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| Master Jung pours beers at Seoul Pub in Itaewon during the 2002 Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup. / Courtesy of John Redmond |
Seoul's most popular and famous expat hangout, Seoul Pub, is set to close its doors for the last time in over two decades, Sunday.
Centrally located in Itaewon, across the road from the Hamilton Hotel, Seoul Pub was for years Seoul's most popular bar, blending a patronage of English teachers, U.S. military personnel and businessmen, offering affordable beer, pool and entertainment from the manager, Master Jung.
It essentially paved the way for more European-style pubs, thanks to former manager Gunther Kampf, who went on to open the original 3 Alley Pub. Its low-key, no-frills atmosphere became a magnet for foreigners tired of the cowboy bars catering to a U.S. military clientele.
First opened in 1996, the popular premises saw its popularity peak during the 2002 Korea-Japan FIFA World Cup, as did many now defunct international bars.
Five years later, Itaewon would see a boom in foreign-owned and -staffed bars and restaurants, sparking interest from developers and companies, local and overseas, seeking to cash in on the vibrant area.
This led to a gradual gentrification of this Seoul neighborhood, once described by a popular backpacker guide as a "country and Western theme park."
Today the neighborhood boasts many international bars and restaurants popular amongst locals and foreigners offering craft beers and fine cuisine. The closure of Seoul Pub signals the death of old Itaewon.
