Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

3.5Km 2024-11-27

196 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Itaewon was the first special tourist zone in Seoul, designated in 1997. It is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors.

The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as many international conferences. Since then, Itaewon has become a popular travel destination. Clothes and accessories with unique designs, and leather products in particular are famous. This is a go-to place for both shopping and entertainment. The street is crowded with shops selling clothes and bags, as well as hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and travel agencies. With about 2,000 shops and stores lining every street, visitors can experience a multicultural atmosphere. Also famous in the district is Antique Furniture Street where more than 100 shops selling furniture and antiques stretch from Hamilton Hotel toward Bogwang-ro.

Travelers can taste authentic cuisine and experience culture from around the globe on World Food Street where there are 40 restaurants operated by foreigners. Since the late 1990s, an increase in the number of tourists from Southeast Asia and the Middle East has transformed the streets from being US Army-oriented into culturally diverse. Various performances and events are held in the area. In particular, Itaewon Global Village Festival, held every October, is a famous festival. Tourists can pay in US dollars, Japanese yen, or another currency freely. In addition, visitors can use various languages like English, Japanese, and Chinese with the sellers.

Seongbukdong Dwaejigalbi (성북동 돼지갈비)

3.5Km 2019-12-24

115, Seongbuk-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-764-2420

In business for more than 40 years, Seongbukdong Dwaejigalbijip has become a local legend thanks to its simple but savory menu. Pork served at the restaurant is marinated overnight in a special sauce, which infuses the meat with rich flavors that are released when the meat is grilled and the fat drips off. The restaurant’s main dishes include dwaeji galbi (grilled pork ribs) and dwaeji bulgogi baekban (set meal with bulgogi meat grilled over the fire).

Sosohan Punggyeong (소소한 풍경)

3.6Km 2024-02-20

75 Jahamun-ro 40-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Sosohan Punggyeong is the first restaurant that received the restaurant guide, Blue Ribbon Survey, in Korea. It is located in a renovated house with a courtyard. They offer a course menu featuring appetizers to desserts. One of the signature dishes is the gaji jjim (spicy eggplant soup), a dish made with eggplant and meat. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, as many guests prefer to book ahead.

Bonafide Jewelry [Tax Refund Shop] (보나파이드주얼리)

3.6Km 2024-06-27

29, Itaewon-ro 54ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Paraboot - Hannam Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (파라부트 한남)

3.6Km 2024-04-23

228-1, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Ssangdari Gisa Sikdang (쌍다리기사식당)

3.6Km 2021-03-29

4, Seongbuk-ro 23-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-0325

As a place where you can eat at affordable prices, it is a restaurant loved by local residents. The best menu at this restaurant is pork bulgogi. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul.

The Hyoosik Nouvelle Seoul Itaewon (더휴식 누베르 서울 이태원점)

3.6Km 2025-04-08

11 Usadan-ro 14-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

The Hyoosik Nouvelle Seoul Itaewon aims to rediscover Seoul through creativity and inspiration. The overall design of the hotel is inspired by French avant-garde, using a variety of objects and props to create an artistic and stylish atmosphere. The hotel has Collection T room type, a twin bedroom; Collection D room type, a double bedroom; and Collection S room type, a single bedroom. On the first floor of the hotel is a guest lobby and a pasta restaurant. The hotel's parking lot is limited in space, and therefore guests are advised to use a nearby public parking lot.

Homilbat (호밀밭)

3.6Km 2021-03-30

43, Sinchonnyeok-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-392-5345

You can enjoy Korea’s signature summer staple Patbingsu (shaved ice with sweet red beans). This cafe is located in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is shaved ice with red bean topping.

Whanki Art Museum (환기미술관)

3.6Km 2024-03-04

63, Jahamun-ro 40-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-391-7701

Whanki Art Museum exhibits the works of Kim Whanki (1913-1974), the pioneer of Korean abstract art. Kim was inspired by traditional features such as Korean mountains and streams, the sky, moons and clouds, the white porcelain and traditional patterns, and worked to express them in abstract forms through points, lines, and surfaces. The main collection features nearly 300 works by Kim. One can also find an art shop and a café.

Taj Palace (타지펠리스)

3.6Km 2017-10-28

39, Usadan-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-790-5786, +82-2-777-5786

Named after the Taj Mahal, Taj Palace serves authentic Indian dishes prepared by an Indian chef. The restaurant owner hired the Indian chef in hopes of introducing real Indian food to Korean people. Some of the most popular dishes in the restaurant include tandoori (barbecue) dishes, Indian fried rice called "briyani," toasted bread, Indian beverages, and the “set meal."

Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구) - Area information - Korea travel information