Seoul — Neighborhood Guide
Itaewon has long been Seoul's most international neighbourhood — a place where foreign cuisines, design studios, antique dealers, and cutting-edge cocktail bars coexist in a fascinatingly layered streetscape climbing the slopes below Namsan.
Quick Answer
Itaewon has long been Seoul's most international neighbourhood — a place where foreign cuisines, design studios, antique dealers, and cutting-edge cocktail bars coexist in a fascinatingly layered streetscape climbing the slopes below Namsan.
5 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$$, $$$$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
The area around Haebangchon (HBC) and the Hannam-dong stretch towards Itaewon has become one of Seoul's most exciting dining and nightlife corridors. Leeum Samsung Museum of Art is a cultural anchor, and the neighbourhood's proximity to the Han River makes it a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts.
Insider Tips
Haebangchon neighbourhood just west of Itaewon proper has Seoul's best independent restaurants and fewer crowds.
The Leeum Samsung Museum of Art is world-class and often overlooked — book tickets in advance for temporary exhibitions.
Hannam-dong's boutique strip towards Cheongdam is emerging as Seoul's most fashionable restaurant and café destination.
Our Picks
5 hotels · Updated February 2026
Hongdae
Ryse is Seoul's best design hotel for creatives — its contemporary art collection spans thousands of works, the rooftop bar Uppercut has arguably the finest views in Hongdae, and the MashiMaro Bakery in the lobby has become a neighbourhood institution.
Gangnam
Occupying the top floors of the COEX Tower in Gangnam, Park Hyatt Seoul is defined by its vast windows framing city panoramas, minimalist interiors by Super Potato, and an infinity pool that hovers at cloud level. A perennial design hotel benchmark.
Gangnam
Glad Live's striking angular tower and rooftop open-air cinema have made it Gangnam's most talked-about mid-range option — bright, design-forward rooms, a buzzy restaurant scene, and excellent subway access at a price that undercuts its neighbours significantly.
Jamsil
Perched on floors 76–101 of the Lotte World Tower — South Korea's tallest building — Signiel Seoul offers literally cloud-piercing views of the Han River and city below. Its Signatures restaurant and butler service are as elevated as the address suggests.
Jangchung
The Shilla's sister property operates on a more accessible tier — a polished, well-run business hotel with all the Shilla group's hallmark service standards, a shopping arcade of Korean luxury brands, and easy access to both Gangnam and the historic centre.
Common Questions
Itaewon is ideal for food lovers, design enthusiasts, and travellers who appreciate a more cosmopolitan, globally diverse neighbourhood experience.
Itaewon is known for international restaurants, designer furniture and antique shops in the Hamilton Hotel area, the Leeum museum, and a legendary nightlife scene.
Itaewon station (Line 6) is one stop from Samgakji and connects to Seoul Station in about 10 minutes — convenient for both the airport and the city's main rail hub.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
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