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

Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

4.2Km    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.

Grand Hyatt Seoul (그랜드 하얏트 서울)

Grand Hyatt Seoul (그랜드 하얏트 서울)

4.2Km    2025-10-23

322, Sowol-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-797-1234

The Grand Hyatt Seoul is an international business hotel located 10 minutes away from the center of the city and 20 minutes away from Yeouido and Gangnam, boasting a view of the Hangang River to the south and the scenery of Namsan Mountain to the north. It is also located only 70 minutes and 50 minutes away from Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport respecitvely, making the hotel a convenient option for international travelers.

Grand Hyatt Seoul has twelve restaurants and bars that serve authentic meals and develop menus that lead the culinery trend. The hotel is also equipped with conference rooms, sports facilities, and spa services.

2025 APP WORLD TOUR SEOUL SUP OPEN

2025 APP WORLD TOUR SEOUL SUP OPEN

4.2Km    2025-06-25

65 Hangaram-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6677-1599

The APP World Tour is a global stand-up paddeboard(SUP) competition that has been held annually since 2010, traveling to major cities around the world including Spain and Portugal. In Korea, the event has been hosted since 2022 under the auspices of the Korea Association of Paddling Professionals(KAPP). The event is meant to gather everyone regardless of their skill or experience, from beginners to professionals. In addition to the competition, everyone can participate in the sides events such as Floating Yoga, Silent Yoga, Paddle for the Planet, Dog Yoga, K-pop and Afropop dance performances or simply come to watch the show!    

Jamsil Hangang Park (잠실한강공원)

Jamsil Hangang Park (잠실한강공원)

4.2Km    2024-03-13

65, Hangaram-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0511

Jamsil Hangang Park is a leisure space along the Hangang River, conveniently located near Lotte World. It features facilities such as the Jamsil Hangang Swimming Pool and the Jamsil Natural Learning Center, where visitors can observe various aquatic plants and fish. Additionally, there are volleyball courts, children's playgrounds, and walking trails. Visitors can also enjoy the Hangang River's night view from the observation deck café installed on Jamsildaegyo Bridge. There are also designated areas like Jungkook Forest No. 3, created to commemorate the 24th birthday of BTS member Jungkook and RM Forest No. 1.

G-Cosmo - Itaewon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (지코스모 이태원)

G-Cosmo - Itaewon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (지코스모 이태원)

4.2Km    2024-04-23

195, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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CU - Jangan Tourism Hotel Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (cu장안관광호텔점)

4.2Km    2024-06-27

377, Cheonho-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

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Davich Optical - Dogok Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (다비치 도곡점)

Davich Optical - Dogok Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (다비치 도곡점)

4.2Km    2024-04-18

1F, 206, Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

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Kervan Turkish Restaurant (케르반레스토랑)

4.2Km    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.

Seoul Children's Grand Park (서울어린이대공원)

Seoul Children's Grand Park (서울어린이대공원)

4.2Km    2024-11-28

216 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

Opened in May 1973, Seoul Children’s Grand Park is a theme park situated among green forests and fields with a total area of 56,552㎡. It contains a zoo, arboretum, amusement park, and performance venues. Seoul Children’s Grand Park has been a beloved part of Seoul, a paradise for children and a living venue for education. For grown-ups, it functions as an area of refuge and culture within the city. The Grand Park offers facilities that everyone in the family can enjoy, so everyone can find their own fun in the Grand Park.

Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당)

4.2Km    2025-10-28

149 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Geumdwaeji Sikdang is renowned as one of the top three pork restaurants in Seoul, specializing in pork dishes. Its signature menu item is the nunkkon moksal (grilled pork shoulder), known for its marbled appearance resembling snowflakes. Bonsamgyeop (grilled bone-in pork belly) and deungmoksal (short loin and pork shoulder) are also popular choices. They offer fragrant basil wraps as a side dish, which perfectly complements the slightly grilled basil with the juicy and flavorful meat, creating a harmonious taste sensation that is considered a delicacy at this establishment.