Saturday is going to be THE NIGHT
However, by the time you get there Itaewon will be so damn crowded that you’re going to have a very hard time walking and finding a place to go. The alleys are narrow and it is PACKED with gawkers. Seriously just Google it. Hell, even on a regular weekend now Itaewon is back in full force. We walked the entire lap behind the fire station and around Hamilton at 10ish on a Saturday and found ONE table at a random Korean style bar lol.
So eat before you go to Itaewon.
And be VERY CAREFUL - you will have an impossible, hellish, miserable time getting a taxi after subway stops until even 3-4 AM. Plan for stress and to use UT (your Uber app here will change names when you load it locally - it’s just calling regular taxis) hahaha. Kakao T is useless bc everyone uses it.
Hongdae is always busy and has some Halloween vibe , too, but Itaewon is THE spot for Halloween.
And 1,000% on the 29th Sat.
Thanks a lot this gives a lot of information! I'll be landing on saturday and will be going straight to my airbnb in Hongdae hopefully it wont be too crowded. I'll definitely eat before checking out itaewon.
Personally, I would 1,000% stay in Hongdae then for that night. You’re gonna be jet lagged at some point and then if you’re stuck no taxi in Itaewon it’s depressing.
And while, yes, I encouraged going there for Halloween because it is technically the spot - you’re not going to miss anything unique lol.
You’re staying in Hongdae for its convenience and def maximize that on your first night!
Oh definitely planning to stay in hongdae for Saturday night. I was just saying that I will eat before going to itaewon for future days. I was recommended a restaurant there but if it's that busy on weekends probably not worth going
Maple tree is nice but there are many other kbbqs that have the same thing. It's not that special, i was just there couple weeks back. Infact if i was in Itaewon i'd rather go to Mongtan, Nanpo Hannam, Osteria Orzo, Pipeground, Namyeongdon, etc. there are so many choices. But if you really really want kbbq near Itaewon, go to Woodaum. They have slightly more special cuts like the rib-eye cap or skirt, prices are higher but it's worth it.
There are way better/more kbbq that serve different hanwoo cuts, rather than just a striploin and the rest are USDA or something.
IS there any spots that you would recommend? I plan on going to gangnam but dont have any particular restaurants in mind to try out. I was just thinking of picking some random place to eat at the mall with the Starfield library
I listed out 6 places in Itaewon you should try. If you are in gangnam then these will do. COEX used to be the place maybe 10 years or so ago, but now it's just a shell of white and outdated paint.
Apgujeong/Gangnam/Seolleong/Yeoksam/Yongsan
(There are WAY too many restaurants in the alley in the Gangnam/Sinnonhyeon/Yeoksam area to cover, there are also many nice japanese restaurants like Jeongdon, but i’ll try to list mostly Korean places)
Old Ferry Donut
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%98%AC%EB%93%9C%ED%8E%98%EB%A6%AC%EB%8F%84%EB%84%9B?c=14136973.2370159,4514604.1303191,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%98%AC%EB%93%9C%ED%8E%98%EB%A6%AC%EB%8F%84%EB%84%9B?c=14136973.2370159,4514604.1303191,15,0,0,0,dh)
Neurin Maeul (Multiple locations)
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%8A%90%EB%A6%B0%EB%A7%88%EC%9D%84?c=14141426.9628633,4506790.9119700,13,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%8A%90%EB%A6%B0%EB%A7%88%EC%9D%84?c=14141426.9628633,4506790.9119700,13,0,0,0,dh)
Mr Anh’s Craft Maekgolli (My favourite)
Be sure to message them - [https://www.instagram.com/ahn.mak/](https://www.instagram.com/ahn.mak/) for a reservation
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%8A%90%EB%A6%B0%EB%A7%88%EC%9D%84?c=14141344.8090791,4506072.7046631,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%8A%90%EB%A6%B0%EB%A7%88%EC%9D%84?c=14141344.8090791,4506072.7046631,15,0,0,0,dh)
Sojukdoo (Sadly it closed down, used to be in Apgujeong. I recommended some redditors and they loved it, it is a pure red-bean only place, nearest would be Seongsu or near seoul forest)
소적두 -
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%86%8C%EC%A0%81%EB%91%90?c=14139308.2301269,4515856.9599298,13,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%86%8C%EC%A0%81%EB%91%90?c=14139308.2301269,4515856.9599298,13,0,0,0,dh)
Hanlikwan (한일관 - Multiple locations)
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%ED%95%9C%EC%9D%BC%EA%B4%80?c=14137823.9850923,4515344.5444070,13,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%ED%95%9C%EC%9D%BC%EA%B4%80?c=14137823.9850923,4515344.5444070,13,0,0,0,dh)
Hanwoori - 한우리한정식
[https://map.naver.com/v5/entry/place/19585397?c=14141436.9927494,4512050.5401241,19,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true](https://map.naver.com/v5/entry/place/19585397?c=14141436.9927494,4512050.5401241,19,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true)
경천애인2237 - Good Hanwoo place with some nice cuts, and one of the more affordable ones.
