Itaewon-dong (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Itaewon-dong?
What makes it 88% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor finds 24-hour eateries, multicultural shops, art museums, and guided pub crawls, all signed in English, so moving alone feels easy; only late-night crowds demand usual caution.
Positives:
- Social atmosphere: Activities like pub crawls and classes help you meet other travelers.
- Multilingual signage: Most shops use English signs, easing navigation.
- Diverse cuisine: Find dishes from Turkey, India, and Thailand along the main street.
Challenges:
- Night crowds: Itaewon gets busy after sunset, so watch your belongings.
- Hilly terrain: Some streets are steep; wear comfortable shoes.
- Touristy feel: Fewer local-only spots; area can feel more geared to visitors.
What is Itaewon-dong?
- A central Seoul neighborhood in Yongsan-gu hosting diverse international communities and local institutions
- A bustling commercial district spanning 1.4 kilometers and housing over 2,000 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues
- A district shaped by its proximity to US military bases, with prominent English signage and a fusion of global culinary and cultural influences
What is so special about Itaewon-dong for solo trip?
- Experience a lively mix of global cuisines and nightlife.
- Join small-group activities to stay safe and social.
- Visit free cultural sites like the Seoul Central Mosque and Leeum Art Museum.
- Explore vintage shops and cultural workshops at your own pace.
- Ideal for meeting travelers and trying new experiences solo.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to browse shops, visit a museum, and join one local activity.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Itaewon-dong
Itaewon Pub Crawl:
Join a guided night tour of 3–4 bars and meet fellow travelers.
Tip: Book in advance to secure your spot and bring your ID.
Seoul Central Mosque:
Explore Korea’s first mosque and admire its blue-tile dome.
Tip: Dress modestly and visit outside prayer times for photos.
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art:
View free permanent exhibits of Korean and international art.
Tip: Check opening hours online and enter from Itaewon Station.
Antique Furniture Street:
Wander narrow lanes lined with vintage furniture shops.
Tip: Go in the morning for quieter streets and better photo light.
Korean Cooking Class:
Learn to make kimchi, bulgogi, or bibimbap hands-on.
Tip: Choose small-group classes to practice with other solo travelers.
Calligraphy Workshop:
Practice writing Hangul with brush and ink.
Tip: Ask for an English guide if you need translation.
When is the best time to visit Itaewon-dong (Seoul, South Korea)?
Attend the Itaewon Global Village Festival every October for free street food, parades, and live music.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Itaewon Pub Crawl | KRW 30,000 |
| Korean Cooking Class | KRW 50,000 |
| Calligraphy Workshop | KRW 20,000 |
| Total Estimated | KRW 100,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Itaewon-dong
- Arrive before 6 PM: Beat the evening rush and enjoy quieter shops.
- Use Itaewon Station Exit 2: Walk 10 minutes to the hilltop viewpoint for city views.
- Download a translation app: Helps communicate in less touristy spots.
Map of Itaewon-dong
Address: Itaewon-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Itaewon-dong (Seoul)?
About Itaewon-dong
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities