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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This is a solid breakdown. I'd add that Hongdae is also great during the day if you're into the vintage and secondhand shopping scene. The main streets around Hongik University Station exit 9 have a few blocks of thrift stores and independent boutiques that most tourists miss because they're busy at night.

For families, Jamsil's Lotte World Mall has a massive aquarium and a cinema, which is a good backup if the weather turns. I've spent a whole rainy afternoon there with zero regrets, it's less chaotic than the main theme park.

One thing about the subway hours: after midnight, night buses run along major routes like the 6011 from Myeongdong to Hongdae for about $1.50. They're less frequent but reliable if you're out late.

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solid breakdown, you covered the main areas well. one thing i'd add for first-timers is that myeongdong is great for shopping but the street food is way overpriced compared to what you'll find in local spots. i'd rather hit Gwangjang Market for authentic stuff like bindaetteok and tteokbokki, it's a 10 minute subway ride and way cheaper.

for digital nomads in gangnam, the co-working spaces are solid but honestly the cafes around Sinsa-dong or Garosu-gil have better vibes and just as fast wifi. i worked from a place called Cafe de Paris near Sinsa station for a week, no issues. just avoid peak lunch hours if you need a seat.

also worth mentioning that bukchon is beautiful but the hanok guesthouses can have thin walls and early checkouts, so bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. i stayed at one near Anguk station and could hear my neighbors sneezing at 6am. still a cool experience though, just know what you're getting into.

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honestly this is a really useful guide, i've lived in seoul for three years and you nailed the main vibes. one thing i'd add for myeongdong is that the L7 hotel has a rooftop bar with a killer view of Namsan tower, especially at sunset. it's a bit pricey for drinks but worth one round just for the photo op, and you can skip the cable car line if you're staying there.

for jamsil, the seokchon lake cherry blossom walk in spring is way less crowded than yeouido, and there's a small cafe called Cafe Sulbing right by the lake that does amazing patbingsu. it's a nice break from the theme park chaos if you have kids or just want to chill.

also if you're in hongdae and want something quieter, the area around Yeonnam-dong has a bunch of indie bookstores and craft beer spots that most tourists miss. i found a place called The Book Society that does poetry readings in english sometimes, it's a totally different side of the neighborhood

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