Korean Job Discussion Forums

brento1138 · Joined: 17 Nov 2004

Well, I decided to move to Itaewon 2-dong since rent seemed quite affordable, for a bigger sized, nicer place. It is also very close to my new workplace. Was quite happy with the deal I got. Got a view of Seoul tower, and the 63 building... Most places around Seoul seemed to be dumps for such a low price... but this place isn't half bad at all. Modern enough... and in a surprisingly quiet neighborhood. I know a couple people who live there already, and they only have good things to say about the area.

I see happy couples walking the streets (usually a foreigner guy and Korean girl) and a good diverse ethnic crowd... Little old ladies walking around with kids... I don't understand what is so scary here? As for jarheads, I mostly see the Korean military more than the US military. Lots of good food options. I mean, a 5 minute walk to TACO.. what more could I ask for? Close enough to Namsan park for a good hike. Lots of trees everywhere...

I'm just wondering. How are you enjoying this area (if you live there)? I keep hearing of fights, jarheads roaming the streets, africans breaking into houses, etc. But the place looks so tame to me. I will install an electronic lock on my door though... and change the locks... since I will heed some of the warnings. But everything seems safer than Canada. Having lived on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, nearish East Hastings, this is nothing! Not being asked by druggies every night for change, or getting eyed intently by gangs as I walk home...

I am missing where the bad part of Itaewon comes in? I'm not really into drinking every night, or going to either of the notorious "hills" of "entertainment".... I dunno... Itaewon doesn't seem so horrible if you just live there normally. Korea sparkling? Nah... Korea, super tame!

Will my opinion soon change? The place seems fine to me. I can't believe I can get out of bed, zombie my way down to a breakfast joint, and eat a non-rice/kimchi breakfast.

What have been your experiences?

Ruraljuror · Joined: 08 Dec 2007

Haha I live in Itaewon and I completely agree with everything you said. It's so funny to hear the reputation that Itaewon has among expats and Koreans alike when you are walking down those "infamous" streets every day. It's one of the cheapest places to live in Seoul, is located pretty much *exactly* in the middle of Seoul, and has dozens of great places to eat.

For a few hours on Friday and Saturday nights it gets a little "wild", but not any more so than any college town any where in the world. Anyone who thinks Itaewon is "dirty", "disgusting", "sleazy", "wild", "violent", etc...where do you come from? Mayberry?

Welcome to the 'Won Brento!

cdninkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

I've been living in Itaewon-2dong for almost a year and a half now and quite like it too:

- the main street of Itaewon is a 20 minute walk, but my neighborhood is quiet. Getting there involves walking through a nice area too filled with beautiful ambassador mansions.

- not too far from any of the hot spots I frequent either, like Myeong dong, Gangnam, Sinchon and the like.

- if you like jogging, Namsan is great for that too.

- cheap eats in the area with lots of variety.

- never seen any crime or had a problem in that regard.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

I used to live there, although I was on the side of the steepest hill in Seoul. It was crazy. Used to see cars go up and slide right back down if it was wet (didn't even need snow).

I miss the quick access to Itaewon and eating Subway for lunch whenever I wanted.

gordo · Joined: 02 Jul 2007

I think the lure of Itaewon might get the best of me in the near future. I have lived in Yongin for almost 2 years now, but relatively close to Bundang. I have been satisified, but after clearing my debts I think I am going to move to a new place for my next contract. If its not down south in Busan, then I think it will be in right in Seoul. I know the party that exists in Itaewon which is nice from time to time, but also what tempts me is the food options and proximity to many others places.

My question is how much is rent in and around Itaewon. When people talk of good deals, how cheap are they talking? Any feedback would be appreciated....

WoBW · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: HBC

I've lived there for 4 months now, and I like it a lot. Plenty of good food options, quiet (at least in my place) and I haven't seen any trouble. It seems like a pretty good atmosphere in all the restaurants and bars around here. I don't know anyone in this neighborhood, so I often go out to eat alone. I've never felt a bad vibe in any place I've been.

I can't understand why some people say the place is like a ghetto.

amberflannery · Joined: 25 Oct 2006

a live a 5 min walk from pollys. Shocked

eeew- i know. i've been here for a couple months and i still enjoy it. no one from that part of the hill seems to wander up here. i'm a picky eater and i also enjoy the options. i also kinda like seeing some of the same people around (and some not so much). as for rent- my place is double the size of my last and only 300,000 for rent. i have no bathroom sink or air con- but i deal. i like it- dont worry about the haters.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

amberflannery · Joined: 25 Oct 2006

not quite up that far- just about behind rmt.

cdninkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

amberflannery · Joined: 25 Oct 2006

i live a 5 min walk from the strip- i dont notice the loud bars and the drunks cant be bothered to climb my stairs. i am technically part of hannam dong though.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Like everyone else, I've been to Itaewon any number of times. Like everyone else, I've seen packed bars with foreigners looking for sex and drugs, Nigerians trying to sell drugs and snatch chains, prostitutes, and every kind of sexual deviancy known to man. I would NEVER say "Gee, I want to live as close to this place as possible. I'll bet it's cheap and quiet."

Be honest, posters lauding the "I live in Itaewon" lifestyle. Why would anyone CHOOSE to live minutes away from the loud bars, drugs, sexual weirdos, and prostitutes that claim Itaewon as their home? Some of you must want to live there so you can partake seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Be honest. That's what Itaewon is all about.

Be honest.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

brento1138 · Joined: 17 Nov 2004

amberflannery · Joined: 25 Oct 2006

HONESTLY I chose to live in Itaewon. I like the food and my friend lives down the street. I lived near Nowon and it was miserable. I DID NOT choose to live here to drink 24/7- believe it or not it is possible. I only go out 2 days a week- which I think isnt that bad. I guess it is what you make it, no complaints really. Except for my stairs. Yuck.