Itaewon / Hannam-dong
Seoul's most international neighborhood. Home to the largest expat community, diverse restaurants, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
rent
1.5M - 3M KRW/month (1BR)
deposit
5M - 20M KRW (wolse)
expat
High
subway
Line 6 (Itaewon, Hangangjin, Noksapyeong)
What it is like to live here
Itaewon has been Seoul's international hub for decades, originally shaped by the nearby US military base (Yongsan Garrison). Today it is the most diverse neighborhood in Korea, with restaurants from dozens of cuisines, international grocery stores, English-friendly services, and a large expat social scene.
Hannam-dong, just uphill from Itaewon, is the more upscale residential area. It is popular with diplomats, corporate expats, and families. Several international schools are nearby, and housing ranges from older villas to modern luxury apartments.
The area is well-connected via Line 6 (Itaewon, Hangangjin stations) and close to the Han River parks. Grocery options include Foreign Food Mart and High Street Market for imported goods.
With dozens of cuisines to choose from, finding the right spot can be overwhelming. Discover the best restaurants in Itaewon on Woongie, with reviews from real visitors to help you find your next favorite meal.
Best for
- •First-time expats who want an English-friendly environment
- •Families near international schools (Yongsan International School nearby)
- •People who enjoy diverse food and nightlife
- •Those who prefer socializing with other expats
Considerations
- •Higher rent than most Seoul neighborhoods
- •Can feel like a “bubble” if you want to immerse in Korean culture
- •Hilly terrain, lots of stairs and slopes
- •Nightlife areas can be noisy on weekends