Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

9.4Km 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.

Himart - Konkuk Univ. Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이마트 건국대점)

9.4Km 2024-04-22

300, Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Sookmyung Women’s Univ. Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 숙대입구역)

9.4Km 2024-04-17

1F, 285, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Taco Chilichili (타코칠리칠리)

9.4Km 2021-10-06

218, Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-797-7219

Taco Chilichili serves high-quality taco dishes that are simple, delicious, and reasonably priced. Although food at the restaurant differs somewhat from traditional Mexican cuisine, the quesadillas, and rice-filled burritos are still delicious.

Indoor dining areas are located on the first and second floors of the restaurant; there is also an outdoor dining area on the second floor. The dining area on the first floor only has a few tables and can be noisier, but it also gives diners the unique experience of seeing their food as it is prepared. For a quieter dining experience, head up to the wider seating sections on the second floor. Both floors of the restaurant feature unique interior design that makes this restaurant stand out from others.

KERVAN RESTAURANT (케르반레스토랑)

9.4Km 2021-04-13

190, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Kervan is a restaurant specializing in Turkish cuisine, which is widely enjoyed around the world. The kitchen is run by a skilled native chef, and has ovens manufactured with Turkish technology. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with traditional Turkish tiles, giving restaurant patrons the opportunity to sample authentic cuisine and decorative elements of Turkish culture together. The restaurant has also obtained the official Halal Certificate recognition.

Kervan Turkish Restaurant (케르반레스토랑)

9.4Km 2025-03-15

192 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Kervan is a Turkish restaurant located in Itaewon, offering authentic kebab, pidé, and Turkish desserts. It faithfully recreates the Turkish culture and food through its interior, decorated with traditional tiles, and dishes prepared by a chef from Türkiye. Main menus include Chicken steak, Rich pidé, and Chicken shish kebab.

Dubai (두바이레스토랑)

9.4Km 2017-07-18

192, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
82-2-798-9277

Dubai Restaurant in Itaewon offers authentic Arabian cuisine as well as shisha (water pipe smoking). Located in the middle of Itaewon, it’s popular among both Koreans and foreigners.

Hwachang Co., Ltd. - Seoul Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (화창토산 서울)

9.4Km 2024-04-18

212, Yeonhui-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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Achasanseong Fortress (아차산성)

9.4Km 2023-04-05

Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul-si
+82-2-450-7593

Achasanseongseong Fortress boasts magnificent views of the Hangang River and skyline. The 200m-high mountain fortress wall was built to face southeast, towards the Hangang River. It is also called Janghan-seong or Gwangjang-seong. A fierce battle was once fought here among Gogury, Baekje and Silla because of its strategic location during the period of the Three Kingdoms. King Gae-Ro of Baekje (r. 455-475) died in the war by the Goguryeo forces sent by King Jang-Su (r. 413-491) and General Ondal of Goguryeo was also killed in a battle with the Silla army in 590.

Achasan Mountain is popular as a citizens’ resting place with a historical trail and a natural park including various facilities such as walkway, mountain walkway, a badminton court, a wrestling range, an archery range, various amusement facilities for children, benches, and pavilion.

Hamilton Hotel (해밀톤 호텔)

9.4Km 2021-03-09

179, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3786-6000

Opened in 1973 with the goal of being a representative hotel of Korea, Hamilton Hotel is a landmark in Seoul's Itaewon. The hotel is easily accessable via public transportation, including the subway and airport limousine buses. It is also in a central area of the city, allowing guests to easily travel to all the tourist attractions in Seoul or attend to any business they may have here. Hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, banquet halls, fitness center, sauna and more, making Hamilton Hotel popular for relaxation.

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