Itaewon in a Day

This is the type of place that one stumbles upon by accident, rather than intentionally seeking it out.

In the past, Itaewon was viewed by many Koreans as a neighborhood exclusively for foreigners. However, in recent years, it has undergone a transformation. It has evolved from a shopping area catering to foreigners, with a somewhat questionable nightlife, into a cosmopolitan district that embraces diversity. Now, Itaewon is brimming with exciting activities and boasts some of the finest dining establishments in Seoul. Whether you're in the mood for Italian, Indian, Greek, German, Persian, Pakistani, French, or Thai cuisine, you'll find an abundance of choices here.

Allow My Guides Seoul to show you how to spend a day in Itaewon.

10 am

Believe it or not, we recommend starting your day at the gym! What better way to kick off the day, after enjoying a hearty breakfast, than by burning some extra calories to make room for the culinary delights you'll encounter along the way? Pay a visit to Kim's Gym. While it may not be upscale, it is convenient and clean. The walk-in fee is a reasonable 7,000 KRW. Mr. Kim, the friendly and hospitable owner, speaks English and welcomes visitors.

In Seoul, you can walk into a gym confidently, even if you're dressed in a suit after a business meeting. Most gyms provide shorts, t-shirts, and towels. So, what else do you need? Ah, yes, shoes... well, if you happen to forget yours, consider yourself fortunate for being in Korea. You can easily purchase affordable sneakers on nearly every street corner in Seoul, especially in Itaewon.

12.00 noon

It's time for lunch, and since you've just exercised at the gym, you may want to opt for a healthier option (at least for this meal, you can indulge later). Why not go for Japanese cuisine? One of the remarkable aspects of being in Seoul is the close proximity to Japan and the abundance of Japanese restaurants. At My Guide Seoul, we adore Japanese cuisine for its clean flavors and use of natural ingredients. We highly recommend Kokoro Bento, a Japanese bento lunch restaurant located a 10-minute walk towards Noksapyeong Station. While it may be tricky to find, it is certainly well worth the search. Bento boxes typically consist of rice, vegetables, and various meats, fish, or tofu, accompanied by a bowl of soup. It's a healthy and delicious choice.

If you prefer something non-Asian, yet still healthy, we suggest Santorini. Here, you can savor delectable moussaka, Greek salad, and souvlaki chicken skewers. And by the way, their tzatziki is absolutely extraordinary. It's a wholesome option and definitely worth trying if you're in the mood for Mediterranean cuisine.

1.30pm

Now that you've had lunch and hopefully replenished your energy, we recommend a visit to the Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, located in Hannam-dong, a convenient 10-15 minute walk from your current location. The museum's architecture and views are nothing short of breathtaking. It is truly a must-see attraction, not only for art and architecture enthusiasts, but also for anyone seeking awe-inspiring views of the city. Leeum showcases both Korean and international artists and serves as an excellent platform for exploring Seoul's artistic scene.

4pm

After your visit to Leeum, you may be in need of some relaxation and a little respite for your weary feet. Perhaps a visit to a coffee shop is in order? Don't forget, you're in Korea, where coffee shops are plentiful and diverse. Take a leisurely stroll back down Itaewon's main street, heading towards Noksapyeong. We suggest satisfying your coffee craving at Ikovox Coffee, tucked away in the alley behind Hamilton Hotel. As you approach, it will be on your right, just after My Thai China. Ikovox Coffee features a trendy outdoor area that is small yet cozy. If you're fortunate, you may even witness a group of Korean girls conducting a photo shoot or modeling for their online shopping mall. What can we say... this place exudes coolness, while the aroma of freshly roasted beans permeates the air, promising a heavenly cup of coffee.

5.30pm

It's time to get back on your feet. Return to the area where you had lunch; it's worth the trip. This section of Itaewon offers the best shopping opportunities. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the plethora of small shops offering unique, handmade items such as bags and small artifacts. It's a fantastic place for purchasing gifts, finding something special to bring home, or expanding your wardrobe. This charming maze of shops, cafes, and restaurants is truly a hidden gem in Itaewon. It's the type of place that you stumble upon unintentionally, whether through getting lost or deciding to take an alternate route home. Even better, it may be a secret that someone reveals to you discreetly.

7.30pm

Now it's time for dinner and a chance to indulge. We recommend a visit to Braai Republic, located just before McDonald's on the main street. This is unquestionably the best place for South African cuisine in Seoul! Homemade dishes are the cornerstone here - they even make their own sausages and homemade coleslaw. You may need assistance from a South African to navigate the menu, or rather, the English menu! A personal favorite at My Guide Seoul is the 'Pop and Wors,' a delectable combination of sausage and corn polenta, accompanied by homemade tomato sauce, coleslaw, and creamed spinach. It's a fantastic choice when you're longing for homemade, Western-style fare while in Korea.

Other highly recommended dishes include the lamb chops, biltong, bobotie, and delightful beverages such as the ciders, Hunters and Savannah. And last but certainly not least, do not miss out on the Amarula Cheesecake, expertly baked by a South African local residing in Itaewon. She uses only pure butter and natural ingredients, resulting in a creamy and decadent delight. It's an absolute hit among customers. In case you're unfamiliar, Amarula is a popular cream liqueur in South Africa... and its luscious taste will likely leave you craving more, even before you've had your final bite. Truly amarulaaazing.

As an alternative, if you opt to venture back to the alley behind Hamilton Hotel, you'll find Baby Guinness Irish Pub nestled next to Santorini, opposite Sam Ryans. Here's a local tip: secure a seat near the window in the non-smoking section. It offers a cozy ambiance reminiscent of an outdoor patio. As you sit and observe, you'll have ample opportunity for people-watching, as the pub is located on the second floor. We highly recommend the Blackened Chicken Burger, a juicy and spicy treat. Make certain to request their special lemon-aioli. Additionally, they serve a generous portion of fish and chips. However, these aren't your typical fish and chips; they are authentically Irish, beer-battered in Guinness. The result is a wonderfully dark and crunchy dish, likely the largest plate of fish and chips you'll encounter in Korea. Are you feeling hungry yet?

9pm

You're likely feeling a tad fatigued from all the shopping, walking, and indulging in delectable food. To revive yourself, we recommend taking a taxi (a mere 2,400 KRW from Hamilton Hotel) to Pier 8, simply to tantalize your taste buds further. Pier 8 is a Japanese sushi lounge, but it also serves as a superb venue for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. The bartenders here are among the finest in town, and the interior setting is refreshingly distinct, precisely what you need to awaken your senses. Order a dry martini or premium sake, and unwind to the sounds of the Saturday DJ. Take pleasure in observing the fashionable clientele or tantalize your palate with delectable sashimi.

12 midnight

By this time, you'll either be ready to retire for the evening or eager to dance the night away. Fortunately, Itaewon offers numerous options to suit your preference. Simply strolling down the main road or the back alley of Hamilton Hotel exudes a festive atmosphere. Along the entire street, you'll encounter numerous street food stalls, ramyeon and soju tents, and even kebab vans. Consider visiting Luv Superlounge, Boom Bar, or our personal favorite, Gold Bar, located next to Kraze Burgers, just beyond Itaewon subway station, exit 1.