If you're near Myeongdong and want something quick without going far, there's a small shop called Hair & Joy in the underground shopping center at Euljiro 1-ga station. It's connected to Lotte Department Store, so you can find it easily. They do bangs for around ₩15,000-₩20,000 and the stylists there see a lot of tourists, so pointing at a photo works fine. Skip the shampoo service to keep it under your budget, and go right when they open at 10am to avoid the lunch rush.

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The second commenter's suggestion near Sinchon is solid, but if you want to stay closer to Myeongdong, try Park Jun Beauty Lab in Euljiro. It's about a 10 minute walk from Lotte Department Store, tucked on a side street near Euljiro 4-ga station exit 4. They do a cut and light blow dry for around ₩30,000 and the stylists there are used to showing foreign clients photos on their phones. Just be aware they don't take reservations for walk ins, so go on a weekday morning around 10 or 11am when it's quieter.

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i'd skip the tourist-trap places in myeongdong itself tbh. try 홍대앞 (hongdae) which is about 20 min on line 2 from 을지로3가. there's a spot called 차홍 (chahong) that's well known for their wispy bang cuts, they speak basic english and have a few locations near the hongdae station exit 8. it'll prob run u around ₩40k-₩50k for just bangs and a quick trim, no shampoo included usually.

if u want something even cheaper and don't mind the walk, 헤어살롱 이정 (hair salon leejeong) near 신촌 station exit 4 does bangs for like ₩20k and the stylists there are used to foreigners. just show them a photo of the wispy style u want on your phone and they'll nail it. the downside is they're always busy so expect a 15-20 min wait even with a reservation.

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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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