☰Itaewon

Itaewon grew up around the old Yongsan US military base and became Seoul's most international district — the place where you could find Mexican tacos, Nigerian food, Turkish kebabs, and Indian curry long before the rest of the city diversified. The base's handover has transformed the area, with Yongsan Park gradually replacing the military compound. Uphill, Haebangchon (HBC) is a tight-knit neighbourhood of steep lanes with craft cocktail bars, brunch spots, and a village atmosphere that feels nothing like the rest of Seoul. The main Itaewon strip has excellent restaurants and a buzzing nightlife scene, though it's quieter than it once was. The Leeum Museum of Art, housed in buildings by three star architects, is one of Korea's finest. Itaewon is where Seoul's expats, queer community, and adventurous eaters converge.