Itaewon 이태원

Last checked: October 2026

Seoul's most international neighborhood, spread along Line 6 from Noksapyeong to Hangangjin, with restaurants from around the world, Korea's first mosque, and hillside streets.

Line 6 Itaewon Exit3

Line 6 Noksapyeong Exit2

Line 6 Hangangjin Exit1

Worth it?

Yes, for dinner

The most international part of Seoul: restaurants from around the world, Korea's first mosque, and steep hillside streets. Come in the late afternoon, walk up to Haebangchon or Leeum, and stay for dinner.

Visiting

Which station: All on Line 6. Itaewon for the main street and the mosque, Noksapyeong for Gyeongnidan-gil and Haebangchon, Hangangjin for Hannam-dong and Leeum.
Seoul Central Mosque: Korea's first mosque, opened in 1976. Visitors are welcome 10:30–17:00 without booking, but not inside the prayer hall. Don't wear short skirts; the mosque has skirts and hijabs to borrow. Visits are hard around prayer times and on Fridays 12:00–15:00.
Leeum Museum of Art: Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00, tickets until 17:30, closed Mondays. The traditional art collection and the outdoor garden are free; special exhibitions cost extra. Book up to 14 days ahead, or get tickets on site.
Halloween: On October 29, 2022, 159 people died in a crowd crush in a narrow alley next to Itaewon Station Exit 1, and the government now counts 160 victims. The alley is a memorial path today. On Halloween weekends Seoul manages the crowds here: in 2026, Itaewon-ro is closed to cars on October 31, narrow alleys get one-way walking lines, and station exits may close or trains may skip Itaewon Station.
Time needed: 2–4 hours, best for dinner.

Open in Naver Map

Tips

World Food Street, the street behind the Hamilton Hotel, is a short walk from Itaewon Station Exit 2.
For halal food, walk up from Exit 3 toward the mosque. Halal restaurants, a halal butcher, and grocery stores are around it.
Haebangchon, on the hill above Noksapyeong, was settled by refugees after 1945. Its Sinheung Market has small restaurants and bars under a cloud-shaped roof.
The streets are steep. Leeum is about 5 minutes uphill from Hangangjin Exit 1.
The War Memorial of Korea is free and one stop west of Noksapyeong, at Samgakji Exit 12. It is open 09:30–17:40 (last entry 17:00) and closed on Mondays.
Visit Seoul's live tourism guide shows how crowded the Itaewon tourist zone is right now.

Nearby

Seoul Tourism Organization, KOGL Type 1 N Seoul Tower Go at sunset · Seoul

More around here: the Seoul guide.

FAQ

Is Itaewon crowded at Halloween?

Yes, on Halloween weekends. In 2026, Seoul closes Itaewon-ro to cars on October 31, and station exits may close or trains may skip Itaewon Station. Follow the safety staff. If Itaewon Station is closed, use Noksapyeong or Hangangjin on Line 6.

Can non-Muslims visit the Seoul Central Mosque?

Yes, from 10:30 to 17:00 without booking. Dress modestly, don't enter the prayer hall, and don't photograph people without asking.

Which station is best for Itaewon?

Itaewon Station (Line 6) for the main street and the mosque. Noksapyeong for Gyeongnidan-gil and Haebangchon, and Hangangjin for Leeum and Hannam-dong.