I think people got so traumatized they couldn’t come back yet to Itaewon. Hopefully it’ll get better for everyone, victims’ families, those who got trauma from the incident and Itaewon establishments.
Where can u go to drink in Bars and get to know Koreans who speak English for one night in Seoul since Itaewon is empty now....??? We are going tomorrow night on a Thursday. Hongdae is only young people right?
People are not traumatized. Left wing activists have turned the incident into holy war. No one is allowed to question their beliefs. Anyone challenging their will is labeled evil, including business owners who suffer the most. Woke movement sure is the best thing that ever happened to the world. 👏 👏 👏
Thank you so much for making the trek out there, Anna. I hope Itaewon* recovers and goes back to the lively, happy time it once used to be. This was a really great vlog! I enjoyed watching the whole thing. You earned a new follower here 😊
Anna I appreciate your videos so much!!! You are such a Classy Beautiful Human and the world can use more people like you sharing there POVs :) Thank you for what you do and God Bless I will keep praying for Itaewon
It's so sad to learn that the dreadful incident made such a drastic impact until now in their businesses. So sad for the business owners :( Hope it bounces back again.
Was sad to see that memorial wall. There were probably even less people out at the time since you went there during lunar new year weekend. Since most ppl were at home with their families or out of town visiting relatives etc. Not hard to imagine it would still be sparse on the average weekend though.
Me and some Friends travelled to Seoul few weeks ago, our airbnb was in Itaewon, instantly fell in love with it. We went partying once, very cool people, mad party, vibe was just good. The street, where all the bars were, like Waikiki, Pose etc was full, but only on the weekends. Also saw the spot, were the incident happend, very tragic. I hope, when I visit Seoul next time, Itaewon gets back to the old glory, I want to experience it. Really fell in love with South Korea, decided to marry a Korean woman, so I have a home and a family there lmaooo jk Love from Switzerland
Itaewon has gone through so much also since the p4ndemic and the gay club outburst I remember that everything was empty and there was even posters saying like “Itaewon fighting” and stuff like that and only when it was getting better and more crowded the tragedy happened and now is empty again.. :(
So what's your current situation with dkdktv and or Nakd Seoul? I saw Danny's recent post on his deal!?!?!? Luv your own channel, but always want more of the great Anna!!!
Thank you for telling us about how Itaewon is doing these days. I'm sure it will come back slowly as healing happens. Thank you for the story of the Grand Ole Opry. I was born and raised in Texas, so seeing a slice of the country and western music side to America in Seoul is exciting. If I every make it to Seoul, Anna I will teach you to two-step, the country jitterbug, and the cotton-eye-joe. All traditional country western dances. 🤠🤠
I’ve lived in Texas for over 10 years and can attest on needing a car to go anywhere. I grew up in Philadelphia and their transportation system is awesome. I wish Texas was the same.
The tranquility and space must be a nice change from the usual congestion, I bet the locals enjoy it. And o my daze xD I just realized the vlogger is British lol
It seems to be a ghost town. The many souls that lost their lives there will surely haunt the area. Anna said she felt uncomfortable there where they died and I think that many troubled souls are there.
@@carolemerle9995 So true. It's definitely unsettling to look at the site where so many innocent people tragically lost their lives in such a slow and painful manner with people nearby wanting to help render aid but being powerless to do so under the specific circumstances.
This video is so important Anna. It shows the need for people to come support these businesses. The district leaders should try and host some small events to promote the businesses in Itaewon. It's such an unfortunate tragedy that occurred and people still feel deeply about what took place. But, just like after 9/11 in NYC, it took the mayor and City Hall to encourage people to come to lower Manhattan again. Businesses can't do it all by themselves.
I am so torn. I spent 6 weeks in Itaewon last summer and had the time of my life. I was also in Seoul when it happened and never went back before I left. I will be back in July and my heart kind of wants to go there just to support the business. They went through a hard time during COVID and technically it is not even their fault what happened in October. So I feel bad for them. I don't think I can walk the alley street again though. It's just too heartbreaking.
I don't even drink or club and I enjoyed Itaewon. I feel like there's something for everyone, whether you're there to party, grab a meal or even just coffee. The vibe during the day is pretty nice as well and what I like about Itaewon is just the alleys and how the wider alleys branches into smaller alleys, creating a very distinct intersection, it's just very vibrant and kind of an eclectic experience. I think the cafes and eateries in Itaewon ought to recover faster. There's lots of hotels, cheap hostels in the area, and tourists gotta eat! Not to mention there's also a sizeable residential area in Itaewon. However, I think the nightlife is gonna take some time to recover. I think at the municipal level they can perhaps push for people to boost the nightlight sector faster, via incentives and what not, but on the ground, organically I think people will take some time to return. Thanks for doing this video! Appreciate the update on Itaewon, and I think one way or the other Itaewon will prevail. May not be in the same form it was before, but one way or the other it will pull through.
That makes me feel better, I’m in recovery and I’m visiting in late summer and was worried that the drinking culture would be too strong. But I’m sure I’ll have fun regardless.
I'm currently in Seoul. Itaewon has changed drastically since the Halloween thing. Hopefully was the weather warms up, it makes a return to how it was. The grand ole opery is my favorite bar there. Momma kim is a legend. Me and all my friends love her. We're American soldiers, and she always treats us with great respect. We love her stories. Long live momma kim and Itaewon!
@@thisguy1868 they probably mean as not labeling what happened in Itewon as just a "thing". I know you probably didn't mean anything by it, but calling it that kinda simplifies it and discredits the lifes lost and the trauma survivors have of it. Also people who never heard about the Itewon Crowd Crush tragedy could have just clicked on the video and scrolled down to the comments before watching (like I have but I do have prior knowledge). Hope that explains!