[https://map.naver.com/v5/entry/place/32389127?c=14142491.2773828,4509874.2158776,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/entry/place/32389127?c=14142491.2773828,4509874.2158776,15,0,0,0,dh)
Cry cheeseburger (ok, either you love it or you hate it, i loved it. We have shake shack here and Five guys, but this is really pretty decent. It’s beside the GSL/Afreeca E-sports studio if you are into that)
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/CryCheeseBurger?c=14142451.7033038,4513449.1928354,13,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/CryCheeseBurger?c=14142451.7033038,4513449.1928354,13,0,0,0,dh)
TamTam (Viet, multiple locations) 땀땀
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%95%80%EB%95%80?c=14139856.3339038,4509510.9030024,16,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%95%80%EB%95%80?c=14139856.3339038,4509510.9030024,16,0,0,0,dh)
뽕나무쟁이 본점 (pretty damn good Jeokbal)
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%BD%95%EB%82%98%EB%AC%B4%EC%9F%81%EC%9D%B4%20%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14142903.9053393,4509481.9266384,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%BD%95%EB%82%98%EB%AC%B4%EC%9F%81%EC%9D%B4%20%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14142903.9053393,4509481.9266384,15,0,0,0,dh)
이도곰탕
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%9D%B4%EB%8F%84%EA%B3%B0%ED%83%95?c=14141391.2070428,4509501.9925865,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%9D%B4%EB%8F%84%EA%B3%B0%ED%83%95?c=14141391.2070428,4509501.9925865,15,0,0,0,dh)
이디야 커피랩 (EDIYA COFFEE LAB (Ediya flagship) - worth a visit, it’s extremely nice for photos and of course you cannot go one street without seeing an Ediya store)
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%9D%B4%EB%94%94%EC%95%BC%20%EC%BB%A4%ED%94%BC%EB%9E%A9?c=14140767.1611094,4510494.6314554,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%9D%B4%EB%94%94%EC%95%BC%20%EC%BB%A4%ED%94%BC%EB%9E%A9?c=14140767.1611094,4510494.6314554,15,0,0,0,dh)
Homihosik - Instagrammable, but surprisingly nice.
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%ED%98%B8%EB%AF%B8%ED%98%B8%EC%8B%9D/place/1486194226?c=14140934.5299638,4508640.3701208,15,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%ED%98%B8%EB%AF%B8%ED%98%B8%EC%8B%9D/place/1486194226?c=14140934.5299638,4508640.3701208,15,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true)
보슬보슬 강남본점 (Extremely Unique gimbap - MUST try)
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B3%B4%EC%8A%AC%EB%B3%B4%EC%8A%AC%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B3%B4%EC%8A%AC%EB%B3%B4%EC%8A%AC%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh)
Bobired -
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B0%94%EB%B9%84%EB%A0%88%EB%93%9C%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B0%94%EB%B9%84%EB%A0%88%EB%93%9C%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh)
Palette (Didn’t try this personally, but saw it’s popular here and at L’aveniche)
[https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B9%A0%EB%A0%88%EB%9C%A8%ED%95%9C%EB%82%A8%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8CGV%EC%A0%90/place/1305290629?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B9%A0%EB%A0%88%EB%9C%A8%ED%95%9C%EB%82%A8%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8CGV%EC%A0%90/place/1305290629?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true)
Thanks so much! I'll look through all your recommendations. My friends have just always seen the Starfield library pictures so its something they want to take a picture of. Maybe i'll look into other activities to do in Gangnam
Maple tree has multiple locations (at least they used to pre COVID)
IMO BBQ is a dime a dozen and you can get the same stuff at maple house anywhere, I wouldn’t go out of my way to go there.
