INTERNATIONAL FOOD
Itaewon is the widely understood center for international restaurants in Seoul. Expect to find cuisines from both East Europe (Serbian, Bulgarian cuisine) and Western Europe (French, Spanish, Chech cuisine), just about anything in Asia possible, and even a few American style breakfast joints. South America and African foods haven't been missed either with a number of restaurants sporting their tastes becoming hugely popular. Of particular note are also some of the fusion restaurants playing with Korean cuisine and adding fresh notes to it by complimenting it with foreign flavours and preparation styles. There are always new places to try in Itaewon so your options are near inexhaustible. There are also some great korean food outlets too so don't feel like you'll miss out on anything local.
HALAL FOOD
For followers of Islam the Seoul Central Mosque overlooks Itaewon, meanwhile you can find all kinds of food, upper class restaurants with Dubai, Pasha and Moghul flavours, as well as affordable and delicious kebab, falafel and other such shops in and around the nearby ‘Islamic Street’. All maintain Halal food status as endorsed by the mosque meaning you need not worry about finding meals.
You can always check our map for locations or ask our staff who are always happy to provide assistance.
Check out lots of Halal restaurants in Itaewon!
NIGHTLIFE
Itaewon is also famous for its nightlife. Foreigners have known for some time but even the locals are starting to flock to Itaewon on for the weekend. Itaewon is the most popular for mid to late 20s through to late 30s so expect to find an eclectic range of drinking establishments including pubs, wine bars, hip-hop clubs, salsa clubs, lounges and cafes, perfect for any demographic or partying taste.
NAMSAN PARK
Namsan Park makes a serene and beautiful center to the bustling Seoul metropolis. Excellent for a leisurely walk, Namsan boasts a plethora of flora and fauna to ease your eyes. For the athletic, a run to the top can take about 30 minutes to an hour depending on your pace. There are also various outdoor gyms along the way free for public use if you wish for a decent exercise. For a shortcut to the top the cable car makes the trip nice and easy where you can go up the Seoul tower for a small fee.Do go on a clear day though to guarantee a beautiful view of the city.
SHOPPING AREA
Itaewon isn't just a food source; it is also a bustling shopping district by day catering to a large cut of the foreign market, both tourists and longterm expats alike. While Myeong-dong, probably the biggest foreign shopping district in Seoul, is preferred by Japanese and Chinese tourists, Western tourists and those on business trips generally travel to Itaewon for their shopping needs. In Itaewon you'll not only find foreign tastes, but also foreign sizes, and plenty of bespoke places in the area can bring you quality away from the name brand littered Myeong-dong.
Interestingly Itaewon is also home to the famous antique street with over 100 antique stores packed together. For those drawn to aged and classic goods there is a huge range of imported goods to choose from.
HANGANG PARK
Itaewon is located only 10 minutes from the Hangang River, the famous divide separating the northern and southern sides of the city. An excellent path runs along either side of the river great for walks, and at various junctions along the river you can hire a bicycle for a small fee, great for a day trip.
At night the Banpo Bridge (directly south of Itaewon along the Hangang) has beautiful light shows to complement a nighttime stroll.
THE SEOUL CENTRAL MOSQUE
Built in 1969, Seoul Central Mosque is Korea’s only mosque. The mosque is open to both Korean Muslims and Muslim tourists and prayers are conducted five times a day, each one lasting about 10 - 15 minutes. For general visitors the best time to visit the mosque is on Sunday afternoon. Takes about 10 minutes on foot from our guesthouse
Middle Eastern and Halal cuisine:
For those wanting to try Middle Eastern cuisine or those seeking halal alternatives, the immediate area surrounding the mosque as well as various restaurants in Itaewon exclusively stock halal meals perfect for Muslim travellers. Expect to find delicious streetfoods through to full course Halal meals.