Troops should go back home and Korea needs to build their own defense instead of using U.S. as a crutch. I am also against entire neighborhoods being there basically just to mainly cater foreigners and foreign military. So hopefully, this is the beginning of the end for Itaewon.
@@niccolom4556 I agree. I think the US should worry about itself. With the government about to default, they won't have money to pay its own soldiers, yet has 100+ billion it can give to Ukraine? Itaewon isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Like hongdae, it's a tourist trap for foreigners. "Go where the money is."
Thank you for posting this. I am sure the folks who run businesses in Itaewon are thankful to you too. It is really honoring those who died to go there because they went there to have fun and they would not want those who remain to give up the free and really loving/accepting atmosphere of Itaewon. God bless you and God bless those who died and their dear ones they left behind to continue their legacy…
People will eventually return to Itaewon. It's really no one's fault for what happened, and especially not the businesses either. I hope this allows people to remember to be safe, careful, and considerate of one another when going to crowded places. I hope to visit Itaewon one day.
9:37 honestly makes you feel so sad for those who were there that night. If I were someone who experienced the itaewon crush😢I would be scared to go back to that alley and I could only imagine how people feel about going back there now since the incident itself has happened. It’s not going to be the same and I feel bad for those who were there that night who have to live near that of which such a tragedy took place. Or even now when tourists past through there or near there and see chrysanthemums, they’ll know or always remember what took place there. Rest In Paradise to the lives lost in the #itaewaoncrush 🕊️🕊️❤
Yeah I was super sad when I visited there back in December to experience the nightlife and it was almost the same, but I totally understand the reason though. I hope it can make a comeback where people can enjoy Itaewon again.
Thank you for posting this Anna😊 it was good to hear the history of the place and see how they’re coping after the tragedy. Your vlogs hit different…it’s great that you cover a variety of subjects. I always enjoy them 😊
I am so happy to have stumbled upon your video. Thank you for going back to Itaewon and speaking on the history for those such as myself who may not have known much about it besides the Halloween accident. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to that wonderful woman speak her story towards the end, she seems like such a nice, compassionate, kind woman.
As an American who’s never been to Itaewon but heard of the tragedy, my heart sank when you showed it. So many people lost their lives and it saddens me to even see the area, I can’t imagine what it is like for all of South Korea but I don’t think the people who did die here would want to be remembered as that and would want this place to thrive again. I can’t speak for the dead but I do know if I had passed there I wouldn’t want it to be viewed as something horrible even though something horrible happened there. People still go to the new tower that replaced the twin towers in NYC, people still go running even though the events of the Boston bombing happened.
8:45 "This is definitely Asian rice, not Indian rice" But anna India is also an Asian country 🥲 so.. I mean I get the point about the rice (but why does it hurt)
Crazy how empty it is now. Feel bad for the businesses there. They had to deal with Covid and now this. Authorities need to be held accountable but that'll never happen.
Very informative video 👍. Anna u must be feeling sad and happy being back to Itaewon. I am dreaming visiting S. Korea. Itaewon will be something I will visit with so much excitement.
I was just thinking about this today and it’s sad how empty itaewon is I used to go all the time but I understood when you said it felt weird even looking at the street where the tragedy took place that’s how the GP must feel but hopefully the businesses will be able to survive and life will slowly come back to itaewon thank you for supporting the businesses!!
If a house where a few people are killed is so called a haunted house, then I don't know what a narrow alley where a hundred or so people are killed in just a few metres is called. The mere sight of it gave me the creeps.
It’s so sad to see this lovely place so empty! We were in Seoul when this tragedy happened - we were so shocked, I can only imagine how locals feel facing it everyday! We were so surprised how sweet the food is in Seoul - how did you get used to it? Are you used to it now? Or there is a secret we didn’t know? X
Oh I have been to that bar few times ^^ thank you for the review dear Anna! I also think Itaewon will come back to life soon & I am praying that from now on everyone will be more careful when it comes to crazy crowded places …>
In the past year, I grew to love itaewon so much. I spent so much time with my friends and have so many great memories. But I was there the day of the crush. I was a few feet away from the crush when it happened. I saw so many things I never could have expected to see in a single night and I hate how I've come to feel about it. I want to visit so much, but I still hyperventilate at the thought of going. 😣
I'm Korean and living in Seoul, South Korea. Itaewon is where I often go to eat or drink beer. Itaewon is a place where I can go in about 30 minutes by subway from where I live. Among the many stores in Itaewon, there are often pubs, Spanish restaurants, and kebab shops. Some Koreans are conscious of eating or drinking alone, but Itaewon is a favorite place because they don't have to look at it. On the day of the disaster, I finished shopping in Myeongdong, went to Itaewon, had a simple meal, and I was going to go home. I tried to go to the Spanish restaurant that I often went to, but it was also a crowded place in Itaewon. However, I thought of a lot of people because of the Halloween festival and went home right away. I saw the news the next morning and the news of the accident was being reported.
I'm from Hong Kong and the same tragic accident happened in my place 30yrs before. Really the same, "Lan Kwai Fong" a very narrow and sloping alley lined with bars just like Itaewon, 21 people were killed in that night. Moreover, crowd crushes lead to death is a thing that happens every few years all over the world, especially in developing countries. So I'm really shocked that South Korea, as a modern country, the government does not have the concept of "crowd control". Sad for the dead and injured, they didn't have to die if their government was serious about it.
