You know you are in the middle of things in Itaewon, when you spot the Hamilton Hotel. I thought it would be a good idea to show how the area looks by day instead of the alcohol induced night shots.
It seems that not matter the time that Itaewon is a busy busy place.
Helios is one of the main places on the bar hopping list. It’s a club with hip hop and pop music blaring. Thursday night is ladies night with free drinks for the female persuasion.
King Club is a hyper aggressive hip hop club where the guys strut around like roosters eyeing up each and every chick to coralle in their pen. The music is blood pounding and the mating game is way out of control, but fun to watch. Fights are prone to spontaneously burst out so be ready.
Haven’t been to Cancun but I hear its done in sand with carribbean colors and umbrella tables ready to transport you to the tropics.
Hip Hop & Techno? Yup, Club X/O has got you covered if you can’t quite make up your mind.
The caffine deprived can also make a choice between the newly expanded Coffee Bean or Starbucks. I’ve become partial to Coffee Bean lately.
Haven’t been inside Ginger but it’s a cute looking eatery and bar.
Thai Food at Buddha’s Belly is always popular in the won.
B-One is a lounge bar and restaurant that gets busy during the night. The music and atmosphere is worth a look.
Shopping is also part of the scene in Itaewon. Market stalls and street vendors hawk all kinds of goodies from luggage…
..to hats and knits and underthings to…
…dresses and shirts to…
Food! Fruits, vegetables, burgers, korean street munchies and everything else you can imagine.
Tradional stores also abound with tailored made shirts awaiting you.
Nike has several stores selling overpriced sneakers just like at home.
For the Gold enthusiasts.
And where Nike is Rebook can’t be far behind to offer up that healthy dose of competition.
So, remember, Itaewon is not just for commiserating with fellow expats during a drunken weekend night of boozing and partying, you can also get your shop on while trying to forget that night in question.
I’m a blogger, writer, and teacher. I’ve been working in South Korea’s ESL field for the last three years. My one year contract has unexpectedly turned into a journey that I’m still on and loving.
Clubs I remember in 81-82.
King Club
Silver Wave
Da Hee House
Seven Club
Oasis Club
Grand Ole Opry Club
The other club on top of the hill with country music.
The rest I don’t remember the names…
I went back in 85-86 and Itaewon was totally different since 81-82. The King Club was the only thing left. It’s prolly been around long before 81. They had Mcdonald’s, Burger King and others. That’s not Itaewon to me.
not sure about heavy metal and twilight zone. I’ll check it out for ya.
I remember the King Club back in 81-82. I used to hang out mostly on top of the hill at the Oasis club.
I think Oasis was way before my time! King Club has sure changed though.
OMG, the King Club is still around? Was stationed in Seoul in the late 80s, and that place was a huge meat market and staging area for fights. They did, however have some of the best DJs around at the time. Would love to know if the Heavy Metal Club and Twilight Zone are still around, among other great dive bars I miss.