🌇 Travel Korea (9) | Itaewon & Gyeongridan: Seoul’s Global Flavor & Trendy Vibes

Itaewon, Korea

Picture: Unsplash의Bundo Kim

Itaewon & Gyeongridan

Welcome back to Travel Korea! Today, we explore two of Seoul’s most dynamic and multicultural neighborhoods — Itaewon and Gyeongridan-gil. Known for their vibrant international food scenes, hip cafés, and nightlife, these areas perfectly showcase Seoul’s global flair mixed with local charm. 🇰🇷🌍✨

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📍 What Are Itaewon & Gyeongridan?

Itaewon is Seoul’s internationally renowned district with diverse cultures, halal restaurants, vintage shops, and nightlife hotspots. Nearby Gyeongridan-gil is a trendy, artsy street lined with cafés, brunch spots, indie boutiques, and cozy bars. Both areas offer something for foodies, culture seekers, and party lovers alike.

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🚇 How to Get There

• Subway: Line 6 to Itaewon Station, Exit 1 or 3 for Itaewon main area

• For Gyeongridan-gil, exit at Itaewon Station Exit 2 and walk about 10 minutes uphill

💡 Tip: Wear comfy shoes! Gyeongridan’s hills and alleys are great for exploring but can be steep.

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🕒 Best Times to Visit

• Daytime for café hopping and shopping

• Evening for rooftop bars, international dining, and nightlife

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🍽️ Where to Eat

Itaewon Highlights

• Maple Tree House (26 Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil)
  Upscale Korean BBQ specializing in Hanwoo beef

• Vatos Urban Tacos (181 Itaewon-ro)
  Popular Korean-Mexican fusion spot

• Braai Republic (63-4 Itaewon-dong)
  Authentic South African BBQ and casual atmosphere

• Manimal Smokehouse (24 Itaewon-ro 49-gil)
  American-style smoked BBQ

• Makan Halal Korean Restaurant (52 Usadan-ro 10-gil)
  Halal Korean dishes including bulgogi and samgyetang

Gyeongridan-gil Favorites

• The Royal Food & Drink (6 Hoenamu-ro 13-gil)
  Australian-style brunch and casual dining

• Café Mamas (240 Itaewon-ro)
  Known for fresh salads and paninis

• Fritz Coffee Company (238 Noksapyeong-daero)
  Specialty coffee with a vintage bakery vibe

• Lazy Farmers (31 Hoenamu-ro)
  Botanical-themed café with vegan-friendly menu

🔍 Tip: Search these names on Google Maps to find exact locations and reviews.

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🍸 Nightlife & Bars

• Pale Blue Dot — Rooftop bar with spectacular city views

• The Booth Itaewon — Craft beer pub popular among locals and expats

• Club Made and Club MWG — Trendy nightclubs for dancing and live DJ sets

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🛍️ Shopping & Attractions

• Vintage and thrift shops, custom tailor boutiques

• Art galleries and pop-up stores in Gyeongridan

• Nearby landmarks: Seoul Central Mosque, Namsan Seoul Tower, Haebangchon

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🧭 Local Tips

• Some areas are residential—please respect noise levels at night

• Many establishments welcome pets 🐕

• The neighborhoods are still healing from the 2022 tragedy—show kindness and respect

• Explore both neighborhoods on foot to catch hidden gems

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✅ Summary

Category	Highlights
🌍 Atmosphere	Multicultural, eclectic, trendy
🍽️ Cuisine	Korean BBQ, international fusion, halal
🎉 Nightlife	Rooftop bars, craft beers, clubs
☕ Cafés	Brunch spots, specialty coffee
🚇 Transport	Subway Line 6 (Itaewon Station)

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Thanks for joining us to explore Itaewon and Gyeongridan-gil! Next time on Travel Korea, we’ll dive into another exciting corner of Korea. Stay tuned! 🇰🇷✨

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