I hope it can comeback to how it was someday, I feel like that’s the only way we could honor all those lost lives, because they all went there to have a good time, and enjoy Itaewon’s spirit. Which will forever be there.
🤦♀️ Why would anyone go back when the government did nothing about that steep tight alley way? What, should people just allow another crowd crush happen? Wtf
For those people who lost their lives on Halloween tragedy we will never forget until those who were in charge of tragic incidents to happen until they are harm fullest we will never forget those who departed on Itaewon Halloween.
India is part of Asia, more specifically South Asia. I guess you wanted to say Basmati rice rather than Indian rice. Asian rice?? what is that? lol. Rice is eaten all over the world. I guess you wanted to say Jasmine rice or long grain rice as opposed to medium grain or short grain rice aka sticky rice.
I went to south korea for holiday during 2014, and visited busan and seoul. In seoul, i stayed in a homestay in itaewon. Its sad to see the halloween tragedy last year in itaewon, given the fact that i had many good memory staying in itaewon homestay. Hope to see it back to glory, when i go to south korea for holiday next time :)
So sad!! Thank you for showing us. On the accident street, there was a business you filmed that has big Green letter. I remember seeing a foreigner climbed up during the incident. It is more of prevention that Korean gov should do from now on. I hope the business in Itaewon will get back their business.
Thank you for sharing. I was down the street from the Hamilton hotel at TP when everything went down. I noticed that the club started getting extremely crowded at one point & they weren’t letting people outside due to the situation. It was harrowing hearing the news in real time & it was anxiety inducing to go outside & walking past the many ambulances lined up for 2 blocks at 3am. My hostel roommate at the time said she accidentally walked past the bodies & she started crying. She couldn’t stop crying for days. I had people blowing up my phone the day after because I couldn’t answer at the time but I also made sure to contact people who I knew were out clubbing as well. I was trying to make sense of everything. It was very depressing & I avoided Itaewon for the last 2 weeks I was in Korea, I couldn’t even go to the vigil. Survivors guilt is something else. It’s sad to see it’s still empty. I wonder what it’s going to be like during the summer. I hope those businesses are able to thrive until then 😕.
I was a regular in Itaewon between 2011 to 2018. For me Itaewon peaked in 2015 and after that it became a shell of its former self. I had a lot of crazy nights there!
Maybe Itaewon can go back to its roots now - being an oasis for expats. Gentrification is a serious problem because of its increasing popularity among Koreans. Especially during the weekend the crowds were like 70-80% Koreans already. Local businesses got more and more pushed out of its market by those big franchises.
Altho the energy of that place still seems very unsettling even through the phone screen, I think Itaewon is such a pretty place and has it's own charm, thank u for showing around Anna ❤️
Bro Indians are asian too ..😭 jus putting it out there ...cause majority of people dont consider India as an Asian country ! But i understood what u meant there . Btw love ya ♥️
I’ve never been to Korea so to hear how much Itaewon has changed and not in a positive way since Halloween is really a shame, but it is understandable. My deepest condolences to the victims and families of the lost lives. May they rest in peace and the loved ones receive the healing they deserve. Also bless the people who tried to help save others and may you get the healing you too also deserve. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who were impacted by this horrific tragedy (including the business owners). Anna, thank you for sacrificing yourself (being out in the cold) and filming what is happening in Itaewon is important and sharing this video with us. ❤❤❤
I was in Seoul and Itaewon in October and flew home just one day before the tragedy happened and it is so sad to see it like this because it was so full of life. I feel it will be very hard to go see the place again but I hope businesses and life revive during the summer.
I remember when Itaewon Freedom came out, its still one of my favorite Korean songs, I'll also make sure to check out the Grand Ole Opry whenever I go to Itaewon
Kamsahamnida. Korea be very proud of yourselves. From the Korea War a War torn nation and all through the new millennium one of the top 12 economies in the World. A huge feat recognized by the World. Former President Obama said the World should refer to this example. Great people, great Korea. Kamsahamnida.
Seoul has been a battlefield many times. Thousands of soldiers from both sides, and many thousands more civilians died while Seoul changed hands four times. Are you planning to leave Seoul too?
Wow thank you for the update on Itaewon, Anna. It's very sad for the businesses there how empty it still is. I hope it will come back to life soon enough. But the fact that you felt so weird near the place of the crush I think that shows that the energy there needs a good cleansing. The energy of traumatic events can stay in a place where it happened. Someone should hire a skilled spiritual person to do a thorough energy cleansing of the area. That may hasten the revival of Itaewon nightlife.
I've heard tons about Itaewon being the coolest place for foreigners and good nightlife and such and even watched Itaewon Class but did not know that history of the prostitution and such! Very interesting. Thank you for sharing it's history!
I remember the “before days (even the alphabet was different)“ I grew up in Korea as an American kid. We were there 68’-74’ the war days. I was 7 years old when we got there and a teenager when we left. Itaewan was where the markets and bars were. There wasn’t a hooker or homo hill. There was the “ville” I remember dirt roads and amazing, loving, caring, kind generous and sometimes grumpy people. We never lived on base and the kids I played with didn’t often speak English…. We were always able to communicate. I’ll always feel Seoul is my hometown. Never mattered to any of us. My childhood was wonder and special. I’m old to many people but someday I hope to return. I don’t look Korean but I’ll always be part Korean. Blessing in you travels kiddo.
Grand Ole Opry feels like my kinda bar to hangout, just chill, no rowdy crowd..I can just sit and drink my cocktails in peace and enjoy the music and chat with the bartender or owner...
