Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

Itaewon was the first special tourist zone in Seoul, designated in 1997. It is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors.

The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as many international conferences. Since then, Itaewon has become a popular travel destination. Clothes and accessories with unique designs, and leather products in particular are famous. This is a go-to place for both shopping and entertainment. The street is crowded with shops selling clothes and bags, as well as hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and travel agencies. With about 2,000 shops and stores lining every street, visitors can experience a multicultural atmosphere. Also famous in the district is Antique Furniture Street where more than 100 shops selling furniture and antiques stretch from Hamilton Hotel toward Bogwang-ro.

Travelers can taste authentic cuisine and experience culture from around the globe on World Food Street where there are 40 restaurants operated by foreigners. Since the late 1990s, an increase in the number of tourists from Southeast Asia and the Middle East has transformed the streets from being US Army-oriented into culturally diverse. Various performances and events are held in the area. In particular, Itaewon Global Village Festival, held every October, is a famous festival. Tourists can pay in US dollars, Japanese yen, or another currency freely. In addition, visitors can use various languages like English, Japanese, and Chinese with the sellers.

– Address : 196 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

※ Presentation Information
– Information and Guides
+82-2-797-7319

– Parking
Available (6 parking lots in the area)

– Restrooms
Restrooms available in 22 buildings, including hotels and shopping malls.

– Available Facilities
Tourist information center, stores exclusively for foreigners, foreign restaurants, currency exchange, shopping mall, tourist restaurants, entertainment facilities, tourist hotels, etc.

– Interpretation Services Offered
Tourist information centers offer travel maps in English, Japanese and Chinese.

Travel information is posted on the website in English, Japanese and Chinese.

◎ Nearby Tourism Infobox

⊙ Kervan Turkish Restaurant (케르반레스토랑)

– Homepage
https://www.instagram.com/kervankorea/

Kervan is a Turkish restaurant located in Itaewon, offering authentic kebab, pidé, and Turkish desserts. It faithfully recreates the Turkish culture and food through its interior, decorated with traditional tiles, and dishes prepared by a chef from Türkiye. Main menus include Chicken steak, Rich pidé, and Chicken shish kebab.

⊙ The Hyoosik Nouvelle Seoul Itaewon (더휴식 누베르 서울 이태원점)

The Hyoosik Nouvelle Seoul Itaewon aims to rediscover Seoul through creativity and inspiration. The overall design of the hotel is inspired by French avant-garde, using a variety of objects and props to create an artistic and stylish atmosphere. The hotel has Collection T room type, a twin bedroom; Collection D room type, a double bedroom; and Collection S room type, a single bedroom. On the first floor of the hotel is a guest lobby and a pasta restaurant. The hotel’s parking lot is limited in space, and therefore guests are advised to use a nearby public parking lot.

⊙ G-Cosmo – Itaewon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (지코스모 이태원)

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⊙ Lush Korea – Itaewon Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (㈜러쉬코리아 이태원역점)

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⊙ Itaewon Antiques Street (이태원 앤틱 가구 거리)

View detailed guide on Korea Trip Guide →

– Homepage
www.itaewonantique.com

Itaewon Antiques Street was formed around the late 1960s, when a group of antique dealerships from Asia, Europe, and North America settled in the district. This 1km-long street is home to antique dealers offering antique sofa, chairs, and tables. Some shops also offer antique decorations, accessories, and clothing. It is a famous shopping district with its own unique ambience from that of Seoul. During spring and autumn, Itaewon Antique Festival takes place, allowing visitors to shop and enjoy cultural performances.

⊙ Ferrara Korea – Itaewon Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (페라라코리아 이태원)

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⊙ Ferrara Korea [Tax Refund Shop] (페라라코리아)

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⊙ Red Container – Itaewon Branch (No. 2) [Tax Refund Shop] (레드컨테이너 이태원2호)

– Homepage
www.redctn.co.kr

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⊙ Nike – JH Town Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (나이키 제이에이치타운)

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Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)