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.
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. Traditional stores also abound with tailored made shirts awaiting you. Nike has several stores selling overpriced sneakers just like at home.
I was in the Army there in 1978 and here are the clubs I remember- International Club, Hamilton Nightclub (which stayed open all night past curfew), Amvets Club, 007 Club, Sam’s Club, Grand Old Opry Club, Lucky Seven Club, Seven Club, King Club, Silver Wave, UN Club, Rainbow Club and the Crossroads Club which was on the base just to name a few.
When I first got here Grand Old Opry, King Club, UN Club were still going strong. I have no idea about the others. That was in 2007. That’s a long haul!
I WAS THERE FROM 86-89 I REMEMBER THE TWILIGHT ZONE, THE HEAVY METEL CLUB WERE MY FAVORITE PLACES. I WAS IN THE 21ST TRANS (CAR) THAT IS NO LONGER THERE NOW THE BUILDINGS ARE BUT THE UNIT IS DEACTIVEATED. BUMMER. WOULD LOVE TO GO BACK WITH THE KIDS AND SHOW THEM AROUND. THAT IS ONE PLACE I LOVED IN THE MILITARY WAS KOREA. OH MY GODNESS IS OSCAR STILL AROUND LOL
Wow you were there a long, long, long time ago. You should come back and see how much things have changed in the da won.
Let’s all get together and make our way back to Itaewon…as soon as I will the lottery.
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…
The country bar was Sams Place, I think…or Grand Ol’ Opry
Do you remember Heavy Metal Club, Rainbow Club and Rock and Roll Club
I think Grand ole opry is still there. Rainbow is in Gangnam unless you mean another bar? The rock and roll bar you’re maybe thinking of is Woodstock?
There was both a Sam’s Place and The Grand Ole Opry Club. Sam’s Place was at the top of the hill but is now gone. The Grand Ole Opry is still in business and is part way down the hill. Originally opened by Charley, a retired sergeant major of the US army and his wife Kim in 1975. Charley passed away three years ago but Kim is still healthy a running the place. Really hasn’t changed much over the years and is a bit of Itaewon history and still serving OB beer.
If you’re on the hill it’s a must to stop in, check out and grab a beer.
Silverwave – was there so many nights. Had to write to people on little pieces of paper – no chance hearing anything in there except the music. Ms Kim was the DJ and Mr. Lee held our bar tabs. Such great memories…
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.
I was there from 81-83…met my wife at the Oasis Club…she was a waitress there
Not sure if the Oasis club is still around. I think it’s bitten the dust, but hopefully your love is going strong!
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.