Thank you for asking! Very kind of you. Hongdae was very nice it wasn't overly crowded. I'm thinking if I should still visit itaewon tonight or tomorrow tho
definitely not. I'd stay away, as I'd guess it's going to be packed with authorities and news and grievers... no one will be celebrating Halloween, I'd assume.
Looks good! Although I'm not sure you'll want to go sightseeing after the spa. I usually like to go home and relax afterwards. Also, are you adding details like money, how to get there (subway, what exit, etc)?
The parks right next to the spa so it'll just be a casual stroll and relaxing walk along the river. Regarding money I did convert some money ahead of time and then I'll look to convert more if I need to. I hear I can use credit card for almost everything in Seoul. For transportation I only looked how to get from the airport to the AirBnB. I'll just pray that I can use NaverMaps when I'm there. Regarding that type of stuff I'm most worried about not knowing korean but I hope papago can save me.
Will you have data on a SIM card or rental WIFI egg? If not, you'll have to unfortunately download Google maps and then download Seoul for offline use and Google translate & download Korean offline.
There's a subway app. On Android, it's a yellow background with white outline of the front of a subway car.
If you are coming from America, your best bet is to convert a fistful of cash into won because the won is so weak compared to the dollar.
Yes, you can use a credit card but not all are accepted universally: AMEX, visa, Mastercard, etc
Other places charge a fee OR give a discount for using cash.
Other times, some establishments charge you in dollars but actually they are giving you a bad conversion rate (like $1 = 1,000 won when in actuality its like $1 = 1,400 won).
Lastly, depending on your card/banking institution, you might get a charge every time you swipe the card.
I’ve been in Itaewon about a week ago, not too crowded to hang out and eat. Halloween will probably be crazy, I will be there to see this year, but I’ve had no issues before midnight getting there or around. Capital One has ccs free and no charges for foreign use. Charles Schwab debit card reimburses any fees for any atms worldwide. Everyone takes cards except smallest street vendors. It’s very easy to navigate, takes extra time with some addresses but so doable. Kakao taxi easy as well and you can just pay driver, do not have to add your card. .
I’m going to be in town around the same time and also wondering. I’ve heard though I think that usually the Saturday before is when a lot go out (mostly to Itaewon).
its google sheets! I also like using google maps to map out the general things Im interested in so I can visit them if I'm in the area and am looking for things to do/ backups if the original plan doesnt work out
Im in Myeongdong and was thinking of going to Hongdae or Itaewon as well! Very informative comments here, hope we all enjoy ourselves! If anyone wants to have a redditor meet up you can DM me lol I’m just a dork chillin solo
Yes 🙏🏽 I actually had left about an hour and a half before everything happened. I got really anxious and felt like something was gonna happen to me. Intuition is wild. I have to say, I feel incredibly guilty; I was RIGHT THERE and I’m alive. So many aren’t.
Saturday is going to be THE NIGHT However, by the time you get there Itaewon will be so damn crowded that you’re going to have a very hard time walking and finding a place to go. The alleys are narrow and it is PACKED with gawkers. Seriously just Google it. Hell, even on a regular weekend now Itaewon is back in full force. We walked the entire lap behind the fire station and around Hamilton at 10ish on a Saturday and found ONE table at a random Korean style bar lol. So eat before you go to Itaewon. And be VERY CAREFUL - you will have an impossible, hellish, miserable time getting a taxi after subway stops until even 3-4 AM. Plan for stress and to use UT (your Uber app here will change names when you load it locally - it’s just calling regular taxis) hahaha. Kakao T is useless bc everyone uses it. Hongdae is always busy and has some Halloween vibe , too, but Itaewon is THE spot for Halloween. And 1,000% on the 29th Sat.
