My goal while I’m in Seoul is to visit a new place every weekend.

For my first trip, I chose Itaewon on a recommendation from the other English teacher at my school.

Itaewon is one of the more ‘touristy’ areas of Seoul. Located near the center of this huge town, Itaewon is one of those areas to check out – and likely check off the list of places to visit. It knows that tourists come to it, and the locals will go the extra mile to ensure their American visitors feel comfortable – knowing they’ll pay extra for it.

Even for an American teacher living in Seoul, it’s still a fun place. A great place to shop, you’ll find clothes for everyone, food, books, shoes, watches, restaurants of every kind from fancy to simple, money changing places (closed for the day – I’m surprised there wasn’t at least one open during the night). One of the churches is along the strip, and had several singers singing worship songs to the passersby. In a way they have to market to people too, I suppose.

I had a good dinner while in Itaewon – grilled shrimp, some sort of peas, soup, and my first bottle of soju. Soju is a distilled alcoholic beverage unique to Korea (about 20% alcohol, for those of you keeping track), and is traditionally made from rice or potatoes. I was given the bottle and a chilled shot glass – apprehensive at first, I sip it slowly and ask for some mul (water), just in case. First reaction: actually pretty good – sort of like a watered-down vodka, but without the harsh alcoholic aftertaste. Your mouth doesn’t burn, but it still tastes like alcohol – possibly an effect of the distilling / filtering process. In any case, one 500ml (about 16 ounces) bottle of Jinro soju was 3,000 won (about $3) at the restaurant. I later found out it’s around 1,000 won at supermarkets (about $1). I’ll try it again sometime – next time, it’ll be with a group. There’s some detailed etiquette that Americans might consider a drinking game – It’s not, but I don’t know enough about it to describe it yet…

OK, time for the pictures 🙂

Where are we again?!? Oh yeah, Korea…. Hmm… This scene could probably be replicated almost anywhere in the world… Well, if I’m ever craving a sweet onion chicken teriyaki sub I’ll know where to get one…

Two words I never expected to see together: ‘Reggae’ and ‘pub’. In any case, reggae music was the music of choice at this particular establishment.

A map of the Itaewon ‘strip’. Walk up and down about 8-9 blocks from start to finish, with plenty of taxis to drive you back to your hotel – or just stay at one right there…

Not to be outdone by other bars with flashing lights and multiple floors, this bar offers the chance to get wasted, drunkenly ask the girl to marry you, and get married – ALL IN THE SAME BUILDING! I’d love to watch that ceremony… or visit the ‘lucky’ couple the morning after…

Compared to America, everything in Korea is smaller and more compressed. The buildings, the people, the aisles at a store, the streets, etc. etc. etc. This is an example of how businesses tend to deal with the space – each floor is typically a separate business, with stairs taking patrons from one business to another.

“Welcome to Krazy Burgers – would you like rice on your burger?” WTF? Sure, just try to smash this one into your mouth – the Koreans watching you won’t laugh too hard.

Most restaurants that serve seafood tend to let it float until it’s the right time – which is usually about 2-3 minutes after the customer orders it. It makes for an interesting sight on the street, and puts the tanks with lobsters in Walmart to shame.