Itaewon Freedom

by: JYP ent on youtube

wooohooo!
hello everybody!
as my plan, now i post about Itaewon. Opened by mv from UV feat JYP, Itaewon Freedom. i like this mv. so cool.

okay, let me paste some infos i got. *sorry i just copy-paste, because i haven't yet go there*

Brief History of Itaewon
Itaewon market Dating from the 14th century, Itaewon was the first gateway to Seoul for travelers coming from the Yeongnam area of Korea. Being adjacent to the Han River, it formed a major trading area. That tradition continues today as Itaewon attracts thousands of foreign shoppers. The Itaewon shopping area covers a 1.4 km length, stretching from the U.S. 8th Army Base eastwards to Hannam-dong and contains over 1,000 different stores. The area has a vibrant night life scene with many bars and nightclubs. Many street vendors selling shirts, jackets, and caps also stay up late to cater to nocturnal shoppers. Most vendors speak some English and Japanese, and most will take Won, Dollars, or Yen for transactions. Most larger shops will take most credit cards as well.
Origin of the Area Name for Itaewon
According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Itaewon has had two different sets of Chinese characters representing its name. One set used I (meaning different or foreign) and T'ae (meaning pregnancy or conception). The other set used the characters for pear (I ) and big (Tae ). When the Japanese army occupied Seoul during the 1592-98 Japanese invasion, the head of Japanese army went to Unjeong-sa temple in Hwanghak-dong (the current It'eawon area) where female monks were residing.

They raped the female monks and burned the temple when they left, leaving the female monks homeless. Several of the monks became pregnant and built a tent house where they gave birth to the children. People started to call the place It'eawon , a place for foreign pregnancy. Years later, someone planted a pear tree in the area and it grew very well. People then started calling the area It'eawon. meaning pear and big place. This is the Chinese form used up to current times.
Food and Drink
Most Western fast food restaurants have an outlet here. There are also several good Korean, as well as other Western, restaurants here. "Fish Alley" has several small establishments where you can eat inside or take with you. Many stay open until dawn- see the Itaewon night life page for more details.

from: life in Korea

got from visitkorea.com

Itaewon Tourism Information Center

Located next to the Main Business Office inside of Itaewon Station, the center offers tourism information in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
• Hours: 09:00-22:00 (Closed: Lunar New Year and Korean Thanksgiving Day)
• Tel: +82-2-3707-9416~7

why i like Itaewon?
because its unique place. many foreigns culture in there. and for me, because there also a mosque/islamic center.

credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/king_of_clone/3389424088/

moreover, Itaewon provide so many store. acceptable store for shoping with mid-low cost.
but, about mix culture life is the best uniqueness. you can find not only Korea *of course* but a lot of people who come from many country. Italy, Mid-East, Spain, etc.
want to find halal kebab? just go there.
many culinary in Itaewon.
and, i found something interesting from Indonesian's blog (here ) she said about 'a walk of fame'. like at Hollywood street. but Itaewon has its own. not people but some flag, each language for hi and map of country. and there is Indonesia too!
well, make me more envy. i want to go there. maybe with enjoy Itaewon Freedom song. dance along the street. enjoy culinary. buy some hat, clothes. ah, i wish!


credit: http://jypaik2000.wordpress.com/2010/02/08/itaewon-foreigners-gathering-place


map of Islamic center
credit: http://halalfocus.net/2009/08/25/halal-food-and-more-nestled-next-to-the-itaewon-mosque-in-seoul/