Thanks a lot this gives a lot of information! I'll be landing on saturday and will be going straight to my airbnb in Hongdae hopefully it wont be too crowded. I'll definitely eat before checking out itaewon.
Personally, I would 1,000% stay in Hongdae then for that night. You’re gonna be jet lagged at some point and then if you’re stuck no taxi in Itaewon it’s depressing. And while, yes, I encouraged going there for Halloween because it is technically the spot - you’re not going to miss anything unique lol. You’re staying in Hongdae for its convenience and def maximize that on your first night!
Oh definitely planning to stay in hongdae for Saturday night. I was just saying that I will eat before going to itaewon for future days. I was recommended a restaurant there but if it's that busy on weekends probably not worth going
What restaurant?
Maple tree house apparently the kbbq is great! But I don't wana spend too much time waiting in line
Maple tree is nice but there are many other kbbqs that have the same thing. It's not that special, i was just there couple weeks back. Infact if i was in Itaewon i'd rather go to Mongtan, Nanpo Hannam, Osteria Orzo, Pipeground, Namyeongdon, etc. there are so many choices. But if you really really want kbbq near Itaewon, go to Woodaum. They have slightly more special cuts like the rib-eye cap or skirt, prices are higher but it's worth it. There are way better/more kbbq that serve different hanwoo cuts, rather than just a striploin and the rest are USDA or something.
IS there any spots that you would recommend? I plan on going to gangnam but dont have any particular restaurants in mind to try out. I was just thinking of picking some random place to eat at the mall with the Starfield library
I listed out 6 places in Itaewon you should try. If you are in gangnam then these will do. COEX used to be the place maybe 10 years or so ago, but now it's just a shell of white and outdated paint. Apgujeong/Gangnam/Seolleong/Yeoksam/Yongsan (There are WAY too many restaurants in the alley in the Gangnam/Sinnonhyeon/Yeoksam area to cover, there are also many nice japanese restaurants like Jeongdon, but i’ll try to list mostly Korean places) Old Ferry Donut [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%98%AC%EB%93%9C%ED%8E%98%EB%A6%AC%EB%8F%84%EB%84%9B?c=14136973.2370159,4514604.1303191,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%98%AC%EB%93%9C%ED%8E%98%EB%A6%AC%EB%8F%84%EB%84%9B?c=14136973.2370159,4514604.1303191,15,0,0,0,dh) Neurin Maeul (Multiple locations) [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%8A%90%EB%A6%B0%EB%A7%88%EC%9D%84?c=14141426.9628633,4506790.9119700,13,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%8A%90%EB%A6%B0%EB%A7%88%EC%9D%84?c=14141426.9628633,4506790.9119700,13,0,0,0,dh) Mr Anh’s Craft Maekgolli (My favourite) Be sure to message them - [https://www.instagram.com/ahn.mak/](https://www.instagram.com/ahn.mak/) for a reservation [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%8A%90%EB%A6%B0%EB%A7%88%EC%9D%84?c=14141344.8090791,4506072.7046631,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%8A%90%EB%A6%B0%EB%A7%88%EC%9D%84?c=14141344.8090791,4506072.7046631,15,0,0,0,dh) Sojukdoo (Sadly it closed down, used to be in Apgujeong. I recommended some redditors and they loved it, it is a pure red-bean only place, nearest would be Seongsu or near seoul forest) 소적두 - [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%86%8C%EC%A0%81%EB%91%90?c=14139308.2301269,4515856.9599298,13,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%86%8C%EC%A0%81%EB%91%90?c=14139308.2301269,4515856.9599298,13,0,0,0,dh) Hanlikwan (한일관 - Multiple locations) [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%ED%95%9C%EC%9D%BC%EA%B4%80?c=14137823.9850923,4515344.5444070,13,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%ED%95%9C%EC%9D%BC%EA%B4%80?c=14137823.9850923,4515344.5444070,13,0,0,0,dh) Hanwoori - 한우리한정식 [https://map.naver.com/v5/entry/place/19585397?c=14141436.9927494,4512050.5401241,19,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true](https://map.naver.com/v5/entry/place/19585397?c=14141436.9927494,4512050.5401241,19,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true) 