Recently, coronavirus cases rising again in South Korea. The government hence urged people to stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary outings if possible. Since then, Netflix plays an important role as a good companion at home with the coronavirus outbreak. I always on the lookout for the latest K-dramas. Is anyone same as me? Itaewon Class is the latest one on my list.
Itaewon Class
Based on the webtoon of the same name, Itaewon Class is a coming-of-age plot about Park Saeroyi (Park Seo-joon) who swears revenge on Jang Dae-hee (Yoo Jae-myung) for his fatherโs death. In short, Park Saeroyi and his team fight to transform their bar-restaurant, Danbam (๋จ๋ฐค) into a successful franchise. This drama caught my attention as it just hits differently than other classic love-story based dramas.
According to research, Itaewon Class has consistently trended on Netflixโs Top 10. The final episode of this series even peaked at 16.5% in Korea. On top of that, the filming location, Itaewon is gaining more reputation recently along with the popularity of Itaewon Class.
Follow my footsteps to explore Itaewon if you are one of the fans of Itaewon Class. Let’s go!
Itaewon Class Shooting Locations
The old Danbam (๋จ๋ฐค)
Danbam is the first restaurant operated by Park Saeroyi. It is actually in Itaewon but the sign “Danbam” is already gone. I guess it is closed for a moment for renovation. However, do not worry as you will recognize the store easily as soon as you get there.
- Address: 57-28 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Nearest Subway Station: Noksapyeong Station (Line 6), Exit 3
You could also get there from Itaewon Station, one station apart from Noksapyeong Station. Walk straight after you come out from Exit 1. Then continue walking until you see the McDonald’s on the other side of the road. Danbam is just across the road.
Noksapyeong Bridge (๋ น์ฌํ์ก๊ต)
This is one of the spots that often appeared in the drama. Overlooking Namsan Tower, the bridge was unsurprisingly busier than the previous location. Few groups of people were taking pictures when my friends and I reached there. It was great to know that I am not the only one who loved the drama.
- Address: Noksapyeongdae-ro 195, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Nearest Subway Station: Noksapyeong Station (Line 6), Exit 3
I would surely pay a visit again next time as I heard that the night view there is stunning.
There are actually many more iconic shooting locations of Itaewon Class in Itaewon. While my friends and I could not resist hunger and we changed our plan to visit some nice cafes around the area.
Nice cafes around Itaewon
Wafille (์ํ๋ )
It is always nice to use the hot weather as an excuse to enjoy something sweet. This waffle themed cafe in Itaewon has a fun red & white retro diner-style decor. They do offer a selection of classic or choco coated waffles. The best one in the world I guarantee.
Do you know what is an enviable life? It is where you get up to the smell of Liege waffles. Ohh, at the moment the waffle picture is making my mouth water !
- Address: 556-3, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Business hours: 12:00-21:00 (Closed on Monday)
The Royal Food & Drink (๋๋ก์ดํธ๋์ค๋๋งํฌ)
The Royal Food & Drink is kind of a coffee shop-cum-restaurant-cum-bar. Considering the place is quite small, the menu is rather diverse. I was impressed by the food choices and the drinks that they create. A nice mix of breakfast and brunch items, salads, sandwiches, and main meals, along with coffee, smoothies, cocktails, wine, and beer.
Views from the second and third floor are cool and popular with Instagrammers, while I personally prefer the post-industrial feel of the inside.
- Address: 37, Sinheung-ro 20gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Business hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Tuesday โ Sunday)
More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theroyalfad
As the old saying goes, life is full of changes. Things do not always turn out the way we planned. Initially, my friends and I planned to explore all the iconic filming spots of Itaewon Class. However, we turned out chit-chatting in cafes. Why not? As long as we enjoyed the moments.
Peace out…
Read more: N Seoul Tower