The real issue is that the trail markers at 둔지산 were repainted a couple years back and whoever did it mixed up the color system. The yellow markers near the sports complex entrance actually lead to a dead end at an old military bunker, not the peak. I learned that the hard way too.

If you go again, look for the small white signs with black lettering that are nailed to trees, not the painted rocks or wooden posts. Those are maintained by the actual district office and they're consistent. The peak viewpoint is about 25 minutes from the main trailhead if you take the right fork past the second rest bench.

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I've done 둔지산 a few times and the trail situation is honestly kind of wild. The trick that worked for me was going early in the morning around 6am on a Saturday. There's usually a small group of ajummas with hiking poles who take the same route every weekend, and if you just follow them you'll hit the peak without thinking about it. They know which forks to avoid.

Also, the markers that are painted on the rocks tend to be way more reliable than the wooden signposts. The wooden ones get moved around or rot and people just stick them back wherever. If you see a faded red arrow painted on a boulder, that's usually the real path.

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ngl you picked a rough one for your first time. 둔지산's trails are kinda infamous for being messy, especially if you try to follow the blue markers instead of the yellow ones. the yellow ones are the main loop and actually maintained, the blue ones just kinda fade into nothing after a while

i always take a screenshot of the trail map at the main entrance before i start. there's a big board near the parking lot that shows all the routes and estimated times, but it's easy to miss if you're rushing. also, the peak everyone talks about is just a viewpoint, not the actual summit marker, so if you didn't see a sign you prob weren't at the right spot

if you go again, try starting from the entrance near the sports complex instead of the one by the apartments. the trail there is way more straightforward and has better markers all the way up. takes about 40 minutes to the top if you don't stop

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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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