Since you're near the end of your trip, you should hit up a proper naengmyeon place before you go back. Pildong Myeonok in Chungmuro does a cold buckwheat noodle that cuts through the heat way better than anything you'll find in Canada. It's around 10,000 won for the mul naengmyeon and the broth is almost like a cold beef consomme with that perfect tangy vinegar kick.

For the buffet craving, skip the meat places and go to a kimbap heaven type spot instead. There's one near Ewha Womans University station that does a lunch buffet for like 9,000 won and they rotate through 40 different banchan and mains. It's popular with students so you'll get that same young crowd energy without paying Hongdae prices.

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ngl the buffets around Hongdae are pretty solid for the price. there's a place called 자연별곡 in the AK Plaza that does a huge veggie and meat spread for like 25,000 won, way more variety than the usual 고기집 stuff

but if you're into noodles and want something unique, try the jjolmyeon at 신전떡볶이 in Sinchon. it's a chain but that specific location has this spicy sweet sauce that's addicting, and you can add cheese or dumplings for like 1,000 won extra. not a buffet but you can order a ton for cheap

also fyi most places close between 3-5pm so plan your eating times around that if you're hitting multiple spots in one day

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tbh if you're in seoul and want noodles that aren't the usual kalguksu, try out the udon at 부자동네 in hongdae. it's this tiny basement spot near the main street and their curry udon is like 9000 won, super thick broth with hand-pulled noodles. for all-you-can-eat i'd skip the kbbq chains and go to 신촌황소곱창 in sinchon, it's about 25000 won for unlimited gopchang and they grill it with garlic and perilla leaves right at your table. they also have a noodle add-on at the end where they fry up the leftover fat with rice and noodles, messy but so worth it

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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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