I used to live in Itaewon for almost a year. There was for sure a re-ocuring opinion amongst people that its not the best neighbourhood to live in, that it is dirty, expensive and full of people (and I was one with this opinion at the time). That does not change the fact I spent a longer period in there and it did find a special place in my heart. It is sad, seeing it like this. I am coming to Korea after 4 years in 2 weeks, and it honestly makes me nervous to see it with a completely different feeling...
So heartbreaking... I lived in gyeongridangil for several years and was in that area all the time and worked in Hannam-dong. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Keeping those who lost loved ones in my prayers.
Thanks for showing us around. The one quick shot of the street, kind of made me chock up a bit. I am working on my plans to visit Korea, I am fascinated at how it was 60 years ago to what it is now.
I go to itaewon every other weekend or so. I like itaewon more than hongdae, and more than gangnam, and all the other party spots. There is a certain magic, and nostalgia about itaewon. The Halloween thing is still burned into my mind, but I still love itaewon. I'm in the US military, and my time in Korea is coming to a close soon. I will deeply miss itaewon and all the Korean people that have treated me so well. The grand ole opry will always be my favorite bar. Even better than the ones back home.
I've been going to itaewon for at least 18yesrs and I've seen its growth. I've party into the morning for many years. So sad about the Halloween deaths.i hope people will return and have fun again. BUT SAFETY FIRST AND FUN SECOND.
9:00 that's my lady 😶🌫️😭( basically I am an typical 17 yr old Indian gril *feeling proud to hear something about india* whether it's food or anything)
They should film another series or promote the place again.. I guess the friends and victims just waiting for at least 1year to recover that's why. But i hope everything go back to normal.
crazy, in my town that i grew up in, and worked downtown bar nightlife (al, us) if a shooting happened, or someone well known in our bar nightlife culture passed, we would all kind of have a slow week, but after no more than that, business was back to normal for everyone. no disrespect to korean culture, just crazy to see how after all these months that there is basically no business for most all places around itaewon.
I am coming to Korea in June. I will definitely look this place up. She's my kind of person who has lots of stories and has lots of life experiences. I love me a good drink too. Itaewon is one of my favorite areas. I'm glad to see it up and running. I'm sure it will be busier in the summer 😅
Thank you for sharing this video me and my cousin are looking forward to visiting S.Korea in April and will definitely visit the grand ol oprey bar! I love watching your videos and your recommendations are amazing! I can’t wait to visit Itewon it’s sad what happen but you are 100% right when you say people are resilient and it surely will come back to life as it was 😊
I loved seeing you go to Grand Ole Opry, my parents met there and just recently took me back to see it in October before the crowd crush incident. You can see our names above the door. Its sad to see that it isn't doing as well since the military moved but last time I was there it was pretty busy
![[4K] Seconds before the accident at Halloween Itaewon 2022-Condolences to the family and victims](/img/1.gif)
Here's a link to Mama Kim's documentary mentioned in the video: bit.ly/3DpvnxA
instagram.com/jyannalee/
님 바보에요? 설연휴에 당연히 지방가고 없는거라는거 생각안드심? 며칠전에도 사람들 꽤 다녔음. 이상하게 선동하시네
ITAEWON TRAUMA. BUSINESS GOES BANKRUPT
I think people got so traumatized they couldn’t come back yet to Itaewon. Hopefully it’ll get better for everyone, victims’ families, those who got trauma from the incident and Itaewon establishments.
Where can u go to drink in Bars and get to know Koreans who speak English for one night in Seoul since Itaewon is empty now....??? We are going tomorrow night on a Thursday. Hongdae is only young people right?
People are not traumatized. Left wing activists have turned the incident into holy war. No one is allowed to question their beliefs. Anyone challenging their will is labeled evil, including business owners who suffer the most. Woke movement sure is the best thing that ever happened to the world. 👏 👏 👏
@@segikidi702are you saying Hongdae is a good place for young internationals to go to bars and meet friendly Koreans?
Thank you so much for making the trek out there, Anna. I hope Itaewon* recovers and goes back to the lively, happy time it once used to be. This was a really great vlog! I enjoyed watching the whole thing. You earned a new follower here 😊
Hongdae????????
@@natenate88 my bad 😂😂😂 my brain was on autopilot
Great video Anna. Thank you for the update and the history lesson
Anna I appreciate your videos so much!!! You are such a Classy Beautiful Human and the world can use more people like you sharing there POVs :) Thank you for what you do and God Bless I will keep praying for Itaewon
among the vlogs about Seoul, I like yours most.
It's so sad to learn that the dreadful incident made such a drastic impact until now in their businesses. So sad for the business owners :( Hope it bounces back again.
I've been going every other weekend or so. As it's warming up outside, people are starting to come back again.
@@thisguy1868 that's good to hear, thanks for letting us know.
Was sad to see that memorial wall. There were probably even less people out at the time since you went there during lunar new year weekend. Since most ppl were at home with their families or out of town visiting relatives etc. Not hard to imagine it would still be sparse on the average weekend though.
This video made me want to sing the song itaewon freedom
Yep we do have those charger things in the UK now, but only in a few places! Our facilities are getting better aha
Me and some Friends travelled to Seoul few weeks ago, our airbnb was in Itaewon, instantly fell in love with it. We went partying once, very cool people, mad party, vibe was just good. The street, where all the bars were, like Waikiki, Pose etc was full, but only on the weekends. Also saw the spot, were the incident happend, very tragic. I hope, when I visit Seoul next time, Itaewon gets back to the old glory, I want to experience it. Really fell in love with South Korea, decided to marry a Korean woman, so I have a home and a family there lmaooo jk
Love from Switzerland
I believe Grand Old Opery used to be called Sam’s Place.
