Itaewon
International melting pot with global flavors
Seoul's most international neighborhood with diverse cuisine, global shops, and a welcoming atmosphere for foreigners.
Highlights
Aanzee
A hybrid emotional space in Hannam-dong with Greek temple-inspired interiors. By day, enjoy specialty coffee and desserts; by evening, the space transforms into an atmospheric wine and cocktail bar with warm lighting.
All That Jazz
Korea's oldest active jazz club, established in 1976 and operating 364 days a year, closed only on Memorial Day. Considered a sacred place for Korean jazz, this legendary venue has been nurturing the local jazz scene for nearly five decades. In 2023, All That Jazz relocated to a new modern space in Itaewon, bringing its storied history into a contemporary setting.
Mr. Ahn's Craft Makgeolli
Featured in Michelin Guide 2023-2024 as a Bib Gourmand, this intimate Korean bistro is the first traditional liquor bar to earn Michelin recognition. With only 5 tables and a focus on artisan makgeolli paired with beautifully presented seasonal dishes.
Big Lights
Seoul's pioneering natural wine bar and Neo-French bistro that opened in 2017 in Hannam-dong. As the first natural wine bar in the city, Big Lights has become the epicenter for rare and exclusive bottles, offering food using only seasonal ingredients prepared on firewood and charcoal grill. The menu constantly evolves to complement their exceptional natural wine selection.
Buddha's Belly
Since opening in 2005, this authentic Thai restaurant in Itaewon has become a Blue Ribbon award winner. Staffed entirely by Thai chefs including a 5-star hotel veteran, it delivers genuine Bangkok flavors in the heart of Seoul.
Cafe MOONEE
A three-story rooftop cafe in Haebangchon renowned for breathtaking sunset views and panoramic vistas of Namsan Tower. With indoor seating on floors 1-2 and a rooftop terrace on the 3rd floor, Cafe MOONEE has become a beloved spot for watching the golden hour transform Seoul's skyline, especially between 5-6pm.
Chompi
A fresh and modern poke bowl restaurant in Hannam-dong that opened in November 2025. Owned by Min Geum-jae, the elder brother of BTS member SUGA, Chompi has quickly become a destination for fans and food lovers alike. The minimalist, stylish interior creates a welcoming atmosphere perfect for casual dining.
DAY ROW
A hidden gem tucked down a quiet alleyway in Hannam-dong, DAY ROW serves exceptional specialty coffee and pastries in a minimalist, serene setting. This understated cafe focuses on quality over Instagram appeal, making it a perfect retreat for coffee enthusiasts seeking authentic brews.
Due Kkoje Hannam
A beloved Italian restaurant in Hannam-dong serving authentic homemade pasta and Italian cuisine since 2002. This family-run establishment is a local favorite known for its exceptional truffle risotto, fresh handmade pasta, and warm hospitality. The cozy atmosphere and consistent quality have made it a hidden gem among Hannam's dining scene, popular with neighborhood residents and those seeking genuine Italian flavors.
Egg & Flour
A Michelin Bib Gourmand fresh pasta restaurant perched atop Haebangchon with stunning Namsan views. Run by chefs who also operate the Michelin 1-star restaurant Soul, this intimate spot handcrafts daily pasta—capellini, reginetti, tagliatelle, rigatoni, pappardelle—paired with creative Korean-influenced sauces. Window seats at sunset offer an unforgettable dining backdrop of Seoul's skyline.
Grand Hyatt Seoul Ice Rink
Experience Seoul's most romantic outdoor ice skating rink at Grand Hyatt Seoul, where a stunning 910 square meter swimming pool transforms into a magical winter wonderland from December through early March. Glide across the ice while enjoying breathtaking views of the Han River and the glittering Namsan skyline - a perfect setting for couples and families alike.
Gyeongnidan-gil
A charming street near Itaewon with boutique cafes, brunch spots, and unique lifestyle shops.
