One optimistic part of COVID, I get to work a condensed schedule so more time to see the outside world. March 2nd is a big day for me, it would've been my Mom's birthday, and I needed an exploration distraction. What better than to walk around Seoul's International District?
According to the ever faithful Wikipedia... Itaewon is known for serving cuisine that are not widely available in Korea, such as those from Britain, Germany, France, India, Italy, Southeast Asia, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Mexico, America, and Canada. Essentially, it is known as the "International District", or sometimes as "Western Town," reminiscent of many Chinatowns in Western nations.
One thing Wiki didn't mention? Itaewon has hills to rival Harrisonburg. If I thought I got great calves from walking the campus of JMU, that's nothing...this hill in Itaewon made the hill in the Village Dorms look like a blissful walk on the beach. It was a challenge sober, I'm not sure how you navigate it once the bars are back open.
There were alleys on alleys of shops. Some I enjoyed, and may have accidentally spent money in? Olive Young (thing Ulta or Sephora on steroids), Daiso (Japan's version of the $1 store, except in Korean Won so you're $$$ rich), Rock-a-Doodle (BEST chicken sandwich ever), etc.
I ended another 12,000+ steps day with a delightful carrot cake cupcake from Romi's Bakery. I stumbled upon this shop on my way to catch a cab...it was tucked into an alley, and I thought "Might as well celebrate Mom's birthday in Seoul?!" I think she would've approved.
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