Jon Dunbar is a copy editor at The Korea Times, as well as editor of the Foreign Community page and curator of the Korea Times Archive. If you have suggestions for possible articles, or wish to contribute articles yourself, contact jdunbar@koreatimes.co.kr.
PINNACLE'S ITAEWON Seoul's best neighborhood for shisha
Den Hookah Lounge in Itaewon / Courtesy of Den Hookah Lounge
By Jon Dunbar
By Pinnacle TheHustler
It should be public knowledge that Itaewon is the go-to place for indulging in the finest hookah experiences in Seoul. Whether you call it “hookah,” “shisha” or “the pipe,” shisha lovers in Seoul all want to know where to go to indulge in exceptional shisha experiences. In this article, we will explore three remarkable establishments that offer a variety of aesthetics, spirit options and sound crafting that contribute to a unique ambiance complemented by the engulfing clouds of quality shisha.
Our first stop is Den Hookah Lounge, owned and operated by An Seong-chan (SC) and John Park. Since its opening on July 22, 2021, Den has gained a reputation for providing an exceptional shisha experience. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every meticulously prepared shisha, which caters to the preferences of their customers. Den boasts one of the industry's best hookah devices, the Wookah, ensuring a premium smoking affair. Despite the challenges faced by Itaewon recently, Den's loyal customer base continues to appreciate the lounge's dedication to quality and outstanding customer service. “Words cannot describe how grateful we are to our regulars who showed continuous support,” SC said. Follow
on Instagram.
Moving along, we make our way to Shimmy Shimmy, a hookah bar established in 2019 by its owner, Alex. Shimmy Shimmy is not just a place to enjoy shisha; it's a community that thrives on customer growth and connection. Alex takes pride in the fact that former college students, now office workers, still make time to visit his establishment to catch up as friends. Navigating through the stormy seas of Itaewon's challenges, Alex credits Shimmy Shimmy's continued success to his caring staff for their unwavering support. Shimmy Shimmy stands tall as a testament to their resilience. Follow
Hookahs are at the tables inside Shimmy Shimmy in Itaewon. Courtesy of Shimmy Shimmy
Lastly, we venture to Marrakech, a unique establishment with a very different ambiance. It's not a dark, cool lounge with upbeat, popular music engulfing the room. Nor is it a busy basement bar, filled with the sound of bustling customers, cheers from the darts area and loud laughter from the ordering section. Marrakech embraces a distinct Moroccan vibe. Established in 2005 by Mostafa Rhiti and Fatima El Idrissi, Marrakech has always been a family business that has employed the same Moroccan chef from the start. Itaewon's original Moroccan restaurant, positioned on the main street of Itaewon right in between Itaewon and Noksapyeong subway stations, it is also the first Arabian restaurant to introduce shisha and Moroccan cuisine to Itaewon. Despite facing numerous challenges and crises, Marrakech has stood the test of time. Relying primarily on word of mouth, its reputation continues to grow. If you're in search of an authentic Moroccan culinary experience complemented by true Arabian-style shisha, Marrakech is the place for you. Follow
Some of the Moroccan foods offered at Marrakech in Itaewon / Courtesy of Marrakech
Itaewon remains the ultimate destination for shisha enthusiasts in Seoul. Den Hookah Lounge, Shimmy Shimmy and Marrakech each offer unique shisha experiences, ensuring that customers find the perfect ambiance to enjoy their favorite flavors. Whether you prefer a sophisticated lounge atmosphere, a close-knit, fun-loving community or a more authentic Moroccan setting, Itaewon has it all. So, embark on a shisha journey and discover the vibrant hookah scene in Itaewon, where quality, variety and unforgettable experiences await.
Pinnacle TheHustler is the owner of Itaewon hip-hop hookah bar
.
He is a DJ, emcee and former radio host and recording artist. Visit
or
for more information.