Itaewon /
Yes, it’s fast succumbing to the accute chainstore-itis sweeping the globe, and yes, it’s firmly on the tourist map, but this once tacky vendor-land is is still worth a sashay for the little boutiques selling dirt cheap label copies, plus a bevy of restos, bars and clubs.
Begin your retail-a-thon at exit of Itaewon Station opposite the which, bless ’em, has an international ATM on the 1/F – most shops accept cards, but best stock up with cash just in case. Turn right around the IBK Bank bldg and scoot down the hill on Bogwang-ro 59-gil, aka Itaewon’s Rodeo Fashion Street. This 600m SoHo-esque street is full of small boutiques selling no-brand fash, Marant knock-offs and the like, usually in while-it-lasts quantity from around 11am-8pm daily. Trot along past
/ 790 9994 / serving ace Korean fare, and you’ll come to a T-way with CU convenience store on the right. Follow the street left and espy 070 4256 9783 / tops for a mid-shop spruce with beauty treats including sprays, mani/pedi and lash extension alongside multi-brand shop with caff 792 2818. Zip back onto Rodeo St and turn left; you can’t miss razor-sharp gent’s one-stop 4837 / looking like it quantum-leaped direct from Italia. Exit Napoli right and skip straight on. Feeling weary? Strike a pause at for a hot jujube tea or beloved local shaved ice sweet, bingsu. At the next crossroad either detour right toward Itaewon Market for teeny stocking gorgie ’gator totes, or swing left for two lovely style stops, on the right, followed by both chokka with Euro runway looks at a fraction of the price. Further along Rodeo St, at the next three-way cross-road you’ll spot swank store straight ahead, repping big names. Veering right, totter along the string of neat boutiques selling on-trend runway copies, shoes and bags – our faves are where you can also nab an adorable corsage handmade at the inhouse atelier, and Phew! Wallet workout got you famished? You’re in luck; waddle across the street for with juicy burgers, or push on to the end and dart right for 10 9430 0403 / packing in super cute lifestyle bits plus a coffee shop above. Exit right and you’re smack bang on Itaewon’s main avenue bustling with carts selling all kinds of random bits n’ bobs from socks to sunnies. Dive in if you fancy a rummage, or else round off with a big slice of choccy cake at 794 7278. You’ve aced it, Martina Nav-retailista!