Haebangchon Sinheung Market
A 70-year-old traditional market transformed into a unique blend of local culture and modern creativity. This hillside alleyway market features over 40 shops where traditional market stalls coexist with trendy cafes, indie studios, and fusion eateries, creating a vibrant multicultural atmosphere.
HBC (Haebangchon) Gastro Alley
A foodie paradise with international restaurants, craft beer bars, and cozy wine spots on the slopes of Namsan.
Hyundai Card Music Library
A treasure trove for music enthusiasts, housing nearly 15,000 carefully curated music items including rare vinyl records, books, and magazines. While the upper floors require Hyundai Card membership, the first-floor vinyl shop welcomes all visitors to browse and purchase from Seoul's finest collection of records.
Itaewon Antique Furniture Street
A unique shopping street filled with antique furniture, vintage items, and home decor from around the world.
Kyochon Pilbang
An innovative "chimakase" (chicken omakase) restaurant that elevates Korean fried chicken to fine dining. Kyochon's flagship store features a speakeasy-style entrance and offers both a la carte menu and premium 8-course omakase experience (₩70,000 per person). This unique concept transforms traditional Korean fried chicken into an artful culinary journey, making it one of Itaewon's most talked-about dining destinations.
Le Montblanc
A whimsical dessert cafe inside Sinheung Market where yarn becomes art—literally. Housed in a converted 20-year-old knitting factory, this charming spot serves Instagram-famous mousse cakes designed to look exactly like balls of yarn and hand-knit sweaters. The earl grey "yarn" cake and mango "sweater" cake are almost too pretty to eat, served across three floors decorated with colorful threads and a rooftop terrace.
Leeum Museum of Art
One of South Korea's premier private art museums operated by the Samsung Foundation of Culture, featuring three architecturally stunning buildings designed by Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas. The museum houses exceptional collections spanning traditional Korean art including calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, and metalwork in Museum 1, while Museum 2 showcases modern and contemporary art by both Korean and international artists.
Mmm Records
A vinyl lover's paradise perched on one of Itaewon's highest points in Usadan-ro. This cultural complex features a massive collection of over 80,000 LPs, retro cassette tapes, and old-school electronics. The rooftop offers stunning panoramic views stretching from N Seoul Tower to the Han River, making it a popular spot for both music enthusiasts and photographers. K-pop stars like EXO, BLACKPINK, and SEVENTEEN have used this unique venue for photoshoots.
Narrow Path
A hidden gem dessert cafe in Itaewon offering beautifully crafted tarts, buttery financiers, flaky pies, and perfectly caramelized canelés. The cozy, minimalist interior creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying artisanal pastries.
Nodeul Island
A transformed cultural hub floating on the Han River, Nodeul Island combines nature, music, and art in a unique island setting. Opened in 2019 after extensive renovation, this former industrial island now features live music venues, galleries, a bookstore, and beautiful riverside views perfect for sunset watching.
Nono Shop & Cafe
Discover Seoul's pioneering zero-waste vegan establishment in the heart of Itaewon. Nono Shop & Cafe combines environmental consciousness with plant-based culinary excellence, offering a unique space where sustainable living meets delicious vegan cuisine.
NOOP Cafe & Pizza Pub
A massive 500-pyeong (1,650 sqm) rooftop cafe and pub offering sweeping Namsan Tower views from its expansive terrace. Beyond specialty pizzas and pastas, NOOP features artificial grass, swing beds, sun loungers, and billiards tables, creating a resort-like atmosphere in the heart of Haebangchon.
Oit Cafe
A specialty kaymak cafe located next to Haebangchon's Sinheung Market, featuring a 4th-floor rooftop terrace with stunning Namsan Tower views. Famous for its Turkish-inspired kaymak desserts, this multi-story cafe offers an elevated cafe experience in the heart of one of Seoul's trendiest hillside neighborhoods.
