Nearly 10 months after the tragic Halloween crowd crush that claimed 159 lives, Itaewon, a prominent nightlife district in Seoul, is showing signs of recovery. However, the extent of this recovery varies widely depending on the type of business.
On a recent Friday night, the streets of Itaewon buzzed with activity as bar staff promoted their establishments. The area near the Hamilton Hotel, close to the site of the tragic accident, was filled with music, visitors, and foreign tourists capturing the lively scene on their phones.
According to a report from July by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, sales at Itaewon shops have rebounded to around 85 percent of pre-crowd-crush levels, indicating a positive shift. Additionally, the average number of weekly visitors to Itaewon in May reached 75.6 percent compared to the week before the tragedy, based on statistics from telecom operator KT.
To attract people back to Itaewon and support local businesses, the Yongsan-gu Office introduced vouchers in March. These vouchers, used like cash, provided customers with a 20 percent discount at businesses in the area.
"The vouchers once accounted for nearly 30 percent of total sales," said a staff member at a Mexican restaurant near the Hamilton Hotel.
Liquor stores were among the businesses that benefited the most from this initiative. Many customers from out of town came to purchase discounted liquor using the vouchers.
While some businesses are relieved to see customers return, numerous empty shops with "for rent" signs serve as a reminder that recovery remains multifaceted.
Bars and restaurants that used to draw large crowds have bounced back faster, while newly opened establishments still struggle to attract customers. Some stores, such as those selling clothes and accessories, dispute the government's claim of an 85-percent sales recovery.
To address concerns about public safety, the Itaewon Special Tourism Zone Association, a regional merchant group, is focusing on making Itaewon a safer place. Merchant volunteers will patrol the area, aiming to prevent accidents and create a secure atmosphere. These initiatives not only enhance safety but also seek to revive Itaewon's former allure, according to Yoo Tae-hyuk, the association's chairman.
This month, merchant groups will begin patrolling popular areas like Itaewon World Food and Culture Street, sending a message that Itaewon is a safe and welcoming place for visitors.
