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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the guide nails the big sites but honestly the most underrated history spot is the old Seoul Station building they mention. i went in on a random weekday and it was almost empty, just me and the restored waiting room with those huge arched windows. the contrast with the KTX station next door is wild, one is all glass and crowds, the other feels like stepping into a 1920s postcard. also if you're near the War Memorial, don't skip the outdoor tank and plane exhibits, kids love climbing them but even solo it's worth a wander, and the reflecting pool out front is a good quiet spot to sit for a bit. for the Naksan wall, the existing tip about sunset is right, but i'd add that starting from Hyehwa station and walking up past the murals gets you there without the tourist crush from Dongdaemun side.

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ngl this guide is solid but it skips one of my favorite historical spots, the Seodaemun Prison History Hall. it's not pretty, but walking through the actual cells where independence activists were tortured by the Japanese really hits different than reading about it. takes like 2 hours and it's right by Dongnimmun station, entrance is only 3,000 won. also if you're doing the Naksan wall hike, go at sunset, the view over the old tiled roofs towards Bukchon is way better than mid-day when it's just hazy. and pro tip for Changdeokgung's secret garden, book the English tour online a few days ahead, they sell out fast even in the off season.

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honestly the museum section is good but they missed the Seoul City Wall itself beyond the Naksan bit. the whole 18.6km loop is walkable and the Malbawi section near Dongdaemun is my favorite, you get these giant granite boulders right next to the fortress stones, feels ancient in a way the restored parts don't. also for the Baekje era, Olympic Park is fine but the Pungnaptoseong earthen wall just south of there is way less polished, no signage in english but you can walk the ridge and see actual original mud ramparts from 2,000 years ago, not a reconstruction. go on a weekday morning, it's just locals jogging and old guys doing stretches. if you only do one palace, skip Gyeongbokgung's crowds and do Changdeokgung's secret garden in late october, the maple and gingko tunnel is unreal and the guided tour keeps it quiet.

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