Itaewon has gone through so much also since the p4ndemic and the gay club outburst I remember that everything was empty and there was even posters saying like “Itaewon fighting” and stuff like that and only when it was getting better and more crowded the tragedy happened and now is empty again.. :(
i stayed in itaewon when i went there and yes it is hilly.
From Singapore, heading to Seoul for vacation in May. Where would be good to party for a single guy?
So what's your current situation with dkdktv and or Nakd Seoul? I saw Danny's recent post on his deal!?!?!? Luv your own channel, but always want more of the great Anna!!!
I’m wondering where people go now that they’re avoiding Itaewon?
Thank you for telling us about how Itaewon is doing these days. I'm sure it will come back slowly as healing happens. Thank you for the story of the Grand Ole Opry. I was born and raised in Texas, so seeing a slice of the country and western music side to America in Seoul is exciting. If I every make it to Seoul, Anna I will teach you to two-step, the country jitterbug, and the cotton-eye-joe. All traditional country western dances. 🤠🤠
I’ve lived in Texas for over 10 years and can attest on needing a car to go anywhere. I grew up in Philadelphia and their transportation system is awesome. I wish Texas was the same.
So sad to see Itaewon is still a ghost town, but it was cool to see diverse foods in Korea. It still looks like a fun place to visit.
The tranquility and space must be a nice change from the usual congestion, I bet the locals enjoy it. And o my daze xD I just realized the vlogger is British lol
@@Pressplay_Media_EU People are drowning in debt and coping with mental health struggles, don’t make light of it.
It seems to be a ghost town. The many souls that lost their lives there will surely haunt the area. Anna said she felt uncomfortable there where they died and I think that many troubled souls are there.
@@carolemerle9995 So true.
It's definitely unsettling to look at the site where so many innocent people tragically lost their lives in such a slow and painful manner with people nearby wanting to help render aid but being powerless to do so under the specific circumstances.
Its not that good.
This video is so important Anna. It shows the need for people to come support these businesses.
The district leaders should try and host some small events to promote the businesses in Itaewon. It's such an unfortunate tragedy that occurred and people still feel deeply about what took place. But, just like after 9/11 in NYC, it took the mayor and City Hall to encourage people to come to lower Manhattan again. Businesses can't do it all by themselves.
How can you support if everything is expensive
I am so torn. I spent 6 weeks in Itaewon last summer and had the time of my life. I was also in Seoul when it happened and never went back before I left.
I will be back in July and my heart kind of wants to go there just to support the business. They went through a hard time during COVID and technically it is not even their fault what happened in October. So I feel bad for them. I don't think I can walk the alley street again though. It's just too heartbreaking.
Yes you're right the situation are hard are you going to visit Korea in July?
I don't even drink or club and I enjoyed Itaewon. I feel like there's something for everyone, whether you're there to party, grab a meal or even just coffee. The vibe during the day is pretty nice as well and what I like about Itaewon is just the alleys and how the wider alleys branches into smaller alleys, creating a very distinct intersection, it's just very vibrant and kind of an eclectic experience.
I think the cafes and eateries in Itaewon ought to recover faster. There's lots of hotels, cheap hostels in the area, and tourists gotta eat! Not to mention there's also a sizeable residential area in Itaewon. However, I think the nightlife is gonna take some time to recover. I think at the municipal level they can perhaps push for people to boost the nightlight sector faster, via incentives and what not, but on the ground, organically I think people will take some time to return.
Thanks for doing this video! Appreciate the update on Itaewon, and I think one way or the other Itaewon will prevail. May not be in the same form it was before, but one way or the other it will pull through.
True, the atmosphere there is very diverse and welcoming. Korea as a whole is an amazing place to live.
That makes me feel better, I’m in recovery and I’m visiting in late summer and was worried that the drinking culture would be too strong. But I’m sure I’ll have fun regardless.
@@Psych2go if psych2go says it’s a good place to live then I’m moving there immediately in the name of mental health
I'm currently in Seoul. Itaewon has changed drastically since the Halloween thing. Hopefully was the weather warms up, it makes a return to how it was. The grand ole opery is my favorite bar there. Momma kim is a legend. Me and all my friends love her. We're American soldiers, and she always treats us with great respect. We love her stories. Long live momma kim and Itaewon!
“halloween thing” let’s not
@@mybaelam let's not what?
@@thisguy1868 they probably mean as not labeling what happened in Itewon as just a "thing". I know you probably didn't mean anything by it, but calling it that kinda simplifies it and discredits the lifes lost and the trauma survivors have of it. Also people who never heard about the Itewon Crowd Crush tragedy could have just clicked on the video and scrolled down to the comments before watching (like I have but I do have prior knowledge). Hope that explains!
Troops should go back home and Korea needs to build their own defense instead of using U.S. as a crutch. I am also against entire neighborhoods being there basically just to mainly cater foreigners and foreign military. So hopefully, this is the beginning of the end for Itaewon.
@@niccolom4556 I agree. I think the US should worry about itself. With the government about to default, they won't have money to pay its own soldiers, yet has 100+ billion it can give to Ukraine? Itaewon isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Like hongdae, it's a tourist trap for foreigners. "Go where the money is."
Much respect to the lady who owned the bar! Thank you for taking us there.
Yes I'll go visit in may
Thank you for posting this. I am sure the folks who run businesses in Itaewon are thankful to you too. It is really honoring those who died to go there because they went there to have fun and they would not want those who remain to give up the free and really loving/accepting atmosphere of Itaewon. God bless you and God bless those who died and their dear ones they left behind to continue their legacy…
People will eventually return to Itaewon. It's really no one's fault for what happened, and especially not the businesses either. I hope this allows people to remember to be safe, careful, and considerate of one another when going to crowded places. I hope to visit Itaewon one day.
