Itaewon

Encyclopedia : I : IT : ITA : Itaewon

Itaewon is a neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea. It is served by Seoul Subway Line 6 via the Itaewon, Noksapyeong and Hanganjin stations. It is home to about 22,000 people, but a vastly larger number visit the commercial district daily. Often called the "American Ghetto" of Seoul by Koreans, Itaewon is thick with people of various nationalities, as well as large numbers of US military personnel from the nearby Yongsan Garrison. Due to the area's unusual diversity, Itaewon is home to restaurants serving cuisine from many parts of the world, including India, Thailand, and Mexico, cuisines which are not common in Korea. The Seoul Central Mosque is also located in Itaewon.

Itaewon is also, along with Insadong and Seoul Tower, one of the most popular areas in Seoul for tourists. Major hotels such as the Hyatt and local landmark the Hamilton can be found here as well as dozens of shops and services aimed at tourists. Some of the best leather products in Korea can be found here at reasonable prices (haggling is expected) as well as all sorts of trinkets and souvenirs. Counterfeit goods and clothing are ubiquitous and of varying quality, but some genuine goods which are produced in Korea for the international market and have "fallen off the back of a lorry" can be found at bargain prices. Genuine Korean handicrafts are perhaps of better quality and value elsewhere in the city. A gentleman strolling along the market will inevitably be asked the question "Would you like a tailor made suit?" and while Bangkok remains the undisputed capital of decent, bargain tailoring, Itaewon has plenty to offer in this department.

Itaewon has a seedy side, as it is home to many bars and brothels which are frequented by foreigners. The traditional center of prostitution activity in the area is known as Hooker Hill. Prostitution has long been rampant here and any male visitor who has walked up the hill will likely have been propositioned by a prostitute. Although efforts to crack down which began in 2000 and were renewed in 2004 have reduced the visibility of the trade, brothels still exist and are quite easy to find.

See also

• Yongsan-gu
• Yongsan Garrison
• List of Korea-related topics

External links

• http://www.enjoyitaewon.com/
• Page on [Itaewon] from the Galbijim Wiki

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