Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pay homage to those who gave their lives for the nation at the War Memorial of
Korea ( CLICK HERE ).
Eat, drink and party the night away in Itaewon ( CLICK HERE ) and neighbouring areas.
Sweat, soak and be scrubbed super clean at Dragon Hill Spa & Resort ( CLICK HERE ) .
Explore Itaewon & Yongsan-gu
Immediately south of Namsan, Yongsan-gu has for many decades been defined by the
presence of the US army base on a massive tract of land. Next door is Itaewon, ground
central for army personnel and expats to shop and relax in an international mix of restaur-
ants, bars and, umm, other places. For this reason it had a dodgy rep, but no longer. The
hostess and transvestite bars of 'Hooker Hill' are still there (as is a cluster of Seoul's most
foreigner-friendly gay hang-outs on 'Homo Hill'), but this is now one of Seoul's trendiest
dining and shopping districts, attracting people from across the city.
The vibe is spilling over into adjacent areas. Head down Itaewon-ro, the main drag, in
one direction and you'll swiftly hit classy Hannam-dong, where you'll find the excellent
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, boutiques and cool cafes. In the other direction is hap-
pening Haebangchon (aka HBC) and Gyeongridan, home to laid-back restaurants, cafes
and craft beer bars. In all these areas you're as likely to hear English spoken as Korean -
and not just by the expats.
Two major cultural institutions - the National Museum and the War Memorial of Korea
- are area highlights and there are fine opportunities to de-stress, either in one of Seoul's
most elaborate jjimjil-bang (sauna) complexes or by strolling along the Han River Park,
which can be accessed in around a 15-minute downhill walk from Itaewon.
Local Life
ยป Shopping Itaewon is the best place to find clothes and shoes in foreigner-friendly large
sizes as well as have something tailor made. It's also now getting a rep for small fashion
boutiques.
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