Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

Explanation

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.


Homepage

www.itaewon.or.kr


Information Use

Contact and Information : +82-2-797-7319

Parking facilities : Available (6 parking lots in the area)


More information

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.

Location

196 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Sangsang Platform (상상플랫폼)

Sangsang Platform (상상플랫폼)

2025-06-05

33 Wolmi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon

When the Incheon port opened in 1883, the Wolmi-ro area became the gateway to Korea, welcoming vistiors from overseas countries via sea route. Before transforming into the cultural and art complex of today, Sangsang Platform located by the Incheon Open Port used to be Asia's largest granary. Sangsnag Platform is remodeld to preserve the old granary structure while adding a contemporary touch that matches modern-day aesthetics. As the building once connected Incheon to the world, it now serves connect Incheon's past and the future as a multipurpose cultural tourism complex.

Bullidan Street (불리단길)

Bullidan Street (불리단길)

2025-05-28

11 Bulguksintaekji 5-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Bullidan Street, near Bulguksa Temple, once a popular destination for school and group trips, is gaining renewed attention with the opening up of various cafés, restaurants, and workshop spaces in the area. In spring, the street blooms with King Cherry Blossoms, attracting many visitors. On Saturdays, a flea market opens, offering handmade goods and souvenirs. It is the perfect place to stop by and unwind after visiting Bulguksa Temple or hiking.

MCY PARK

MCY PARK

2025-05-27

196 Cheonbungnam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Themed around three primary colors Red, Blue, and Yellow, MCY Park features vibrant art installations. It showcases imported school buses from the US transformed into a museum, a dessert museum with ice cream, donuts, and cake pop-up art, a stable transformed into a photo zone, and various other interesting themed zones, offering visitors a fun experience.

Puksuwon Spaplex (북수원온천)

Puksuwon Spaplex (북수원온천)

2025-05-21

2139 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Puksuwon Spaplex offers a relaxing escape for visitors with its spacious spa area and natural hot spring water. The facility uses alkaline water with a pH of 9.25. This mineral-rich spring water contains calcium, potassium, sulfuric acid, and iron, which are beneficial for relieving muscle pain, neuralgia, and skin conditions. The spa features various facilities, including hinoki baths, hot and cold springs, dry and ice saunas, a forest bathing room, a family lounge, and a restaurant, providing the perfect environment for visitors to unwind and relax.

Gwanggyo Freiburg Observatory (광교 프라이부르크전망대)

Gwanggyo Freiburg Observatory (광교 프라이부르크전망대)

2025-05-21

127 Gwanggyohosu-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

The Freiburg Observatory in Gwanggyo Lake Park is inspired by the observatory in Freiburg, an eco-city in Germany, and represents Suwon’s commitment to becoming an eco-conscious city. The observatory offers a stunning view of the lakes nearby.  

Paju Imjingak Peace Gondola (DMZ Peace Gondola) (파주 임진각평화곤돌라(파주 DMZ 곤돌라))

Paju Imjingak Peace Gondola (DMZ Peace Gondola) (파주 임진각평화곤돌라(파주 DMZ 곤돌라))

2025-05-19

148-73 Imjingak-ro, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Located in the Imjingak Tourist Complex, the Paju Imjingak Peace Gondola is Korea’s first gondola to cross over the Civilian Control Zone. Connecting Imjingak Resort and Camp Greaves, the gondola is part of the peace and security tourism initiative, offering visitors a unique perspective on DMZ’s history and natural landscapes. As visitors glide across the river, they can see the barbed wire fences, surveillance posts, and other remnants of division. In addition to the general cabin, visitors can enjoy the transparent crystal cabin, which provides a unique and memorable experience.
Note: All visitors to the Civilian Controlled Zone (CCZ) are required to fill out the security pledge

Bamseom Island (Ecosystem Conservation Area) (밤섬 생태경관 보전지역)

Bamseom Island (Ecosystem Conservation Area) (밤섬 생태경관 보전지역)

2025-04-29

Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0793

Located at the Hangang River, Bamseom Island derives its name from its chestnut-like shape (bam in Korean). The island was designated as an Ecosystem Conservation Area by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 1999 and was later recognized as Ramsar Wetland in 2012. Now an uninhabited island, Bamseom Island was once home to around 443 people, who were relocated after the island was exploded as part of the Yeouido Development Project. Today, it is known as a habitat for numerous migratory birds and plant species. People can enjoy views of the Island from Bamseom Park.

Geobukseom Island (거북섬)

Geobukseom Island (거북섬)

2025-04-23

113 Geobukseom-ro, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do

Geobukseom Island is an artificial island built in the Multi Techno Valley in Siheung. The island's name means Turtle Island as a reference to the island's shape inspired by turtles. Geobukseom Island comprises a large-scale water sports complex aimed to lead the local economy and tourism industry. The main landmark of Geobukseom Island is Asia's first and the world's largest surf pool Wave Park. With many restaurants and cafes dotting the area, Geobukseom Island is a rising summer destination.

Padosori Trail (파도소리길)

2025-05-28

405-7 Eupcheon-ri, Yangnam-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The Padosori (Sound of the Waves) Trail stretches for 1.7 kilometers along the shoreline of Eupcheon-ri in Gyeongju, offering stunning views of the Gyeongju Yangnam Columnar Joint. The coastal road is well-maintained and features a decked pathway, benches, viewing platforms, and a suspension bridge. The Columnar Joint has diverse shapes; in particular, the fan-shaped columnar joint is a rare sight not only in Korea but also worldwide, and thus has been designated as a Natural Monument in 2012.

Bonggil Daewangam Beach (봉길대왕암해변)

2025-05-28

Bonggilhaean-gil, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Bonggil Daewangam Beach, located 32 kilometers east of downtown Gyeongju is a white sand beach with an average water temperature of 22℃. It is less crowded compared to other beaches on the East Coast, making it a perfect destination for a leisurely getaway. In summer, beach bungalows, tube rental shops, snack shops, and other convenience facilities are available. From the beach, visitors can also see the Tomb of King Munmu, which lies 200 meters offshore.