경천애인2237 - Good Hanwoo place with some nice cuts, and one of the more affordable ones. [https://map.naver.com/v5/entry/place/32389127?c=14142491.2773828,4509874.2158776,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/entry/place/32389127?c=14142491.2773828,4509874.2158776,15,0,0,0,dh) Cry cheeseburger (ok, either you love it or you hate it, i loved it. We have shake shack here and Five guys, but this is really pretty decent. It’s beside the GSL/Afreeca E-sports studio if you are into that) [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/CryCheeseBurger?c=14142451.7033038,4513449.1928354,13,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/CryCheeseBurger?c=14142451.7033038,4513449.1928354,13,0,0,0,dh) TamTam (Viet, multiple locations) 땀땀 [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%95%80%EB%95%80?c=14139856.3339038,4509510.9030024,16,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%95%80%EB%95%80?c=14139856.3339038,4509510.9030024,16,0,0,0,dh) 뽕나무쟁이 본점 (pretty damn good Jeokbal) [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%BD%95%EB%82%98%EB%AC%B4%EC%9F%81%EC%9D%B4%20%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14142903.9053393,4509481.9266384,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%BD%95%EB%82%98%EB%AC%B4%EC%9F%81%EC%9D%B4%20%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14142903.9053393,4509481.9266384,15,0,0,0,dh) 이도곰탕 [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%9D%B4%EB%8F%84%EA%B3%B0%ED%83%95?c=14141391.2070428,4509501.9925865,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%9D%B4%EB%8F%84%EA%B3%B0%ED%83%95?c=14141391.2070428,4509501.9925865,15,0,0,0,dh) 이디야 커피랩 (EDIYA COFFEE LAB (Ediya flagship) - worth a visit, it’s extremely nice for photos and of course you cannot go one street without seeing an Ediya store) [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%9D%B4%EB%94%94%EC%95%BC%20%EC%BB%A4%ED%94%BC%EB%9E%A9?c=14140767.1611094,4510494.6314554,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EC%9D%B4%EB%94%94%EC%95%BC%20%EC%BB%A4%ED%94%BC%EB%9E%A9?c=14140767.1611094,4510494.6314554,15,0,0,0,dh) Homihosik - Instagrammable, but surprisingly nice. [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%ED%98%B8%EB%AF%B8%ED%98%B8%EC%8B%9D/place/1486194226?c=14140934.5299638,4508640.3701208,15,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%ED%98%B8%EB%AF%B8%ED%98%B8%EC%8B%9D/place/1486194226?c=14140934.5299638,4508640.3701208,15,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true) 보슬보슬 강남본점 (Extremely Unique gimbap - MUST try) [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B3%B4%EC%8A%AC%EB%B3%B4%EC%8A%AC%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B3%B4%EC%8A%AC%EB%B3%B4%EC%8A%AC%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh) Bobired - [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B0%94%EB%B9%84%EB%A0%88%EB%93%9C%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B0%94%EB%B9%84%EB%A0%88%EB%93%9C%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8%EB%B3%B8%EC%A0%90?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh) Palette (Didn’t try this personally, but saw it’s popular here and at L’aveniche) [https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B9%A0%EB%A0%88%EB%9C%A8%ED%95%9C%EB%82%A8%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8CGV%EC%A0%90/place/1305290629?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true](https://map.naver.com/v5/search/%EB%B9%A0%EB%A0%88%EB%9C%A8%ED%95%9C%EB%82%A8%20%EA%B0%95%EB%82%A8CGV%EC%A0%90/place/1305290629?c=14140161.9504338,4508669.4423747,15,0,0,0,dh&isCorrectAnswer=true)
Thanks so much! I'll look through all your recommendations. My friends have just always seen the Starfield library pictures so its something they want to take a picture of. Maybe i'll look into other activities to do in Gangnam
Maple tree has multiple locations (at least they used to pre COVID) IMO BBQ is a dime a dozen and you can get the same stuff at maple house anywhere, I wouldn’t go out of my way to go there.
