The updated and expanded 2nd Edition of the Utopia Guide to South Korea offers a remarkable insider's glimpse at the gay and lesbian scene in 7 cities including Seoul, Pusan, Taegu and Taejon. Listings include organizations, bars, discos, accommodations, spas, restaurants, and more. A special section highlights venues that are especially welcoming for women. Enjoy savvy comments and recommendations from local Utopians and gay travelers. Click here to order

SEOUL -- area code (82-2)

ITAEWON

• Hamilton Hotel
  119-25 Itaewon-Dong, Yongsan-Gu, Utopia Map, 794-0171, 794-0172. Take airport bus #5A which stops right across the street from the hotel. Can't beat this location: right at the Itaewon subway station, in the center of the gay scene and the foreigner-friendly Itaewon strip. But the hotel has small rooms with fruity decor (every surface has a different floral pattern and the bathroom sports a 1950s pink shower curtain). Expensive for what you get (rooms start at about US$100/night). Still, they do have in-room Net access (US$12./day when it should be free) and the most convenient location to the gay scene.