Itaewon
International melting pot with global flavors
Seoul's most international neighborhood with diverse cuisine, global shops, and a welcoming atmosphere for foreigners.
Highlights
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.
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.
Dongjak Sunset Cafe
A unique cafe located in the middle of Dongjak Bridge with panoramic Han River views. This cafe offers one of the best sunset viewing spots in Seoul, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river. The perfect place to watch the sky turn golden while enjoying coffee or light refreshments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!