Itaewon

Seoul

Seoul's most international neighbourhood, below Namsan, with restaurants from around the world, bars, and the Leeum museum and National Museum nearby.

Best for Nightlife · Upscale

Transport: 3/5
Sights: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Quiet: 3/5
Food: 5/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$120/night · 20 min to City Hall

See hotels in Itaewon

Why stay here

The widest choice of international food
Bars and craft beer
Leeum and the National Museum nearby

Who should stay here

Food lovers
Nightlife fans who prefer bars to clubs
Longer stays

Not ideal if…

You want flat, easy walking
You want lots of hotel choice
You want to be near the palaces

What it's like

Itaewon grew up next to the old US Army base and became the city's multicultural quarter. Its main street and the lanes of Gyeongnidan-gil and Haebangchon behind it are full of global restaurants, craft-beer bars and clubs, and the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art and the National Museum of Korea are close by.

It's a good base for food and nightlife, with views of Namsan and an easy walk up to the tower. Streets are hilly, and there are fewer hotels than elsewhere. The area has a quieter, more grown-up feel than Hongdae.

Best streets and sub-areas

Itaewon-ro
The main street of restaurants and shops.
Gyeongnidan-gil
Lanes of small restaurants and bars up the hill.
Haebangchon
Hillside village of bars and cafés with city views.

Getting around

Nearest stations: Itaewon, Noksapyeong and Hangangjin stations on Line 6.
To City Hall: About 20 minutes
From Incheon International Airport: About 70 minutes: AREX to Gongdeok, then Line 6 to Itaewon, or an airport limousine bus.

Nearby attractions

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Korean art and contemporary works in striking buildings.
National Museum of Korea
Korea's biggest museum, free to enter.
N Seoul Tower
Walk up Namsan from the north side of Itaewon.

Where to eat and drink

Gyeongnidan-gil
Small restaurants of every cuisine.
Haebangchon bars
Rooftop bars with views over Seoul.
Craft-beer pubs
Seoul's craft beer scene started here.

Where to stay in Itaewon

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Grand Hyatt Seoul

Why we like it: Hotel on the slope of Namsan with views over the city and river.

Typical luxury rate in Itaewon: ~$325/night

Check availability

Best value

Hamilton Hotel

Why we like it: Long-standing hotel by Itaewon station.

Typical mid-range rate in Itaewon: ~$120/night