Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

6.2Km 2024-11-27

196 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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.

Achasanseong Fortress (아차산성)

6.2Km 2023-04-05

Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul-si
+82-2-450-7593

Achasanseongseong Fortress boasts magnificent views of the Hangang River and skyline. The 200m-high mountain fortress wall was built to face southeast, towards the Hangang River. It is also called Janghan-seong or Gwangjang-seong. A fierce battle was once fought here among Gogury, Baekje and Silla because of its strategic location during the period of the Three Kingdoms. King Gae-Ro of Baekje (r. 455-475) died in the war by the Goguryeo forces sent by King Jang-Su (r. 413-491) and General Ondal of Goguryeo was also killed in a battle with the Silla army in 590.

Achasan Mountain is popular as a citizens’ resting place with a historical trail and a natural park including various facilities such as walkway, mountain walkway, a badminton court, a wrestling range, an archery range, various amusement facilities for children, benches, and pavilion.

Pungnap-dong Toseong Fortress (서울 풍납동 토성)

6.2Km 2025-01-10

Pungnap-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2147-2800

Onjo, the progenitor of Kingdom Baekje, first settled in Wiryeseong Hanam. But exact location is still unknown. One thing for sure, however, is that Pungnaptoseong Fortress, Mongchontoseong Fortress, Bangidong Ancient Tombs of Baekje, Seokchondong Stone Mound Tomb of Early Baekje are the remains of Baekje. Pungnaptoseong Fortress faces Hangang River to its west and connects to Mongchontoseong Fortress to the south. To the northwest faces Achasanseong Fortress over Hangang River and far to the southeast is Namhansanseong Fortress.

Pungnaptoseong Fortress, located at the south end of Cheonhodaegyo Bridge over Hangang River, is one of the remains of Early Baekje. Originally, the fortress was 4km in circumference, but due to massive overflowing of Hangang River during flood season in 1925, most of the fortress was lost and only 2.7km of it remains. To the east of the fortress are 4 vestiges of the fortress gates. The remains from the prehistoric era through the Samguk (Three States) era have been unearthed, indicating that this place was a residential area well before the Baekje Era. Through vigorous excavation, some people suggest that there used to be a palace located here during the Baekje Era.

Rogatis - Munjeong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (로가디스 문정점)

6.2Km 2024-04-23

109, Dongnam-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

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

6.2Km 2024-04-23

195, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Bakery (서울제빵소 올림픽본점)

6.2Km 2024-03-20

1178 Yangjae-daero, Songpa-gu, Seoul

This bakery cafe is located on the second floor of a commercial wing attached to the Olympic Village Apartments, located across from Olympic Park’s Rose Plaza. The spacious cafe features naturally fermented bread made with organic flour and seats looking out the window. The interior is modern and open, with plenty of seats for long stays. Naturally fermented bread here includes Hongguk rice bread, salt bread, and cream cheese and fig bread. Bread is baked from 08:00 to midday. Visitors can find a timetable for the different kinds of bread served in this cafe in order to make plans in advance to get freshly-baked bread.

Kervan Turkish Restaurant (케르반레스토랑)

6.2Km 2025-03-15

192 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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.

Itaewon Antiques Street (이태원 앤틱 가구 거리)

6.2Km 2025-04-11

109-1 Bogwang-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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.

Demoo [Tax Refund Shop] (데무)

6.2Km 2024-06-27

1F, #2, 108, Dongnam-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul

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The North Face - Munjeong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (노스페이스 문정점)

6.2Km 2024-04-19

39, Jungdae-ro 10-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul

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Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구) - Area information - Korea travel information