What makes it different
Itaewon has the widest range of non-Korean cuisine in the city — genuine Middle Eastern, Indian, African, Latin American, and Western food alongside Korean options, reflecting the neighborhood's long history as an expat and international hub. English is spoken more widely here than almost anywhere else in Seoul.
What to actually do here
- The main Itaewon strip — dense with restaurants representing dozens of national cuisines within a few blocks.
- Itaewon's LGBTQ+ nightlife district ("Homo Hill") — the most established gay nightlife scene in Seoul.
- Gyeongridan-gil and Haebangchon — hillside side-neighborhoods with independent cafes, boutiques and city views, quieter than the main strip.
- War Memorial of Korea — a large, well-regarded museum on the edge of the district covering Korean military history.
Should you stay here
Itaewon suits travelers who want maximum ease of communication and the widest food variety, or LGBTQ+ travelers prioritizing nightlife access. It's slightly less central than Myeongdong for palace-hopping, but well served by Line 6 and within a reasonable taxi ride of most major sights.
Good to know: Itaewon's international character means it can feel less distinctly "Korean" than other bases — worth weighing if that's central to why you're visiting.