Visiting Seoul for the first time as a noob westerner can be quite an adventure! A lot of things are different, like Google Maps not working properly. Instead, you’re relying on Naver Maps, which definitely saved my trip, though it’s not quite as quick or intuitive as Google Maps. Plus, the language barrier adds an extra challenge when trying to track down the best spots for retro games and action figures in the city.

Researching online was also challenging, as I had to search in both Korean and English, yet it was still difficult to find a comprehensive guide to the best places for retro games and action figures in Seoul. So, I decided to write one myself.

A big thanks to 8 bits ago for posting this video just two days before my trip, which was a great help in finding the best places to buy retro games and action figures in Seoul.

Video Game Alley

Video Game Alley was the first place I managed to confirm existed before I arrived in Seoul. Situated nearby the historic Yongsan Electronics Market — famous since the 1980s for its electronics boom — this cluster of shops wasn’t easy to find, and once I got there, I realized timing mattered. On my first visit, which happened to be a Sunday, most of the shops were closed and only two were open. Despite the limited selection, I was impressed by the variety of retro titles available and how reasonable the prices were.

Although I wasn’t seeing anything extremely rare, I found plenty of classic Nintendo games, including a copy of Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble for Game Boy Color. I also picked up a golden Nintendo 64 controller that nicely expanded my collection of golden-themed controllers.

I went back on a weekday and found many more shops open. It was a relief to see a livelier scene, with more people browsing and chatting. The stores carried a wide range of Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and older Japanese and Korean titles. While I still didn’t come across any holy grails, I did grab a few amiibos for a friend.

My third visit came too late in the day, and everything had shut down by 5 PM, reminding me that it’s always best to go early. Still, Video Game Alley remained my first taste of Seoul’s retro gaming culture, and it set a good baseline for what to expect.

I’Park Mall

After exploring Video Game Alley, I decided to head over to I’Park Mall. Initially, I knew it as a regular shopping destination, but it turned out there was more than meets the eye. Built in 2006 as part of a major redevelopment project in Yongsan, I’Park Mall has everything you can expect from a big shopping mall in a big city: food courts, electronic stores, cinemas, etc.

It even has a dedicated “geek floor”, which was where I’ve spent most of my time at, looking at action figures, games, and collectibles. Among the highlights was a small Nintendo pop-up store with large Kirby and Pikmin statues that made for great photos — even if the selection leaned more towards modern titles and merchandise rather than retro games.

There was also an impressive Gundam store, full of so many variations of those robots that I lost count. I’m not a fan myself, but I can see how it would be a paradise for Gundam enthusiasts. There was also a big One Piece event happening in the Mall, with some activities, photo booths and other things. I couldn’t understand the details since everything was in Korean, but it added to the colorful atmosphere.

I’Park Mall wasn’t the gold mine for retro gaming, but it was still a worthwhile stop if you’re already out exploring Video Game Alley. Sometimes these places offer more than just games, as I said, I’m not a big fan of Gundam, but seeing stores like that is always a treat. Plus, as we say in Brazil, “saco vazio não para em pé” (an empty bag doesn’t stand up), so I ended up having a big meal at the Shake Shack on the first floor.

Kukje Electronics Center

Kukje Electronics Center turned out to be the biggest surprise of my trip. Established in 1997, it remains a quieter alternative to the busier Yongsan area and caters to collectors who are willing to dig deep.

I had trouble finding detailed info on Kukje before arriving in Korea, and even during my stay, it remained more of a secret spot or for those who are fluent in Korean I guess. Luckily, I watched the video by 8 bits ago and decided to check it out. Once inside, I felt like I’d stumbled into a paradise for anyone into retro gaming and anime collectibles. An entire floor was dedicated to old consoles, cartridges, discs, action figures, and rows of gashapon machines.

Some of these shops weren’t very organized, but that was part of the fun. I spent long minutes digging through piles of old Nintendo titles, rummaging through stacks of Game Boy cartridges, and sorting through racks of Game Cube and Wii games. Amid the clutter, I found a Korean edition of Metroid Prime, which due to a ban on Japanese products, was published by Daewon Media instead of Nintendo, making it quite a rare find. If you’re interested you can read more about it scanlines16.com blog post about it.

Compared to the tidier scenes at other locations, Kukje Electronics Center had a certain charm and character that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Hunting through its stacks felt like an adventure, and walking away with rare finds made it all the more satisfying.

General Electronics

The passion for retro gaming often pairs well with a fascination for old-school electronics. Seoul has several legendary electronics markets — some transforming for the future, some preserving their vintage character — where you can discover more than just game cartridges.

I didn’t have much time to explore these locations, but I did some research and found a bit more information some of them:

Marketcity Sewoon

Marketcity Sewoon, dating back to the late 60s, is one of Seoul’s first major mixed-use developments. Over the decades, it was known for its dense network of electronics and manufacturing shops, some said to be capable of building almost anything. Though it has lost some of its old prominence, ongoing “Re-Sewoon” revitalization efforts are nudging it toward a new role as an urban innovation hub.

For visitors, Marketcity Sewoon offers a chance to browse vintage gadgets, from Walkmans and tape recorders to old cables and the occasional hidden stash of video games. It’s not a quick stop, and not every shop will be open, but that’s part of the appeal. With patience, you might stumble onto a forgotten gadget that sparks a long-lost memory.

Yongsan Electronics Market

Yongsan Electronics Market rose to fame in the 80s and became synonymous with electronics in Seoul. While online shopping and shifting consumer tastes have calmed the once-frenzied scene, Yongsan still holds a legendary reputation. With future redevelopment plans focused on AI, ICT, and innovation, this district stands at a crossroads of past, present, and future.

Though the bustle has waned, there’s still potential for deals on older electronics. Quiet corners might yield retro consoles, rare spare parts, or that vintage camera you’ve been looking for. Yongsan’s legacy makes it worth a visit — you’ll experience a place that once reigned supreme as an electronics mecca, now evolving into something new.

Conclusion

Seoul’s retro gaming and electronics scene rewards those who are willing to dig a little deeper. Start with Video Game Alley for straightforward retro finds, swing by I’Park Mall for a taste of modern geek culture, and then dive into Kukje Electronics Center, for a big chance of scoring a gem for you collection. If you’re into regular retro-gadget and have time to dig deeper, explore Marketcity Sewoon and Yongsan Electronics Market for a taste of Seoul’s electronics history.

These places aren’t just about the items you buy; they’re about discovering a city that continually reinvents itself. You’ll encounter stories, communities, and a vibrant nostalgia that turns shopping into an adventure. Whether you’re a die-hard collector or a curious traveler, Seoul’s hidden corners may surprise you with treasures you never knew you wanted.