PeePee Seoul
An exotic lounge rooftop bar on Namsan's Sowol-gil with a Southeast Asian resort ambiance. The tropical decor and relaxed atmosphere transport you to a beach getaway while offering stunning views of Seoul. This Instagram-favorite spot features vibrant interiors and signature tropical cocktails.
Privilege Bar
An elegant rooftop bar at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, combining sophisticated indoor spaces with a beautiful outdoor terrace offering spectacular panoramic city views. This refined destination features signature cocktails inspired by 8 different fairy tales from around the globe, along with premium single malt whiskeys and an extensive selection of international wines. The venue is especially popular on weekends when live DJs create an elevated atmosphere.
Rain Report
Experience the magic of rain indoors at this innovative rain-themed cafe in Itaewon. Rain Report creates an immersive atmosphere where artificial rain falls from the ceiling every 30 minutes for 15 minutes, allowing you to enjoy your coffee while watching and listening to the soothing sound of raindrops - rain or shine, 365 days a year.
sangheeut
An intimate contemporary art gallery in the quiet neighborhood of Haebangchon, founded by curator Hyejin Jee in 2021. sangheeut serves as a platform for emerging artists and stories of the current generation, offering experimental exhibitions in a space free from commercial pressures.
Sounds Hannam
An urban resort-style cultural complex in upscale Hannam-dong where multiple "sounds" (voices) coexist. This 5-building complex brings together boutique shops, a curated bookstore, art galleries, and diverse F&B establishments. Perfect for a full day of exploration combining shopping, culture, and dining in one of Seoul's most sophisticated neighborhoods.
Storage Book and Film
An independent bookstore and gallery perched on the hills of Haebangchon, specializing in photography books, independent publications, and art books. Beyond selling film cameras, Storage Book and Film hosts photography workshops and exhibitions, creating a vibrant community space for visual arts enthusiasts.
The Royal Food & Drink
A cozy rooftop brunch spot perched high in the hills of Haebangchon with stunning views of N Seoul Tower. The Royal offers rustic industrial vibes, an excellent brunch menu with vegan options, and one of the best terrace views in Seoul. Out of 7 brunch options, 4 are completely vegan, making this an inclusive destination for all dietary preferences.
Tortoise Haebangchon
A charming cafe in Haebangchon known for Japanese-style souffle pancakes with exceptional soft texture and elegant presentation. Tortoise combines quality coffee with specialty desserts in a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The cafe features seasonal souffle variations, including peach mochi souffle in summer, alongside classic flavors. Popular for its flat white coffee pairing and relaxed neighborhood vibe that contrasts with the busier areas of Itaewon.
The Truffle Bakery
A viral artisanal bakery in Hannam-dong known for its signature Tissue Bread (티슈 브레드), a labor-intensive pastry with delicate, paper-thin layers reminiscent of a mille-feuille loaf. This trendy spot has gained massive popularity on Korean SNS for its Instagram-worthy pastries and premium baked goods featuring truffle ingredients.
Upstanding Coffee
A trendy Australian-style coffee shop tucked inside Haebangchon's Sinheung Market, featuring a distinctive stainless steel exterior and spiral staircase connecting three floors. Known for its expertly crafted flat whites and quality espresso drinks, Upstanding offers a unique hip atmosphere where every corner serves as an Instagram-worthy photo zone.
Wildduck Canteen
A natural wine bar with a laid-back, homestyle vibe in the hillside neighborhood of Haebangchon. Opened by friends from the fashion industry, Wildduck Canteen attracts a young, hip crowd in their 20s and 30s seeking unpretentious natural wines and comforting canteen-style food. The green awning marks this welcoming spot where daytime brunch transitions seamlessly into evening wine sessions.
Youhan
A small, chic Thai bistro hidden in the winding alleys of Hannam-dong that earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand selection. Founded by Chef Kim Yu-han, who attended culinary school in Thailand, Youhan brings authentic Thai flavors with a creative twist to Seoul's sophisticated dining scene.
Tips
Explore the alleyways where locals go. You can find hidden restaurants and cafes!