Itaewon in the center of Seoul is considered a symbol of internationalism, openness, and cultural exchange. The district owes its special character to the closeby former US military base Yongsan, which was active until 2018. After the Korean War, the neighborhood attracted many American soldiers, diplomats, and business people, creating an unusually international environment. While other parts of Seoul remained strongly influenced by tradition, Itaewon opened up to the West early on with bars, secondhand stores, trendy cafes, and international restaurants. Accordingly, you’ll also find many urban artworks here, ranging from small to large and created by local artists as well as international visitors.
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