if you're south of seoul, check out the bundang area. there's a small shop near seohyeon station exit 4 called game town, it's on the second floor above a toppoki place. they've got a decent selection of ps2 and n64 stuff, mostly japanese imports, and the owner speaks some english. prices are negotiable, especially if you buy a bundle. also keep an eye on bunjang or joonggonara, the local craigslist equivalents, sometimes you'll find old guys selling their childhood consoles for cheap if you search in korean

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The Yongsan Electronics Market suggestion is solid, but I'd also point you to a place called "Seoul Game Center" in Hongdae. It's not a retro store in the traditional sense, more of a museum/arcade, but they sell off some of their overflow stock from time to time. I've seen a few SNES minis and loose N64 cartridges there for around 20,000 won each, which is cheaper than Yongsan.

Another angle is to check out the foreigner-targeted flea markets, like the one at Seoul Folk Flea Market near Sinseol-dong. It's a long shot, but expats moving out of the country sometimes dump their old consoles there. I found a working PS2 with a few games for 15,000 won last year, just needed a new power cable.

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You're right that home consoles weren't huge here, but there are a few spots. Try the Electronics Market in Yongsan, specifically the basement level of the old Naeri Building. There are a couple of stalls tucked between the PC repair shops that carry Japanese imports, mostly Famicom and Super Famicom stuff, with some PS1 and PS2 mixed in. Prices are higher than what you'd see at Hard Off, maybe 30,000 to 50,000 won for common cartridges, but you can haggle a bit if you're buying multiple.

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this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists

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honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs

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i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too

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