I mean many of the businesses did have ILLEGAL canopies shortening the width of the street which didn't exactly help matters.
9:37 honestly makes you feel so sad for those who were there that night. If I were someone who experienced the itaewon crush😢I would be scared to go back to that alley and I could only imagine how people feel about going back there now since the incident itself has happened. It’s not going to be the same and I feel bad for those who were there that night who have to live near that of which such a tragedy took place. Or even now when tourists past through there or near there and see chrysanthemums, they’ll know or always remember what took place there. Rest In Paradise to the lives lost in the #itaewaoncrush 🕊️🕊️❤
Yeah I was super sad when I visited there back in December to experience the nightlife and it was almost the same, but I totally understand the reason though. I hope it can make a comeback where people can enjoy Itaewon again.
Thank you for posting this Anna😊 it was good to hear the history of the place and see how they’re coping after the tragedy. Your vlogs hit different…it’s great that you cover a variety of subjects. I always enjoy them 😊
이태원에 대해 잘 알고 계시네요^^
사건이후로 너무 슬플것 같아서 이태원에 가볼 생각도 안했지만 궁금하긴 했는데 근황 알려주셔서 감사합니다.
I am so happy to have stumbled upon your video. Thank you for going back to Itaewon and speaking on the history for those such as myself who may not have known much about it besides the Halloween accident. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to that wonderful woman speak her story towards the end, she seems like such a nice, compassionate, kind woman.
Anna this was one of your best vlogs ever. So nostalgic. Good damn job.💯❤💯
As an American who’s never been to Itaewon but heard of the tragedy, my heart sank when you showed it. So many people lost their lives and it saddens me to even see the area, I can’t imagine what it is like for all of South Korea but I don’t think the people who did die here would want to be remembered as that and would want this place to thrive again. I can’t speak for the dead but I do know if I had passed there I wouldn’t want it to be viewed as something horrible even though something horrible happened there. People still go to the new tower that replaced the twin towers in NYC, people still go running even though the events of the Boston bombing happened.
This was super interesting! Thank you Anna! I hope that customers will eventually come back! The local businesses deserve a thriving business!
8:45
"This is definitely Asian rice, not Indian rice"
But anna India is also an Asian country 🥲 so..
I mean I get the point about the rice (but why does it hurt)
Crazy how empty it is now. Feel bad for the businesses there. They had to deal with Covid and now this. Authorities need to be held accountable but that'll never happen.
Very informative video 👍. Anna u must be feeling sad and happy being back to Itaewon. I am dreaming visiting S. Korea. Itaewon will be something I will visit with so much excitement.
I was just thinking about this today and it’s sad how empty itaewon is I used to go all the time but I understood when you said it felt weird even looking at the street where the tragedy took place that’s how the GP must feel but hopefully the businesses will be able to survive and life will slowly come back to itaewon thank you for supporting the businesses!!
I was wondering the same thing yesterday so I’m glad Anna did an update video on it.
If a house where a few people are killed is so called a haunted house, then I don't know what a narrow alley where a hundred or so people are killed in just a few metres is called. The mere sight of it gave me the creeps.
I visited ITAEWON just before the horrible tragic event - I certainly hope they permanently cancel halloween. 💔
It’s so sad to see this lovely place so empty!
We were in Seoul when this tragedy happened - we were so shocked, I can only imagine how locals feel facing it everyday!
We were so surprised how sweet the food is in Seoul - how did you get used to it? Are you used to it now? Or there is a secret we didn’t know? X
Hahaha yeah there’s a lot of sugar in everything! I’m used to it now 😅
Another new series of Anna. Anna i think you must vlog this kinda video! It's so interesting to dig deep into Korea. Thank you for letting us know!
It's so weird seeing it so empty... even through the screen, the energy is just off.
Oh I have been to that bar few times ^^ thank you for the review dear Anna! I also think Itaewon will come back to life soon & I am praying that from now on everyone will be more careful when it comes to crazy crowded places …>
Careful not cuz of covid bur rather potential stampede just like old times haha deng
In the past year, I grew to love itaewon so much. I spent so much time with my friends and have so many great memories.
But I was there the day of the crush. I was a few feet away from the crush when it happened. I saw so many things I never could have expected to see in a single night and I hate how I've come to feel about it. I want to visit so much, but I still hyperventilate at the thought of going. 😣
❤best wishes
I'm Korean and living in Seoul, South Korea. Itaewon is where I often go to eat or drink beer. Itaewon is a place where I can go in about 30 minutes by subway from where I live. Among the many stores in Itaewon, there are often pubs, Spanish restaurants, and kebab shops.
Some Koreans are conscious of eating or drinking alone, but Itaewon is a favorite place because they don't have to look at it.
On the day of the disaster, I finished shopping in Myeongdong, went to Itaewon, had a simple meal, and I was going to go home. I tried to go to the Spanish restaurant that I often went to, but it was also a crowded place in Itaewon. However, I thought of a lot of people because of the Halloween festival and went home right away. I saw the news the next morning and the news of the accident was being reported.
I'm from Hong Kong and the same tragic accident happened in my place 30yrs before.
Really the same, "Lan Kwai Fong" a very narrow and sloping alley lined with bars just like Itaewon, 21 people were killed in that night.
Moreover, crowd crushes lead to death is a thing that happens every few years all over the world, especially in developing countries.
So I'm really shocked that South Korea, as a modern country, the government does not have the concept of "crowd control".
Sad for the dead and injured, they didn't have to die if their government was serious about it.
