is famous for its delicious food with various side dishes. Just looking at the name of this restaurant, ‘시골밥상’, comes to mind of a table filled with local food eaten in the countryside. What’s more, I like the old-fashioned rustic interior. The popular menu is a Hanjeongsik, which is served with 24 side dishes, savory miso soup, and rice. It costs just 9,000KRW! Plus, you can order more main dishes such as bulgogi, grilled fish, spicy chicken soup, and more. If you want to taste various Korean foods, this is the best place!

• Everyday 24hours open
• Address : 235 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 02-793-5390
• Price: 9,000KRW – 20,000KRW
• Direction: 5 minutes walk from Iteawon Station Exit 2 (line 6)

Bada Restaurant | 바다식당

The main menu at this restaurant is Budaejjigae which is a spicy stew made with Spam and sausage. In the past, it originated from stewed meat from US military bases living in Korea so it is sometimes called Korean army soup.

The restaurant’s unique budae-jjigae, called ‘Johnsontang’, is made with sausage, potatoes, cabbage, and meat in the broth and cheese at the end, boasting a soft and savory taste. Steaks and grilled sausages are also delicious.

• Open hours: 11:30 – 22:00 | 1st, 3rd Monday Closed
• Address : 245 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 02-795-1317
• Price: 22,000KRW (for 2 people) – 44,000KRW
• Direction: 5 minutes walk from Iteawon Station Exit 2 (line 6) or Hangangjin Station Exit 1 (line 6)

The Halal Guys Itaewon Branch

Halal Guys is a Halal food brand that started as a food truck in New York, so it is introducing a simple yet nutritious platter and sandwich menu. All menus are halal-certified and made with halal materials sourced from the United States. Of course, there’s a vegetarian menu with Falafel. Moreover, I’d like to recommend having Baklava, a Middle Eastern dessert, after a meal! 😉

• Open hours: Sun. – Thu. 11:00 – 22:00 | Fri. Sat. 11:00 – 23:00
• Address : 187 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 02-794-8308
• Price: 10,900 KRW – 15,900KRW
• Direction: A minute walk from Iteawon Station Exit 2 (line 6)

More Halal Restaurants in Itaewon

Appealing to tourists from all backgrounds and cultures, Seoul has become increasingly popular with Itaewon halal food. Muslims have a wide array of options when making food choices. The ‘Eid’ restaurant offering halal Korean food often tops the list, with its authentic Korean cuisine, with halal ingredients – so that Muslims do not lose out on a true Korean experience. The ‘Kervan Turkish Restaurant’ is another famous choice, for halal Turkish cuisine in Korea. Head here for more of Halal restaurants in Seoul.

Itaewon Nightlife

Walking around Itaewon at night, one might wonder if they are in Korea. The streets are filled with ex-pats and foreigners living in Korea. The nightlife brings out all people of all ages, gender, and nationalities simply because there is something for everyone. If you are interested in going to clubs, we recommend you get the Pub Crawls. You can get access to 3 bars, 10 clubs, and a drink for 25,000 won. Here are some hot places to visit as well.

All That Jazz

Opened over 40 years, All That Jazz is the first and leading jazz club in Itaewon. In addition, it is also a place of living history of Korean jazz with about 2,000 LPs and 600 CDs. It’s nighttime concerts and performances are enjoyed by a nice dinner meal or simply accompanied by a glass of wine. Admission is 10,000 won and you can stay as long as you want. Live music is played from 6: 30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays.

• Open hour: Sun. – Thu. 18:00 – 01:00 | Fri. Sat. 18:00 – 02:30
• Address : 12 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 02-795-5701
• Website: http://allthatjazz.kr/indexy.htm
• Admisson: 10,000KRW
• Price: 10,000KRW – 20,000KRW
• Direction: A minute walk fallowing Hamilton Hotel’s side road from Itaewon Station Exit 2 (line 6)

Soap Seoul

Unique as the name sounds, Soap Seoul club is one of the biggest underground clubs in Itaewon. After opening a club in Itaewon in 2017, it quickly established itself as a key player in the underground music scene by recruiting well-known domestic/international artists such as Malaa, DJ Falcon, Troyboi, Cosmo’s Midnight, and Lido. More, Soap Seoul was the first club in the world to be curated by Apple Music so you can follow their playlist on AppleMusic. In 2019, they also launched a fashion brand and opened an online store with international shipping.

Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기

Soap(@soapseoul)님의 공유 게시물

Top music lovers love this place as they have different music every night depending on the headliners or theme. With a capacity of 400 people, Soap Seoul is the lead club to go to.

• Open hour: Thu. Fri. Sat.
• Address : 14-9, Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Website: https://soapseoul.com/
• Entrance fee: 20,000KRW with a free drink
• Direction: A minute walk fallowing Hamilton Hotel’s side road from Itaewon Station Exit 2 (line 6)

Sam Ryan’s

Sam Ryan’s is a american style sports pub located in the center of Itaewon, where you can enjoy food and draft beer along with various sports channels. They offer various menu like BBQ Pork Ribs, Mac & Cheese, NY Strip Steak, Fish & Chips, and more at resaonable prices. Definitely, it is popular with Koreans as well as foreigners living in Korea.

• Open hour: Weekdasy 16:00 – 00:00 | Weekends 11:00 – 03:00
• Address : 50 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 02-749-7933
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamryansItaewon/
• Price: 10,000KRW – 20,000KRW
• Direction: 2 minutes walk fallowing Hamilton Hotel’s side road from Itaewon Station Exit 1 (line 6)

VIVID

Vivid is a rounge bar run by Yoo Yeon-seok, who appeared in the Korean drama Sunshine and Hospital Playlist. The cozy interior is finished with wide windows, so you can overlook the scenery of Itaewon at a glance. The bar on the 7th floor can be fully open for fresh air and beautiful atmospher of Seoul night. In order to rent a private room on the 6th floor, where Korean celebrities often have meetings, advance reservations are essential.

• Open hour: Sun. – Wed. 18:00 – 23:00 | Thu. – Sat. 18:00 – 02:00
• Address : 47 Usadan-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 02-797-1237
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itaewon.vivid/
• Price: 10,000KRW – 20,000KRW
• Direction: A minute walk from Itaewon Station Exit 3 (line 6)

Concrete Bar (Beton Brut)

Beton Brut is the French term for ‘raw concrete.’ Just like the name the bar is in a rough warehouse-like concrete building, bringing techno music to the next level. The raw atmosphere has art up on the walls from local artists and is undoubtedly the best techno and raving club in Itaewon.

• Open hour: Tue. – Sun. 19:00 – 03:00
• Address : 17, Bogwang-ro 60-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
• Tel.: 010-4321-4123
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concretebarseoul/
• Direction: A minute walk from Itaewon Station Exit 3 (line 6)

Planning to visit Itaewon soon? Now it’s the time to make that checklist for things to do in Itaewon. Do not hold out on anything you may desire. Ask, and you shall certainly receive for Itaewon is a treat for tourists.

Safe travels!

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