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

Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

3.2Km    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.

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

3.2Km    2025-01-13

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be 600 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. The tree stands 19m in x_height, and has six separate trunks sprawling in all directions. It is the biggest and the oldest in Korea. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang (인왕산 더숲 초소책방)

3.2Km    2024-03-06

172 Inwangsan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang is a bakery and book café located along the trail of Inwangsan Mountain, remodeled from an old police station. Surrounded by glass walls within the forest, it blends seamlessly with nature, offering a panoramic view of Namsan Tower through the transparent windows. On the second floor terrace, guests can enjoy the scenic view of Seoul. Freshly baked bread and desserts are available daily, and the venue occasionally hosts book talks and music concerts.

Himesiya (히메시야)

3.2Km    2021-03-18

40, Changgyeonggung-ro, 26-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-4187-4569

This is a Japanese cuisine located in Changgyeonggung Palace, Seoul. This restaurant specializes in Japanese rice bowls with toppings. The best menu at this restaurant is katsudon.

Geunal Urineun (그날우리는)

3.2Km    2021-03-18

29, Daehak-ro, 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-764-4697

This is a Korean cuisine located in Daehak-ro, Seoul. The best menu at this restaurant is grilled sea eel. It sells grilled hagfish, which Koreans eat a lot for health in summer.

Going to the End(끝까지 간다)

3.2Km    2025-07-21

서울특별시 종로구 이화장1길 24 (이화동)

Book’s Art Journey(북극곰예술여행)

3.2Km    2025-07-21

서울특별시 종로구 이화장1길 24 (이화동)

Podowon Samgyetang (포도원삼계탕)

3.2Km    2021-03-18

41-5, Changgyeonggung-ro26-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-6541

This is a Korean cuisine located in Daehak-ro, Seoul. The best menu at this restaurant is ginseng chicken soup. It sells Korean healthy cuisines.

Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel (임피리얼 팰리스 부티크 호텔)

3.2Km    2021-03-09

221, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Situated in the heart of Itaewon, an international shopping district in Seoul, Imperial Palace Boutique Hotel has the perfect location for business and leisure travelers. The guestrooms are decorated with pop-art paintings to give a more comfortable and trendy ambience. The hotel also provides a conference room, gym, dining options, and more.

Man in Black - Itaewon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (맨인블랙 이태원)

3.2Km    2024-04-18

1F, 4, Itaewon-ro 54ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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