So sad! I hope the business’s don’t go under but I get why Itaweon is empty.. I would love to visit one day
I hope it can comeback to how it was someday, I feel like that’s the only way we could honor all those lost lives, because they all went there to have a good time, and enjoy Itaewon’s spirit. Which will forever be there.
🤦♀️ Why would anyone go back when the government did nothing about that steep tight alley way? What, should people just allow another crowd crush happen? Wtf
For those people who lost their lives on Halloween tragedy we will never forget until those who were in charge of tragic incidents to happen until they are harm fullest we will never forget those who departed on Itaewon Halloween.
India is part of Asia, more specifically South Asia. I guess you wanted to say Basmati rice rather than Indian rice. Asian rice?? what is that? lol. Rice is eaten all over the world. I guess you wanted to say Jasmine rice or long grain rice as opposed to medium grain or short grain rice aka sticky rice.
I went to south korea for holiday during 2014, and visited busan and seoul. In seoul, i stayed in a homestay in itaewon. Its sad to see the halloween tragedy last year in itaewon, given the fact that i had many good memory staying in itaewon homestay.
Hope to see it back to glory, when i go to south korea for holiday next time :)
So sad!! Thank you for showing us. On the accident street, there was a business you filmed that has big Green letter. I remember seeing a foreigner climbed up during the incident. It is more of prevention that Korean gov should do from now on. I hope the business in Itaewon will get back their business.
Yea, I remember him also.
This tragedy was happen on my birthday :(( very sad to see it become that empty. Feel bad for the business owners too :(
Thank you for sharing. I was down the street from the Hamilton hotel at TP when everything went down. I noticed that the club started getting extremely crowded at one point & they weren’t letting people outside due to the situation. It was harrowing hearing the news in real time & it was anxiety inducing to go outside & walking past the many ambulances lined up for 2 blocks at 3am. My hostel roommate at the time said she accidentally walked past the bodies & she started crying. She couldn’t stop crying for days. I had people blowing up my phone the day after because I couldn’t answer at the time but I also made sure to contact people who I knew were out clubbing as well. I was trying to make sense of everything. It was very depressing & I avoided Itaewon for the last 2 weeks I was in Korea, I couldn’t even go to the vigil. Survivors guilt is something else. It’s sad to see it’s still empty. I wonder what it’s going to be like during the summer. I hope those businesses are able to thrive until then 😕.
Two things you never need to do is buy food or cars from England because they are awful. LOL
I was a regular in Itaewon between 2011 to 2018. For me Itaewon peaked in 2015 and after that it became a shell of its former self. I had a lot of crazy nights there!
Maybe Itaewon can go back to its roots now - being an oasis for expats. Gentrification is a serious problem because of its increasing popularity among Koreans. Especially during the weekend the crowds were like 70-80% Koreans already. Local businesses got more and more pushed out of its market by those big franchises.
Altho the energy of that place still seems very unsettling even through the phone screen, I think Itaewon is such a pretty place and has it's own charm, thank u for showing around Anna ❤️
Bro Indians are asian too ..😭 jus putting it out there ...cause majority of people dont consider India as an Asian country ! But i understood what u meant there . Btw love ya ♥️
So sad that this is the only thing you got out of this video.. it is like you were waiting for the word india to drop
I’ve never been to Korea so to hear how much Itaewon has changed and not in a positive way since Halloween is really a shame, but it is understandable. My deepest condolences to the victims and families of the lost lives. May they rest in peace and the loved ones receive the healing they deserve. Also bless the people who tried to help save others and may you get the healing you too also deserve. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who were impacted by this horrific tragedy (including the business owners). Anna, thank you for sacrificing yourself (being out in the cold) and filming what is happening in Itaewon is important and sharing this video with us. ❤❤❤
8:46 you said “this is definitely Asian rice, not Indian rice”…..I guess Indians are Asian too🙂
Happy lunar new year to you.
I my language, we say Kung Hei Fat Choi. Sun Neen Fei Lok.
I was in Seoul and Itaewon in October and flew home just one day before the tragedy happened and it is so sad to see it like this because it was so full of life. I feel it will be very hard to go see the place again but I hope businesses and life revive during the summer.
I remember when Itaewon Freedom came out, its still one of my favorite Korean songs, I'll also make sure to check out the Grand Ole Opry whenever I go to Itaewon
It’s the best
It’s like a ghost town… this is so upsetting this is all so upsetting
I want to travel to Korea soon, I want to explore the places
8:45 India is in Asia, just saying.
So sad…I hope itaewon would be alive once again…used to be vibrant but from covid to deadly event so sad I would definitely support local bars there
Kamsahamnida. Korea be very proud of yourselves. From the Korea War a War torn nation and all through the new millennium one of the top 12 economies in the World. A huge feat recognized by the World. Former President Obama said the World should refer to this example. Great people, great Korea. Kamsahamnida.
와..............그 사고 이후로 이렇게 죽었다고?... 그리고 전 술을 안 마셔서 그런데 가격만 들어보면 술 값 싼것 같은데요 Grand Ole Opry 요새 뭐 시키면 저정도 가격 안나오니. (술 알러지 떄메 못먹어서0
Itaewon is not a place of youth but a place of death. It's a place I don't want to go again.There's only the shadow of death
Seoul has been a battlefield many times. Thousands of soldiers from both sides, and many thousands more civilians died while Seoul changed hands four times. Are you planning to leave Seoul too?
@@whisky3k I'm not talking about war.Itaewon is no longer a place of youth.Many people don't like Itaewon anymore.Itaewon is now a place for the dead.
