Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

7.6Km 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.

Unyong Ddukbaegi Spagetti (우뇽뚝배기스파게티)

7.6Km 2021-03-29

10, Seodal-ro 10-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
+82-2-816-6338

Ddukbaegi cream pasta is popular. The best menu at this restaurant is pasta. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Dongjak-gu, Seoul.

Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari (진옥화할매원조닭한마리)

7.6Km 2024-03-04

18 Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2275-9666

Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari is a renowned restaurant located in the alley of whole chicken soup near Dongdaemun Market, operating since 1978. Its specialty is dakhanmari (whole chicken soup), a whole chicken boiled in savory and rich broth. Adding finely chopped green onions enhances its refreshing flavor. The chewy rice cakes dipped in the seasoned sauce are also delightful. Additionally, it's customary to enjoy the remaining broth by mixing it with seasoning sauce and noodles, creating a delicious kalguksu (noodle soup).

Taj Palace (타지펠리스)

7.7Km 2017-10-28

39, Usadan-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-790-5786, +82-2-777-5786

Named after the Taj Mahal, Taj Palace serves authentic Indian dishes prepared by an Indian chef. The restaurant owner hired the Indian chef in hopes of introducing real Indian food to Korean people. Some of the most popular dishes in the restaurant include tandoori (barbecue) dishes, Indian fried rice called "briyani," toasted bread, Indian beverages, and the “set meal."

What’s with the Hair(털이 뭐길래!)

7.7Km 2024-10-11

서울특별시 종로구 동숭길 130-5 (동숭동)

Tongdwaeji Duruchigi (통돼지두루치기)

7.7Km 2021-03-18

252-6, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2266-9290

This is a Korean cuisine located in Dongdaemun Gate, Seoul. It is also famous for uruchigi (Korean bouillabaisse) made by stir-frying pork and vegetables in gochujang (red pepper paste) sauce. The best menu at this restaurant is pork and kimchi stew.