SEOUL SERIES: ITAEWON
All about Itaweon.
(3 MINUTE READ)
With its vibrant nightlife and international vibe, Itaewon has become a favourite among tourists in Seoul, who flock to the district to party, drink, explore and enjoy.
With cuisines from all across the globe and a host of unique shopping experiences, Itaewon has become quite the cultural melting pot. Here’s where you should try and tick off on your trip.
SHOP
Ader
Ader is a concept store that almost feels like a museum; with visually compelling details and cool neon lighting, Ader is a store you’ll want to spend some time appreciating. Though the founders say that they find inspiration from ordinary objects, the Ader showroom is anything but ordinary.
Check out their online store here for their latest collections and collaborations.
- ADER ERROR
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- 19-18 Wausan-ro 21-gil
- Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu
Post Poetics
A true haven for book worms and indie mag enthusiasts, Post Poetics is a one of a kind bookstore. Although the store is small, there is plenty to choose from and it’s impressively well stocked, plus you can browse and buy online here too.
Established in 2006, Post Poetics works hard to distribute quality publications all around the world, from art to design to architecture and way more!
For accessories and sustainable bags you can also pop right next door to Freitag.
- POST POETICS
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- Hannam-dong
- Yongsan-gu
DAN
If you have a pet then please don’t pass by DAN. Here you can shop for your furry friend and browse everything from pet outfits to treats and magazines on dogs.
It’s sure to be your most interesting shopping experience in Seoul.
- DAN
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- 4, Hoenamu-ro 42-gil
- Yongsan-gu, Seoul
SWEET
Old Ferry Donut
This place holds a special place in my heart, it’s a cafe and donut heaven where you can get colourful, delicious, chewy donuts while listening to hip hop.
The donut shop is among a kind of brutalist complex, so the concrete is contrasted with the bright, fun donuts and whipped frothy coffees. For a quick sugar fix and a chow down on probably the best donut in Seoul, check out Old Ferry Donut and try a matcha, raspberry or coconut cream donut- the choice is yours!
- OLD FERRY DONUT
- –
- Hannam-daero 27-gil
- 66 202호
COFFEE
A beautiful little cafe with a less is more approach to their interior, wooden tables and plants are dotted around, but that is all.
You can get iced coffee, lattes, cold brews, specialty teas, muffins and brownies here, whilst enjoying the tranquil vibe.
- ANDHARI HANNAM
- –
- Yongsan-gu, Hannam-dong
- 이태원로 42길
Cafe Oriente
Designed by the same great minds who created YUN Seoul, Cafe Oriente stays true to its name with an undeniably oriental feel.
The designers, Labotory, wanted to make the space feel like somewhere special, not just somewhere you visit for a quick coffee.
Serving high quality cold brews, coffee and sweets that literally look like works of art, Cafe Oriente is one to visit when you’re in the mood for something unique.
- CAFE ORIENTE
- –
- 16-9 Itaewon-ro 54-gil
- Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu
MTL Seoul
Sister brand to Berlin’s much-loved Bonanza, MTL is a shop, studio and bakery that uses and sources the same delicious beans as Bonanza! MTL meaning ‘more than less’ aims to adhere to the minimal cultural movement for quality of life and fulfillment and so everything they do in their design studio and shop is inspired by simplicity.
With the same minimal aesthetic and white, neon sign, Bonanza is easy to spot, especially for Berliners. Try out their vegan milk tea or a perhaps banana split espresso.
- MTL SEOUL
- –
- 37-11 Itaewon-ro 55-gil
- Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu
EAT
The Plant Cafe
Committed to bringing fresh vegan cuisine to everyone, Plant Cafe is a 100% vegan cafe located in Itaewon. Seoul isn’t the most vegan friendly city so The Plant is a true gem for vegans and veggies.
The owner and founder of Plant, Mipa Lee, wanted to show people how delicious vegan food can be, whilst still being healthy.@plantcafeseoul
- PLANT CAFE
- –
- 2 floor, 117 Bogwang-ro
- Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu
Gongi
‘Gonji’ means both rice bowl and air- essential things for daily Korean life. This modern, Korean restaurant positions themselves as a place for everyday yet quality food.
Their promise is not to use any artificial seasoning and create dishes inspired by the season and Korean ingredients. All the vegetables, meats and fish on the menu are from Korea, as well as the oils and kimchi.
The price is around 15-30EUR.
- GONGI
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- 16-7 Itaewon-ro 54-gil
- Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu
SEE
Namsan Tower
Probably Seoul’s most loved tourist spot, Namsan Tower is 480 metres above sea level and offers brilliant, panoramic views of the city. It’s kind of like Seoul’s version of the Berlin TV tower and was established for broadcasting signals in 1969.
The hike (or cable car) up to Namsan Tower is best enjoyed on a sunny, bright day so you can take in the breathtaking views of the city at the top.
I personally hiked my way up there and got the cable car back down (it’s around five euro each way) and there are plenty of shops and eateries if you need to rest and restore at the top.
- NAMSAM TOWER
- –
- 105 Namsangongwon-gil
- Yongsan 2(i)ga-dong
 With its vibrant nightlife and international vibe, Itaewon has become a favourite among tourists in Seoul, who flock to the district to party, drink, explore and enjoy. With cuisines from all across the globe and a host of unique shopping experiences, Itaewon has become quite the cultural melting pot. Here’s where you […]){kind=link}