It’s not news that I spend a fair amount of my time hanging around in Itaewon.  Although lately, it is just a couple of my bar hangouts and favorite restaurants.  Things are changing pretty fast, with upscale restuarants moving in and sleazy juicy bars shutting down.  That’s a change for the better in my opinion.

Anyway, I was cleaning up some of my photo files and found some pictures I took last year when I was out and about in daylight (which is unusual for me).  Quality is poor (I can tell a big difference with my new Samsung camera).  So far better or worse, here they are:

There are several dress store selling bizarre fashions like these.  Who the hell buys them?  I have never seen anyone actually wearing anything similiar.  One of those great unsolved mysteries I suppose.

Shoes galore.  I’ve actually never bought shoes on the economy as the PX has served my purposes just fine.  I’ve been considering getting a pair of custom shoes made however.  Next time I’m out in the daytime hours perhaps.

A particularly crappy photo, even by my low standards.  Manila Bar is a place I visit on a semi-regular basis.  As the name suggests, it is owned by a very nice Filipino couple, Teddy and Jovie.  Teddy plays guitar and piano and is a fine singer as well.  They also do Karaoke and it is in this bar that I became (in)famous for my rendition of the Marty Robbins classic “El Paso”.

A bag lady’s paradise for sure.

This is the alley that leads from Dolce Vita Pub/Bless U Pub to the aforementioned Manila Bar.  It’s more foreboding at night, but really there is no danger.  One of the most amazing things about Seoul is the low rate of crime and street violence. This is also one of the 3 alleys from which 3 Alley Pub draws its name.  I don’t get out to 3 Alley Pub that much, and when I do it is generally for the food.  Their German goulash is outstanding and they have about the best wings I’ve found in Korea.  Well, Western-style wings anyway.

Continental Custom Tailor is where I get my suits made.  Don’t pay the quoted price, you have to bargain with the guy.  He’ll usually come down W50,000 or so, but I imagine I’m still paying a waeguk premium.

They opened a Hard Rock Cafe a year or so ago.  I’ve never been in the restaurant though.  For the past few weeks its been closed due to “electrical problems”.  I suspect it is probably an economic problem though.  The gift shop is still open for those wishing to purchase overpriced souvieneers.

You can also find many shops selling tourist trinkets like these.

More funky dresses.  These stores are everywhere, so they must have a market.

One of the newer restuarants in town.  Nice to sit outside when the weather is nice and people gaze.  Foods not bad either.

What can I say?  One of the more interesting names for a woman’s fashion outlet I’ve seen.

Street scene taken in front of the Cheil Building.  This is right up the street from my house.  The Seoul Tower and Hyatt Hotel are nice landmarks to find your way back home.  When I drive in Seoul I try to stay within sight of the tower so I don’t get lost.

Korea is renowned for being “wired”.  Somehow I don’t think this is what they mean.  Taken in the alley behind my apartment.

Finally, this is the little store near my residence.  It’s where I buy my smokes and late night snacks.  The ajumma who runs the place is very kind and even helps me with my Korean.  Well, she taught me to say “dulgae Ultra chuseyo” anyway.  Beats holding up two fingers and pointing, right?

Ok, well I hoped you enjoyed this virtual tour of Itaewon.  I know, I know.  You wanted to see the famous prostitution bars, transgender clubs, and gay hill, right?  Hmmm, if I ever get the courage maybe I’ll take some for you.  Probably not though.  Maybe I’ll do the dart league venues instead.  Fair enough?