Itaewon ( 이태원 )

1. Itaewon (이태원) Itaewon is a city district, in Yongsan-Gu, part of Seoul. It is arguably the best area for foreigners to shop and is frequented by a lot of U.S. military personnel and many American tourists. I have shopped there on nearly every trip I made to Korea.

2. POTTERY There are a bunch of pottery kiosks in Itaewon. A variety of vases, bowls, cups, and other things can be purchased. Some items are very inexpensive, but others are quite costly (depending on craftsmanship).

3. A variety of designs, styles, and colors await the shopper at quaint pottery places.

4. This little bubbling Buddha would have been interesting to have in one’s house!

5. BRASS There are also a number of stores that sell antiques and brass artifacts, some of them related to fishing other occupations. Note the old musical instruments placed on the sidewalk in front of the store.

6. An interesting collection of brass diver’s helmets (and other sailing items) were in this store.

7. Next to the brass store was a music store—the trumpets caught my eye.

8. BUDDHAS As a nation steeped with history and the religion of Buddhism, there are Buddha figures everywhere. Most Buddhas are smiling and rotund, as was this golden fella in a store front window I passed. Then, in front of him are “Say no Evil,” “See no Evil,” and “Hear no Evil” Buddhas. Just what you need for your living room—great conversation pieces!

9. GOLF BAGS Now we are talking! Some great golf bags were in this store—pretty pricey, though (made from ostrich or alligator hide).

10. Korea is known for sewing—labels, patches, nametags…on baggage tags, shirts, hats, and much more. This small area was full of options.

11. COLORFUL TAGS Reds, whites, yellows, greens, blues, pinks—tags, handle wraps, and much more, some done with just your name and others with small icons or personal art. There are lots of these kiosks in Itaewon that sell these items, a popular item for the military and for other travelers.

12. I had a few bag tags sewn while I waited; we are still using them!

13. I finally decided to take the plunge—and have a nice suit made in Korea.

14. The Korean tailors are well known for making custom-fitted suits; they have lots of great material and you can have a suit made that is superbly done. My suit is not shown—it was a darker, pin-striped suit…and I love it.

15. While walking the streets of Itaewon, I spied a fire station and a nice, new (and very clean) fire engine parked in front.

16. Near the fire station was a police station—with a couple of police motorcycles parked out front (and one small scooter). Not far from the station sat a clean police car. Crime is kept to a minimum in Korea; for one thing, there are no guns allowed. (You NRA guys, don’t take offense!)

17. As I departed Itaewon, not far from the stores and restaurants, I photographed a cluster of homes—crowded together with no space between. Land is at a premium in Seoul.