The global and western village of Seoul: Itaewon
Itaewon is a very popular area for American G. I.’s (or military personnel) in the Yongsan district in Seoul. I had to do a google search what G.I. means and it stands for—government issue. Quite a strange name, it’s as if these military personnel are objects owned by the American government. But anyway, that’s just me.
Just a little background why there are many G. I.’s here. This has mainly to do with the USA and its allied partners provisionally providing support and ultimately protection for South Korea from its mad and estranged sister, North Korea.
Itaewon (Western Seoul)
Now this means that if you want to speak English when holidaying in Seoul, come over here. Many locals speak English in Itaewon and there is always an abundance of western foreigners, not just the likes of G.I. Joe’s. Moreover, there is a diverse food culture in this town so when one is tired of Korean food, this is the place to be! Italian? Mexican? American food? Come here!
In fact, they call this place—‘the global village in Seoul’
And when you walk around Itaewon you can clearly see the western influence. Because of this, it makes Itaewon quite unique. I must admit that after visiting many parts of Seoul, that are I would call very Seoul-ish, Korean or Asian, Itaewon was indeed a breath of fresh air. It is different.
Dutchman and I spent an afternoon and evening here. I had my first street food here: grilled squid, we saw a cool vintage street market and we had a lovely galbi aka Korean BBQ dinner here as well.
Here are some pictures that I took of the place in the afternoon and late into the night.
Rooftop cafe (with bad coffee)
We had coffee at this rooftop cafe. This was probably the worst coffee we ever had in Seoul. But I like the ambiance of the cafe, we had a great view from the terrace and the coffee cups and saucers were very pretty so these were definitely an added bonus =)
,+10-20129.jpg)
Itaewon night spot
More nightlife action here in Itaewon... this is the area with lots of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, and it does not seem to sleep as well.
,+10-201210.jpg)
And a few more pictures of Itaewon:
Travel Period: October 2012
Destination: Itaewon (Yongsan – Seoul), South Korea
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
Just a little background why there are many G. I.’s here. This has mainly to do with the USA and its allied partners provisionally providing support and ultimately protection for South Korea from its mad and estranged sister, North Korea.
Itaewon (Western Seoul)
Now this means that if you want to speak English when holidaying in Seoul, come over here. Many locals speak English in Itaewon and there is always an abundance of western foreigners, not just the likes of G.I. Joe’s. Moreover, there is a diverse food culture in this town so when one is tired of Korean food, this is the place to be! Italian? Mexican? American food? Come here!
In fact, they call this place—‘the global village in Seoul’
And when you walk around Itaewon you can clearly see the western influence. Because of this, it makes Itaewon quite unique. I must admit that after visiting many parts of Seoul, that are I would call very Seoul-ish, Korean or Asian, Itaewon was indeed a breath of fresh air. It is different.
Dutchman and I spent an afternoon and evening here. I had my first street food here: grilled squid, we saw a cool vintage street market and we had a lovely galbi aka Korean BBQ dinner here as well.
Here are some pictures that I took of the place in the afternoon and late into the night.
Itaewon centre is divided by a main busy road.
Traffic during peak hours after work.
Rooftop cafe (with bad coffee)
We had coffee at this rooftop cafe. This was probably the worst coffee we ever had in Seoul. But I like the ambiance of the cafe, we had a great view from the terrace and the coffee cups and saucers were very pretty so these were definitely an added bonus =)
Dutchman and I always have our coffee ritual after dinner.
This wasn't the best coffee we had so far though =(
,+10-20129.jpg)
However the setting and view from the top of the terrace was quite nice, I have to admit.
Itaewon night spot
More nightlife action here in Itaewon... this is the area with lots of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs, and it does not seem to sleep as well.
There are outdoor cafe terraces as well.
,+10-201210.jpg)
A very lively and international atmosphere here.
And a few more pictures of Itaewon:
Travel Period: October 2012
Destination: Itaewon (Yongsan – Seoul), South Korea
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