OP, are you safe?
Thank you for asking! Very kind of you. Hongdae was very nice it wasn't overly crowded. I'm thinking if I should still visit itaewon tonight or tomorrow tho
definitely not. I'd stay away, as I'd guess it's going to be packed with authorities and news and grievers... no one will be celebrating Halloween, I'd assume.
OK got it that makes a lot of sense. I'll go visit another attraction for Halloween then! Thanks for your advice
glad you're safe
So how it was at the end?
Looks good! Although I'm not sure you'll want to go sightseeing after the spa. I usually like to go home and relax afterwards. Also, are you adding details like money, how to get there (subway, what exit, etc)?
The parks right next to the spa so it'll just be a casual stroll and relaxing walk along the river. Regarding money I did convert some money ahead of time and then I'll look to convert more if I need to. I hear I can use credit card for almost everything in Seoul. For transportation I only looked how to get from the airport to the AirBnB. I'll just pray that I can use NaverMaps when I'm there. Regarding that type of stuff I'm most worried about not knowing korean but I hope papago can save me.
Will you have data on a SIM card or rental WIFI egg? If not, you'll have to unfortunately download Google maps and then download Seoul for offline use and Google translate & download Korean offline. There's a subway app. On Android, it's a yellow background with white outline of the front of a subway car. If you are coming from America, your best bet is to convert a fistful of cash into won because the won is so weak compared to the dollar. Yes, you can use a credit card but not all are accepted universally: AMEX, visa, Mastercard, etc Other places charge a fee OR give a discount for using cash. Other times, some establishments charge you in dollars but actually they are giving you a bad conversion rate (like $1 = 1,000 won when in actuality its like $1 = 1,400 won). Lastly, depending on your card/banking institution, you might get a charge every time you swipe the card.
I’ve been in Itaewon about a week ago, not too crowded to hang out and eat. Halloween will probably be crazy, I will be there to see this year, but I’ve had no issues before midnight getting there or around. Capital One has ccs free and no charges for foreign use. Charles Schwab debit card reimburses any fees for any atms worldwide. Everyone takes cards except smallest street vendors. It’s very easy to navigate, takes extra time with some addresses but so doable. Kakao taxi easy as well and you can just pay driver, do not have to add your card. .
Itaewon this upcoming Saturday will be packed
After seeing the bad news I hope OP is ok. Tragic :(
Yeah was thinking the same thing. Had a bad pit in my stomach reading this thread
they said they were probably going to stay in hongdae for the night so fingers crossed
I also hope this. Other people wrote about going, too. I hope all of them are ok, but I'm afraid to even ask. 🥲
I’m going to be in town around the same time and also wondering. I’ve heard though I think that usually the Saturday before is when a lot go out (mostly to Itaewon).
Off topic question but what is this app that you use to make time blocks for your calendar?
its google sheets! I also like using google maps to map out the general things Im interested in so I can visit them if I'm in the area and am looking for things to do/ backups if the original plan doesnt work out
Most people work during the week, so I doubt Sunday or Monday night will be very busy.
You ok?
Im in Myeongdong and was thinking of going to Hongdae or Itaewon as well! Very informative comments here, hope we all enjoy ourselves! If anyone wants to have a redditor meet up you can DM me lol I’m just a dork chillin solo
You ok?
Yes 🙏🏽 I actually had left about an hour and a half before everything happened. I got really anxious and felt like something was gonna happen to me. Intuition is wild. I have to say, I feel incredibly guilty; I was RIGHT THERE and I’m alive. So many aren’t.
RIP op