Itaewon

This article is about the area. For the administrative neighborhood, see Itaewon-dong.

Itaewon
Korean transcription(s)
• Hangul	이태원
• Hanja	梨泰院
• Revised Romanization	Itaewon
• McCune–Reischauer	It'aewŏn
Itaewon featuring Seoul Central Mosque Itaewon featuring Seoul Central Mosque
Country	South Korea

Itaewon (Korean: 이태원, 梨泰院, [itʰɛwʌn]) refers to an area surrounding Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea. It is served by Seoul Subway Line 6 via Itaewon, Noksapyeong and Hanganjin stations. About 22,000 people reside in the district and it is a popular area for residents of Seoul, tourists, and U.S. military personnel.

Local attractions

Many restaurants serving international dishes are in this area including cuisine from India, Pakistan, Turkey, Thailand, Germany, Spain, Italy, England, France and Mexico — foods that are not widely available in Korea. Essentially, it's known as "Western Town," reminiscent of many Chinatowns in Western countries.

Itaewon is, along with Insadong and Seoul Tower, one of the most popular areas in Seoul for tourists. Major hotels such as the Grand Hyatt and local landmark Hamilton Hotel are here as well as dozens of shops and services aimed at tourists. High-quality leather products are sold at reasonable prices (though haggling is expected) as well as traditional Korean souvenirs.

Counterfeit goods and clothing are ubiquitous and of varying quality. Some genuine goods that are produced in Korea for the international market as well as some authentic imports are available. Itaewon is known for tailors who produce custom-made suits.

Aside from the local businesses, there is a rich community of business owners, including a pie shop owner from the U.S.A. (Tartine), authentic American burgers, a wine bar, an Austrian delicatessen (with an array of cheeses and meats), a veterinarian/pet groomer with an excellent reputation, a chiropractor from Oregon, doctors and nurses, pharmacists, and grocery shop owners.

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  A street in Itaewon

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  Bogwang street and Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon

Most of foreigners in Korea reside near Itaewon as well as some of the richest Korean businessmen including Lee Kun-Hee, the chairman of Samsung group.

Itaewon Gyeongnidan-gil

Red-light district

There is a portion of Itaewon known as "Hooker Hill." Although the stereotype is of American servicemen visiting, this area is well-known among men from other countries, including Middle Easterners and Africans.

Because South Korea is not widely socially accepting of homosexuals, there is an underground gay area in this district as well.

Gyeongnidan Street

Main article: Gyeongnidan-gil

In Itaewon there is the multinational Gyeongnidan Street. Most of atmosphere in Itaewon was inspired by US culture. But in Gyeongnidan Street, it can be explained by one single nation culture. It is in the middle of Itaewon elementary school district. There are many exotic restaurants alongside the street.

Festival

• Global village festival
• Halloween festival

Halloween festival in Itaewon

Halloween festival

Relevant song

UV(music group) and Park Jin Young who are Singer of Korea have sung a song "Itaewon Freedom 'in 2011.

Transportation

• Seoul Itaewon Station Subway Line number 6

See also

• Haebangchon
• List of Korea-related topics
• Yongsan-gu
• Yongsan Garrison

External links

• Official Seoul City Tourism :Itaewon
• Hooker Hill at kissmykimchi.com
• Hooker Hill on wikimapia
• Itaewon Club Maps iPhone App