Korean Job Discussion Forums

[krichan85]

I've heard this place used a bit and was wondering if anyone had much personal info about it. I've heard that it is a bit sketch with all the prostitution but that it also has some great places to get mexican and other non Korean food?

[Dome Vans]

During the day = Nice

At night = A shit hole. Avoid it.

[Bibbitybop]

[Adventurer]

[definitely maybe]

there are plenty of fine sides to itaewon, as mentioned in some of the prior posts. properly poured guinness, breakfast options that look quite reasonable when compared with other parts of town, the opportunity to enjoy draughts without the threat of anju, and the lingering thought/apprehension/whatever that something dicey might happen just around the corner. i have to admit that itaewon is nowhere near as sleazy as it once was. strangely, i sometimes feel sad about that. how can an allegedly soulless pit lose its soul? however, there's a lot to be said for a place over here that allows you to escape from the routine that so many of us fall into in korea. give it a try, but in moderation.

[Bibbitybop]

[krichan85]

so it sounds about like any other place in terms of sketchiness. how are the prices for the international food places? i've heard that non-korean items and restaurants are really pricey

[DongtanTony]

In terms of what you'll pay at smaller Korean restaurants...yeah, it can be pricey.

But if you're tired of galbi, gamjaetang, and kimchi with everything...it's sometimes worth a few extra bucks.

But really...if you're looking for a night of "western" food at a "western" restaurant...anywhere in Korea...you're going to pay more.

Itaewon has a very distinct personality...for me...three times in ten months...maybe one more trip this calendar/contract year...that's it for me.

[Kimchieyescream]

Don't belive the hype. If you have ever been in a "sketchy" neighborhood in your area, it will make Itewon look like a warm glass of milk. You have to be a real dumb-ass to get into any kind of trouble there. My advice, go check it out and then find places in Korea where you can actually have a real adventure. As Anthony Bourdain, and countless of others have said" don't be a tourist, be a traveler."

[Roch]

[Lekker]

I was mugged in Itaewon by five Brazilian guys. That was at 3 in the morning. They wanted my wallet. Funny thing was that they didn't get it. I did give them a hard time as they ran for a taxi from me.

Itaewon Sucks in the daytime as well as during the night. Everything is overpriced, you have to bargain for anything that you can't eat, like clothes, because everything is overpriced. The shopowners are used to dealing with foreigners with money, so they assume we are all loaded. I remember trying to buy a small umbrella from a woman in the rain in Itaewon. She wanted 15,000 for it.

[PBRstreetgang21]

Itaewon has some of the best foreign food hands down. Especially if Indian or Middle Eastern is your thing (which would be my favorites after Korean). The Mexican is barley passable. Ive just decided its better to suffer w/o than tease myself.

I will say this though....as much as I love Korea I could never adapt to the "hof". I absolutely hate them. Itaewon has the best bars in town. It may get a rep as being trashy but to be honest I dont see Itaewon as any trashier than hongdae. Its certainly more honest about what it is, rather than passing itself off as "the art school district". The Wolfhound, Gecko's, Friend's Bar are both awesome bars. Helio's and Spy Bar are musts on a good night out. There are other good places but I just like these best. For a night out, unless you are doing it Korean style at a Pojangmatcha or Korean nightclub (why ANYONE even Koreans would want to is beyond me). Itaewon is the best place. If you want sleaze its there and not hard to find. However, there are plenty of great not sleazy establishments. I really think for a big night out, if you want to avoid hof's, pojangmachas, and "Western Style Ice Bars" Itaewon is far better than hongdae or any other part of Seoul hands down.

[komtengi]

hit B1 by far the best bar in the won...
Hongdae for me is full of kids, and much seedier...
more fights in hongdae than you'll ever see in Itaewon..

[NightSky]

[krichan85]

haggling seems like it would be fun. though doesn't the language barrier present a problem? or should i make sure i know numbers in korean beforehand?