Korean Job Discussion Forums

PeterDragon · Joined: 15 Feb 2007

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eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

I have personally known two American teachers, christians, who lived in Seoul for several years yet never went to Itaewon. Not once. Not even in daytime. One said his church pastor, Korean, told his flock to not go there.

Well, it's their loss. Itaewon is great. And it's even better without party-pooping christians.

shaunew · Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Location: Calgary

I like iteawon it has a nice feeling to it during the day time. Kind of like home but not as boring Laughing

Night time I'm not a big fan of, but that's just me.

in_seoul_2003 · Joined: 24 Nov 2003

Is it a heart of darkness? Well, that would depend on your interpretation of heart of darkness.

I'm sure with all the black people some Koreans would see it as a heart of darkness. But that's only one interpretation.

Another possible analogy is that ALONE IN THE WILDERNESS THE SOUL LOOKS WITHIN ITSELF AND BY GOD IT GOES MAD (paraphrasing here).

I don't think so.

I've been to Itaewon many many times but haven't been there in many many months. Why? The shopping sucks, the restaurants are not nearly as good or cosmopolitan as people claim, and there are no good cafes or galleries. Also, apparently, the custom tailors forgot to look up the word custom: listen to me and stop taking every sartorial request as an insult to your mediocre tailoring abilities.

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

You could also check out Songtan and Ansan, nice little escapes from Korea for the day.

Masta_Don · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Location: Hyehwa-dong, Seoul

Part of it is how expensive it is. Part of it is that not Korean, not fast food can be had many other places. Part of it is that it makes people lazy. Part of it is that people get stuck there. Part of it is that it's the only dangerous part of Seoul. Part of it is having to worry if the chick you're picking up will ask for money for sex. Part of it is soldiers.

Soju Lizard · Joined: 11 Jun 2007

Back in the day, Itaewon was mostly known for its large seedy redlight district at night and aggressive street hawkers during the day. When the Korean economy wasn't so good, hundreds of Korean ladies would flock to Itaewon every night in the hopes of catching a foreigner (Army) boyfriend and dreams of the Big PX in the Sky. Kangnam was just a bunch of noodle shops outside the bus station and Apgujeong-dong wasn't on the horizon yet.

Over time, things in Korea have improved and I think Itaewon is a reminder to many Koreans of their poorer days when for many Koreans, marrying a foreigner was their best chance for a better future (much like the Philippines is today). As a result, many Koreans today do avoid it like the plague less they be reminded of those former days. Korean pride is deeply rooted in this culture and many don't even like to acknowledge those former times.

As for the foreigners who avoid it, I've asked some of my own friends who avoid the area this and they said "Why would I come all the way to Korea just to hangout with other foreigners?" I think this is kind of a silly philosophy myself. I enjoy going native myself and I've gone more native here than most but sometimes its nice to be able to speak English, talk with some folks from back home or other countries and have some food that isn't fusion or "Koreanized". Some of the best restaurants in the city are in Itaewon and bars like The 3 Alley Pub, Geckos and Woodstock are a nice change of pace with a good mix of foreigners and locals alike. The redlight district is mostly gone (except for The Hill) and in the past several years, many new bars and restaurants have changed the landscape. The shopping isn't what it once was but its still the best place to get certain things for Western tastes (fake sports jerseys, souvenir trinkets, custom leather, etc). If that's not your thing, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun and the big computer market are just around the corner. Those who avoid Itaewon are missing out on truly one of the most unique experiences in Korea.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

I go there sometimes but not overly impressed w/ the people I meet, but, sometimes you get lucky.

in_seoul_2003 · Joined: 24 Nov 2003

indytrucks · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: The Shelf

Itaewon's alright. Loads of wankers, but same as anywhere else.

brento1138 · Joined: 17 Nov 2004

faster · Joined: 03 Sep 2006

I don't like Itaewon. Makes me feel generally ashamed.

JZer · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: South Korea

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

I like going to Itaewon but I try not to go TOO much since that would mean I dislike the locals (which I tend to do nowadays). I like the diversity of restaurants in the area, and the atmosphere that allows just about anyone to strike up a conversation with a stranger, Korean or non-Korean.

A testament to Itaewon's rise from a slimepit is the growing number of new places opening up, like Casa Loca and Baby Guinness (correct me if I got the names wrong). Itaewon property is also hot as many want to set up businesses there. I've had interesting and great talks with people in Itaewon, and have even made a few good friends.

Paji eh Wong · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

I don't go to Itaewon much because it is so hit-and-miss. I've had fun there but I've had too many good moods swallowed whole as well.