Itaewon Class Travel Guide: The Uncompromising Youth Rebellion and Seoul's Multicultural Street, Itaewon

Aired on JTBC and Netflix in 2020, Itaewon Class is a revenge and entrepreneurial success story depicting the rebellion of youths united by stubbornness and bravado in an irrational world. Starring Park Seo-joon and Kim Da-mi in the lead roles, the drama achieved a peak viewership rating of 16.5% in South Korea.

In particular, the passionate narrative of overcoming adversity and rising from the very bottom to become number one in the food service industry created a massive resonance across Asia, especially in Japan. Set against the backdrop of 'Itaewon,' the most exotic neighborhood in Seoul, South Korea, this masterpiece delivered a powerful message of youth to the world: to live life on one's own terms without making compromises.

The Myth of a 16.5% Rating: The Explosive Growth of a 'Brand' Beyond Revenge

The core appeal of this drama does not stop at simple retribution to avenge the injustice suffered at the hands of the chairman of a massive food conglomerate. The process where a protagonist with absolutely nothing opens a small pub ('Danbam') in a narrow alley of Itaewon, develops menus with colleagues who trust and follow him, and grows it into the top brand makes viewers' hearts pound.

The protagonist's "uncompromising principles" of never bowing down to power are not merely packaged to look cool; the drama convincingly portrays the realistic losses and pain he must endure because of them, thereby earning the heavy support and cheers of the audience.

The Multicultural Space of Itaewon and the Value of Living as Oneself

The drama's setting, 'Itaewon,' is actually a symbolic space in Seoul where the most diverse races, cultures, and sexual minorities live together. In this place, scarred youths prove their own unique values by fighting against the prejudices of society.

Furthermore, the drama critiques the outdated rules of the older generation through Korea's highly hierarchical 'Hoesik' (company dinner) culture and drinking etiquette featured in the show. For foreign viewers, it serves as a perfect introductory work that gives a glimpse into the fierce competition of Korean society and the dynamic atmosphere of the younger generation yearning for change within it.

A Practical Itaewon Tour Course for Travelers to Korea

Add the areas of Itaewon and Namsan in Seoul, where the uncompromising energy of youth lives and breathes, to your travel itinerary.

Exploring the Local Streets of Itaewon and Danbam Pocha

Take a slow walk through the streets around Itaewon Station, where restaurants of various nationalities and vibrant music flow out. You can feel Itaewon's uniquely free and hip atmosphere by dropping by the alleys near the filming location of 'Danbam' (near Noksapyeong Station), the protagonist's first pub, or by grabbing a glass of beer at a trendy pojangmacha (pocha) or rooftop bar.

A Night Stroll at Namsan Baekbeom Square Park

Climb up to Namsan Baekbeom Square Park, where the protagonists Park Sae-ro-yi and Jo Yi-seo walked side-by-side and talked against the backdrop of Seoul's dazzling night view. By walking along the old fortress wall path stretching toward Namsan Seoul Tower and breathing in the night air, you can perfectly recreate the romantic and overwhelming emotions felt in the drama.

The Alleyway Vibes of Haebangchon and Gyeongridan-gil

Located right next to Itaewon, Haebangchon and Gyeongridan-gil are charming neighborhoods where old residential houses and aesthetic cafes are mixed together. Although the hills are steep, as you walk up the path, you will find cafes with spectacular views looking down at Namsan Tower and the heart of Seoul. It is a place filled with the vibrant energy of youths dreaming of starting their own businesses.

Travel Precautions

The Itaewon area, Haebangchon, and Gyeongridan-gil consist of extremely steep hills and narrow alleys. When exploring this area on foot, you must wear comfortable, flat sneakers or flat shoes to reduce fatigue in your feet.

Also, on weekend nights, the main street of Itaewon becomes extremely congested for both pedestrians and public transportation due to the massive crowds flocking to clubs and pubs. If you want to leisurely enjoy the drama's atmosphere and take photos, it is highly recommended to avoid weekend nights and visit on a weekday afternoon or early evening instead.

Key Summary

• This is a drama starring Park Seo-joon and Kim Da-mi that recorded a peak rating of 16.5% and sparked a massive startup fever across Asia.
• It depicts the exhilarating rebellion of youths who, standing up to an irrational giant corporation, start from a small pub and grow to become #1 in the food industry.
• Visit the alleys and rooftop pubs of Itaewon, Seoul, where diverse cultures coexist, and experience the free and dynamic energy.
• We recommend taking a night stroll along the Namsan Fortress Wall path (Baekbeom Square Park) where the protagonists went on dates, to enjoy the fantastic night view of Seoul.
• Areas like Haebangchon in Itaewon have very steep hills, so wearing comfortable shoes and avoiding the extreme crowd congestion on weekend nights is highly advised.

▶ Check 'Itaewon Class' info on Wikipedia
▶ Visit Korea Official Travel Guide