Wow thank you for the update on Itaewon, Anna. It's very sad for the businesses there how empty it still is. I hope it will come back to life soon enough. But the fact that you felt so weird near the place of the crush I think that shows that the energy there needs a good cleansing. The energy of traumatic events can stay in a place where it happened. Someone should hire a skilled spiritual person to do a thorough energy cleansing of the area. That may hasten the revival of Itaewon nightlife.
Yes, I’m sure there are many restless spirits in the area now. It needs a cleansing or someone to help the restless spirits move on.
I've heard tons about Itaewon being the coolest place for foreigners and good nightlife and such and even watched Itaewon Class but did not know that history of the prostitution and such! Very interesting. Thank you for sharing it's history!
I remember the “before days (even the alphabet was different)“ I grew up in Korea as an American kid. We were there 68’-74’ the war days. I was 7 years old when we got there and a teenager when we left. Itaewan was where the markets and bars were. There wasn’t a hooker or homo hill. There was the “ville” I remember dirt roads and amazing, loving, caring, kind generous and sometimes grumpy people. We never lived on base and the kids I played with didn’t often speak English…. We were always able to communicate. I’ll always feel Seoul is my hometown. Never mattered to any of us.
My childhood was wonder and special. I’m old to many people but someday I hope to return.
I don’t look Korean but I’ll always be part Korean. Blessing in you travels kiddo.
Grand Ole Opry feels like my kinda bar to hangout, just chill, no rowdy crowd..I can just sit and drink my cocktails in peace and enjoy the music and chat with the bartender or owner...
I used to live in Itaewon for almost a year. There was for sure a re-ocuring opinion amongst people that its not the best neighbourhood to live in, that it is dirty, expensive and full of people (and I was one with this opinion at the time). That does not change the fact I spent a longer period in there and it did find a special place in my heart. It is sad, seeing it like this. I am coming to Korea after 4 years in 2 weeks, and it honestly makes me nervous to see it with a completely different feeling...
하루빨리 상권을 되찾길 바랍니다..산사람은 살아야지..
Why would anyone got to Grand Ole Opry after what Anna said? Isn't it discriminating against Koreans? By a Korean no less.
Most clubs in Korea (if not all) discriminate foreigners a lot. Don’t see a huge problem with this bar..
Because it's the best bar in Korea. Not just itaewon. It's such a warm environment. It feels like home.
So heartbreaking... I lived in gyeongridangil for several years and was in that area all the time and worked in Hannam-dong. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Keeping those who lost loved ones in my prayers.
this grandma is so cute! I would do everything to be able to hear her stories! It’s like my dream. opening an own bar too!
Thanks for showing us around. The one quick shot of the street, kind of made me chock up a bit. I am working on my plans to visit Korea, I am fascinated at how it was 60 years ago to what it is now.
Hi, its been 9 months now. Do you have an update about the situation in itaewon currently? Has it gotten better
I go to itaewon every other weekend or so. I like itaewon more than hongdae, and more than gangnam, and all the other party spots. There is a certain magic, and nostalgia about itaewon. The Halloween thing is still burned into my mind, but I still love itaewon. I'm in the US military, and my time in Korea is coming to a close soon. I will deeply miss itaewon and all the Korean people that have treated me so well. The grand ole opry will always be my favorite bar. Even better than the ones back home.
indian rice.. asian rice.. wait a minute, you're telling me indians are not asians? #mindblown
Thank you for a great video. Also, you have a wonderful English accent.
I've been going to itaewon for at least 18yesrs and I've seen its growth. I've party into the morning for many years. So sad about the Halloween deaths.i hope people will return and have fun again. BUT SAFETY FIRST AND FUN SECOND.
9:00 that's my lady 😶🌫️😭( basically I am an typical 17 yr old Indian gril *feeling proud to hear something about india* whether it's food or anything)
They should film another series or promote the place again.. I guess the friends and victims just waiting for at least 1year to recover that's why. But i hope everything go back to normal.
Great that you keep us updated Anna!! ❤❤❤ Very informational and interesting. Enjoyed this a lot. 😍😍😍
Will there be a permanent memorial for those who died.
crazy, in my town that i grew up in, and worked downtown bar nightlife (al, us) if a shooting happened, or someone well known in our bar nightlife culture passed, we would all kind of have a slow week, but after no more than that, business was back to normal for everyone. no disrespect to korean culture, just crazy to see how after all these months that there is basically no business for most all places around itaewon.
I hope for Itaewon to get again full, would be sad for the restaurants and co to survive .
I am coming to Korea in June. I will definitely look this place up. She's my kind of person who has lots of stories and has lots of life experiences. I love me a good drink too. Itaewon is one of my favorite areas. I'm glad to see it up and running. I'm sure it will be busier in the summer 😅
cmon, india is part of asia
first time seeing your channel and loved this style of video! thanks! gonna check out your other ones now!
그럴 줄 알았으면 이르게 나왔으면. 한산하고 너무좋아졌어 ~ㅎㅎ 보통 나가기 싫어하는 태음인들에겐 최고. 고맙다 ㅅㄱ야.
Thank you for sharing this video me and my cousin are looking forward to visiting S.Korea in April and will definitely visit the grand ol oprey bar! I love watching your videos and your recommendations are amazing! I can’t wait to visit Itewon it’s sad what happen but you are 100% right when you say people are resilient and it surely will come back to life as it was 😊
잘보고갑니다......
I loved seeing you go to Grand Ole Opry, my parents met there and just recently took me back to see it in October before the crowd crush incident.
You can see our names above the door.
Its sad to see that it isn't doing as well since the military moved but last time I was there it was pretty busy
It’s a lot safer now