yeah it's still around, just smaller than it used to be. a lot of the retro game vendors consolidated into one section near the back of the arcade, so you might walk past it if you're not looking. the whole place feels a bit more organized now, less chaotic than 2019

if you want more retro stuff, take a short walk to 전자랜드 (Yongsan Electronics Market) in the same complex. there's a basement floor with a handful of classic game shops that have bins of old cartridges and consoles. prices have gone up tho, especially for japanese imports

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since nobody mentioned it, theres a guy on the 3rd floor of the main electronics market building who runs a tiny stall mostly for repair work but he keeps a few bins of rare pc engine and super famicom stuff under his counter. he doesnt advertise it, you gotta ask in korean or just point and gesture. his name is written on a yellow sign but i forget it.

also if you go on a weekday afternoon its way less crowded and some vendors will actually haggle a bit. weekend mornings are when the collectors show up and prices get stiff. the alley itself is def still there but like others said its tighter now.

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if you're willing to venture a bit further, head over to the seongsu area. there's a spot called seongsu game market that popped up in the last couple years, more of a curated retro vibe than the chaotic alley. not as big but the stuff is cleaner and the owners actually know their stock. prices are a bit steeper though, maybe 10-20% more than yongsan

also check out the underground shops at gangnam station near exit 4. there's a tiny row of retro game booths that barely anyone talks about. mostly korean versions but they get random japanese imports too. cash only at most of them, just a heads up

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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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