Bora Bora
A place where upscale and working-class residences coexist and foreign embassies and the US Army base are located, Itaewon thrives with people of diverse nationalities residing in the area, creating a unique culture. It is one of the most distinct neighborhoods in Seoul. The area between Noksapyeong, Itaewon, and Hangangjin Stations on Subway Line 6 is called Itaewon. It includes Haebangchon and Gyeongnidan Street. The area is also lined with popular restaurants offering diverse cuisines, from Thai, Vietnamese, Turkish, Brazilian, Spanish, American, French, Italian, and African to fusion Korean dishes. When major events such as Halloween and Christmas are held, Itaewon’s streets become filled with Koreans from all over the country and international visitors from all over the world coming to enjoy the events. The residential area from Itaewon Station Exit 2 to the Grand Hyatt Hotel is a rich neighborhood called “Chairmen’s Village,” the location of those large houses appearing in Korean dramas. This neighborhood is known for being the residence of not only chairpersons of large enterprises but also K-Pop singers and movie stars. Walking from here, you will encounter the Leeum Museum of Art, the highlight of Korea’s contemporary art museums. A bit farther is the road to N Seoul Tower, so I hope you enjoy the walk. From Itaewon Station Exit 3, you will find Usadan Street, which is becoming a trendy must-visit place. There, you will find an Islam Mosque boasting elegant architecture and a residential area favored by Muslims from all over the world. Here, you will find a currency exchange kiosk run by a gentleman from Kenya and a Turkish seller offering cell phones, making you wonder whether you really are in Korea. That is how unique this place is. Some supermarkets also sell unique food ingredients in different corners of the neighborhood, so try them out. From the Islam Mosque to Usadan Street, the area is filled with cafés and restaurants frequented by secretly dating young celebrities. There are also many chic boutiques that are full of personality as they were constructed by repairing old buildings. From Exit 4 of Itaewon Station, you will bask in a different ambience. Here, you will find many old restaurants and Koreans who have long lived in the area. Several guesthouses are located here as well. It is rather noisy with the nearby restaurants and people chattering, but it suddenly becomes strangely quiet as you enter the residential area. This spot is often used as a filming site, and many entertainment management companies are gathered here, so you will encounter groups of foreign fans waiting for a glimpse of their favorite Korean celebrities. You can also see many actors drinking beer in front of convenience stores and top models walking along the streets. In addition, you will often encounter foreign broadcasters working in Korea.Rapa Nui is located here, a residential area that goes quiet after passing through famed but noisy global restaurants filled with people waiting for their turn. As it is a crowded area, the police patrol at all times, so it remains safe. You can enjoy the beautiful night scenery of the Hangang River (Jamsugyo Bridge) just a few steps away, so don’t miss out.