South Korea stampede: Itaewon, the site of a deadly stampede in South Korea, known for its stylish nightlife, chic restaurants
Itaewon’s bars and clubs have long served US troops stationed in the country because the neighborhood is close to the former main base of US Forces. Korea (USFK) in the center Seoul.
The district is also home to many foreign embassies, ambassadors’ residences and churches of minor religions in the country south Koreasuch as Islam and Judaism, Yonhap news agency reported.
With the relocation of USFK headquarters to Pyeongtaek, 65 kilometers south of Seoul, Itaewon began to erase its image of being associated with the US military and return as a vibrant shopping and entertainment district.
The neighborhood also became the center of attention when President Yoon Suk-yeol moved the presidential office to the former Defense Ministry compound near Itaewon in May.
The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has dealt a blow to businesses in Itaewon, and Saturday’s Halloween festival was hoped to mark a return to life after the pandemic.
