yeah those thick compilations were usually called "oldeoni" or just "manhwa magajin" like the other poster said. the egg robot with glasses is def "ttal-ttal-i" from a series called "ttal-ttal-i wa kkoma" - that was a popular one in the early 90s. for actual physical copies, don't bother with insadong or the touristy book streets, they're overpriced and mostly have newer stuff. try the "seoul folk flea market" in sinseol-dong on weekends, there's a couple old dudes there with boxes of 90s manhwa they sell for like 1,000 won each. also check "kyobo bookstore" in gangnam itself - their used section in the basement sometimes has random vintage cds and comics mixed in with the new stuff, just gotta dig through the bins. for seotaiji especially, he's so mainstream you'll find his cds at any "record market" in hongdae but r.ef and solid might be tougher - i saw a solid cd at "vinyl and plastic" once but it was like 30,000 won which is steep.

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honestly your post hit me right in the feels. im a bit younger (born 88) but i grew up on those same compilation manhwacheck too. theyre usually called "oldeoni" or just "manhwa magajin" but the thick monthly compilations were often branded as "bombom" or "win" or "champ" - those were the big ones for 90s kids. issue is theyre pretty rare now since they were printed on cheap paper and most got thrown out or recycled.

for finding them, forget the tourist spots. go to heukseok-dong near chung-ang univ, theres a stretch of used bookstores called "heukseok book street" that specializes in old manhwa and magazines. also jongno has a few basements near the old seoul bookstores but you gotta dig. the egg robot with glasses sounds like "dooly" not the dinosaur but maybe "ttal-ttal-i" or "mashimaro"? actually wait the egg robot friend might be "kong-kong" from a series called "kong-kong and friends" or something similar.

for music, vinyl and cd shops in hongdae like "vinyl and plastic" or "seoul record" in myeongdong sometimes have 90s kpop bins. seotaiji is everywhere but r.ef and solid might take some hunting. try the underground

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Those old compilations were usually monthly kids' magazines like "Bombom" or "Win" like others said. For actual hunting, try the used book arcade inside Jongno's "Kwangjang Market" - it's chaotic but has piles of old manhwa and random

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honestly this is a solid guide, covers most of the basics pretty well. one thing i'd add is that the T-money card is also accepted at most convenience stores and even some taxis, so you don't need to worry about small change as much. also, if you're hitting up Gwangjang Market for street food, go a bit early like 11am to avoid the lunch rush and grab a seat at one of the mung bean pancake stalls near the center.

for the nightlife part, i'd say skip Gangnam unless you're into bottle service and loud EDM. Hongdae is way more fun for just wandering into random bars and chatting with locals, plus the vibe is less stiff. and if you're near the Han River, renting a bike from Yeouido is a chill way to see the city without the crowds.

one thing the guide missed is the Seoul City Bus Tour bus, which is like 12,000 won for a day pass and hits all the major spots if you're short on time. it's a good backup plan if your feet give out from all the walking.

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good guide, covers the essentials. one thing i'd mention is that a lot of tourists miss out on the free cultural programs at places like the national museum or even some palaces. gyeongbokgung has a free english tour at 11am and 1:30pm if you sign up online, way more interesting than just wandering around.

for getting around, the subway is fine but the bus system is actually faster for some routes, especially if you're going across the river. the naver map app is better than google maps here, it shows real-time bus arrivals and which exit to use. just download it before you land.

if you're short on time, skip namsan tower and go up to the seoul library rooftop instead, free view of the city and less crowded. also the guide's right about street food at gwangjang but the mayak kimbap (drug kimbap) stand near the main entrance is the one to line up for, tiny rolls with a mustard dip that people fight over.

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the guide's solid but one thing that always trips people up is the subway exit numbering. seoul stations have like 10+ exits sometimes and they're not always sequential, so check the map before you go up. also, if you're near hongdae on a weekend night, the main street gets packed but the side alleys near the art market have quieter bars with live music, way easier to actually talk to people.

for food, the guide mentions korean bbq in mapo-gu but i'd specifically say go to the meat alley near mangwon station, it's less touristy than the ones in mapo proper and the ajummas there will grill for you. and if you're doing the dmz tour, book through a company that picks you up from your hotel, the ones from insadong charge way more for the same thing.

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