Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

4.3Km 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.

Some Sevit (세빛섬)

4.3Km 2022-12-16

2085-14, Olympic-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-1566-3433

Some Sevit is a culture complex made up of three man-made floating islands near the southern end of Banpo Bridge. The islands were created with the theme of "flowers of the Hangang River" and represent the view, life, and the earth, as well as a flower in various stages of life. The largest island, 'Some Gavit' symbolizes the view and takes the form of a flower in full bloom. It is a multi-functional cultural facility that can be used as a venue for performances, international conferences, exhibitions, and more. The second island, 'Some Chavit' looks like a flower bud, an image of life. A range of cultural experiences and event zones including Beat Square, Youth Woods, and restaurants using 3D to bring themes to life are located here. The third and smallest island, 'Some Solvit' takes the form of a seed planted in the earth. This island has water sports facilities and an outdoor garden from which you may enjoy the picturesque scenery of the Hangang River. Around the floating islands are LED lights that create a fantastic night view under the theme of "a gleaming light in the mist."

Sejong University Museum (세종대학교 박물관)

4.3Km 2022-09-16

209, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3408-3876

Sejong University Museum exhibits folk art, wooden crafts, clothing, accessories, pottery, paintings and calligraphy collected for over 40 years by the couple who founded the present day Sejong University, Dr. Ju Young-ha and Dr. Choi Ok-ja. This museum has its origins in the Soodo Gallery, which was built in Chungmuro, the campus’ original location, in 1959. Needing more space to house additional artifacts, the museum moved to its current location, which first opened on May 5, 1973 in a four-story concrete building inspired by traditonal tower design from the Baekje era. This building was later expanded on May 20, 1977.

After the university’s name was changed to Sejong University in 1979, the museum was also renamed the Sejong University Museum. The museum showcases unique artifacts to both scholars and students from home and abroad in contribution to the research of Korea’s culture, arts, and archeology.

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

4.3Km 2024-04-23

195, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Kervan Turkish Restaurant (케르반레스토랑)

4.4Km 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.

Itaewon Antiques Street (이태원 앤틱 가구 거리)

4.4Km 2025-04-11

109-1 Bogwang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Itaewon Antiques Street was formed around the late 1960s, when a group of antique dealerships from Asia, Europe, and North America settled in the district. This 1km-long street is home to antique dealers offering antique sofa, chairs, and tables. Some shops also offer antique decorations, accessories, and clothing. It is a famous shopping district with its own unique ambience from that of Seoul. During spring and autumn, Itaewon Antique Festival takes place, allowing visitors to shop and enjoy cultural performances.

The National Library of Korea (국립중앙도서관)

4.4Km 2021-06-22

201, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-590-0500

The National Library of Korea collects and preserves many important documents and books, promoting a culture of appreciation for these cultural heritages. The library was founded on May 28, 1988 in the area of Seocho Park, later expanding to include an annex. The scenery of the park is beautiful and the atmosphere is very relaxing, perfectly suited to the pursuit of knowledge. For further understanding, the library also offers guided tours for those interested in library science. Many materials have also been scanned and are accessible online through the digital library.