Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shostahoosier]

I agree that Itaewon isnt a cesspool but its definitely trashy and nothing to write home about.

It's pretty much the area that everyone goes to because they dont know any better (like Wrigleyville in Chicago)..and there's nothing really wrong with that considering the few alternatives.

However, seeing as how Seoul is pretty much a flyover city for partiers anyways, Itaewon is probably the best that foreigners can enjoy.

Sinchon and Hongdae arent bad though.

[eljuero]

[seoulsucker]

[Patong Dong]

AsiaESLBound suggested:

I wish they would open up the whole street to make it a pedestrianized area instead of having the vendor carts and pedestrians crammed on the sidewalks. Move those vendor carts out into the street and have 1 small lane for motorcycles and vendor traffic. And then have a rotary in the intersection where Quiznos, Hard Rock Cafe, and Hamilton Hotel are with a taxi stand and airport bus stop oriented near the hotel, but no regular traffic from the hotel on down to the end of the street. Cobble stone the street, allow musicians and artists, and more entrepreneurial vendors. Even put up a nice fancy statue of King Sejong in the middle of said rotary and fixed up with high styling. Beautify and give the place an international theme to make it a destination. When they get Yongsan garrison back from the American Army, then they have that space to work with too which would be great for a cultural park that includes facilities like an IMAX, museum, and such. I have many ideas on how they could make a real tourist area out of it. They have a good place, they just need to rethink it. Also public trash bins and street cleaners are necessary where many people walk, eat, and play.

So Disnefy it then? You might enjoy spending time in Paju English Village. It is completely inorganic as well.

[creeper1]

I actually like Itaewon. For me it's a refuge from Kimchi, samgapsol and soju. The place is absolutley teaming with restraunts from all over the world. If you can't satisfy your taste buds there then you can't do it anywhere in Korea.

Is there a seedy side to it? Yes! But in my opinion nothing worse than you see around Yongsan or Suwon station

There is a decent book shop there and the nightlife aint bad. It's also conveniet to take a hike up Namsan hill. (The one with the tower)

I actually wish ppl would stop bashing Itaewon.

[JBomb]

yes I agree Itaewon is a cesspool and I would have it no other way.

[eljuero]

[Kaypea]

I find Itaewon to be one of the most refreshing, relaxing places in Korea, even (or maybe because) when I go there, I don't feel like I'm in a bubble. I just wish I lived closer to Itaewon, because I think I'd really like to include it in my weekend morning routine... I like sitting upstairs at the Starbucks or Coffee Bean and read, and watch the street scene below... Nothing really unusual happens, it just warms my heart (for some reason) to watch Americans get in and out of cabs...

[Xuanzang]

Should have seen it years ago. Now, it's been sanitized and gentrified.

[prideofidaho]

[skim234]

Itaewon itself is ok. The idea of Itaewon is what makes it a cesspool. It seems like depressed Westerners who hate Korean culture/language/food all flock there in droves to avoid the reality that they aren't living in America. It's a temporary shelter for those who aren't able to adapt to Korea.

[Janny]

I love Itaewon and I will miss it when I go. I love its dirtiness, its variety, its cheap thrills. It's nice to have a place to go that has some diversity.

What I don't like is the Korean locals that walk down the street and "marvel" at all the non-Koreans with the insecure silly shocked smile. It's like "hey...let's go to Itaewon today and walk around with all the weigooks! Crazy man!"

I've seen way too many Koreans walking, whispering, pointing and laughing at my fellow weigoookin.

At least I don't need to see it anymore, once I go. And to those who are ready to flame...yes, I've seen plenty of Koreans NOT pointing and laughing as well. So shut it.

[NYC_Gal]

double post

[NYC_Gal]

It's our Chinatown. Let us enjoy being able to find certain cheese, spices, and grains at a ridiculous mark up. You can hang out elsewhere.

[Lost]

"LADIES NIGHT" on Thursdays.......hmmmm....cheap women looking for free booze (ex-pat and Korean) running between Helios, Naked, Bricks/ UN and the Loft. Ouch! Some of the Worst clubs/ bars and people I've seen in Korea (don't forget Tin-pan/ GoGo's/ FF bars in hongdae). Even worse......the men who go out looking to meet women on these nights. This night really brings out the worst in my opinion.