Itaewon - fame and infamy

The frequent visitor to Itaewon will sort out the ‘safer’ clubs soon enough but for those without the time and energy for doing this Nickleby’s, Geckos, the Seoul Pub and Hollywood (all on the main street) are reliable bets.

If you’re looking for less energetic entertainment, many of the eateries, some of the better foreign ones in Seoul, provide a wonderful respite from the ubiquitous ‘kochujang’ and ‘kimchi’ diet. The area is particularly well represented with French, Northern European, Thai and Indian food and one really has to visit Seoul to come to grips with how delightful it is to have so many foreign epicurian adventure outlets in one area.

Historically, the vicinity has hosted foreigners from early on. Japanese military forces were based here during Japan's invasions of Korea 1592 to 1599 and troops of Qing China were stationed there for some time in the late 19th century. Throughout the Japanese colonial period in the first half of the 20th century Itaewon served as the Japanese military headquarters.

Following the onset of the Korean war the command of US. Forces Korea was established at nearby Yongsan and it remains there to this day.

Itaewon has a long tradition and history of serving foreigners to Seoul, be sure you get there.

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