Korean Job Discussion Forums

william beckerson · Guest

I'll withhold my honest opinion on the place and just say that I dont like it.

So, for those of you who do like it, why do you keep going back to Itaewon?

Zyzyfer · Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2003 10:43 pm Post subject:

The only reason I can like it is for the food. The Indian restaurant really close to the Hamilton is excellent, though pricey. And that's about the only reason I'd go there, unless I knew a boatload of friends were gonna be there or something.

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

I think people who bash itaewon, show a bit of immaturity in regards to it, and to Korea in General. There are better places to party in Seoul, but sometimes iteawon can offer a good mix for the right evening. If you say, "I never party in iteawon" it is saying you aren't an open person realizing opurtunity, but a limited person in your range of understandability. I don't live in Seoul, but I knew if I lived there, I wouldn't make itaewon my place, but I wouldn't disown the place and call it horrible. I haven't been there in years, but from what I have heard, it offers a few good venues for live music, good international food, good bars and pubs. If you know the place, you can enjoy what you like even if it is juxtaposed next to things you don't like.

(william, your poll needs more choices.)

Alias · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

Itaewon is great for food. I go there about once every two weeks to pick up some 'western groceries'. There are also plenty of international restaurants to choose from. As for the nightlife, well it is alright once in a while. Gecko's is the big place to hang out. However, if you don't want to listen to you other teachers bitch and complain about how much they hate Korea it probably isn't the place to go.

I've noticed that Itaewan has a very bad reputation amongst the Koreans. Some of the Koreans staff at my school have asked me "do they really have drug dealers there?" Heck, if Itaewan is considered the worst area in Seoul than I think the city is doing pretty good. Compare it to the worst hole in New York or Toronto.

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

Yeah, Koreans really believe that foreigners can be all bad arses. The Korean media only spotlight the big drug busts in Korea, usually at the ports before they reach the lower levels of distribution but most of the drug dealers are korean dudes in Kangnam and Apgujong pushing to Koreans. That is where the big fish are to fry, but korean myths about foreigners and drugs are hard to break around here.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Fri Jan 31, 2003 11:59 pm Post subject:

I don't mind the bars and stuff in Itaewon, it's more that I don't like the large army contingent. It's just not my thang.

Man, Gecko's has *too many* people in it. Toooooo many.

JackSarang · Joined: 28 Jan 2003

Itaewon has its charms. For international food you can't beat it. Go a little further along to Haebongchong and you get a great selection of east indian foods and such. In Hannam-dong you have an awesome Turkish restaurant called Merhaba.

Some of the places in Itaewon are a little pricey though because they cater to the Diplomatic crowd.

As for Gecko's... bleah. Seoul Pub has a much better atmosphere and the Hollywood Bar and Grill is a class joint.

Hollywood Basement is a great place to party after 1am.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Hollywood can be fun if you are with friends. Here are a couple of "timed exposure" pics I took with my digital camera last week. Exposure was set at 6 to 8 seconds, I think.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Itaewon has some great deals if you're looking for clothes etc. but the club scene there gets old real fast. If I'm looking for some Korean souvenirs I'll bypass the Itaewon trash and head to Insa-dong. Shopping for clothes in Song-tan is also a good option for those south of Seoul.

Been Here Years · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

I enjoy the foreign restaurants there but like other posters I find the servicemen a little hard to bear. I love the chinese restaurant Holy Chow, now based in the Hamilton Hotel. It's Hong Kong Chinese food and the closest to "authentic" I've found here.
I'd have to say that if the restaurants were elsewhere I'd never go there myself.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

The Hammer · Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2003 6:41 pm Post subject:

Itaewon = Ghetto!

The Hammer Laughing

Zyzyfer · Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2003 6:50 pm Post subject:

Hollywood's has damn good club sandwiches! Drown them in A-1 and I'm in heaven!

Songtan? Don't you have to be or know someone who is military to do much shopping there?

william beckerson · Guest

Judging from my personal experience "gecko's" is what's they make their dinners out of.

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

Speaking of Songtan, I found this site about its night life. Somebody really went to a lot of trouble to put together this site. Check it out.
http://www.songtanafterdark.com

Songtan is the city located by the huge Air force base. If you don't like the military in Iteawon, you won't like this camp town at all. I woundn't recommend the place, I don't really think it is my cup of tea, but then there are others who like these kinds of places. Each to their own.