Heading out there for two weeks this summer and was wondering if anyone had any tips. I figure it's close to Japan so there must be something, especially considering the ban on Japanese cultural goods was lifted in '98.

Can't spend too much, but it'd be nice to window shop at least.

I think gatiio lived in Korea recently, I'd contact him

If you re looking to score some grails you are going to be sh!t out of luck. They have your KR type of store that sells those and other products, western products, but that is it. There is Ork Town, which is the ONLY place to buy minis in korea, but thats about it when it comes to toys or that sort of stuff.

Im guessing you will eventually be in Gangnam so take a look at Pink Robot, also there are a few stores (kyobo book store and Green Tree) that sell minis, but they will most likely be the kind of stuff you find at a sanrio store, there are a few Gundam Stores, those are in some of the Hyundai Malls. There is also Hongdae district which houses a lot of the 'artsy' stuff in Seoul. The district itself is a great place to hang out. (whatever you do, do not miss going to hongdae park at night on a weekend, great time, just ask any foreigner for directions)

Now, that said. Korea has a vibrant and thriving art scene, what it lacks in toys it more than makes up on sculpture and painting. There are numerous toy museums (one in hongdae BTW) that you can pay a few dollars to go into and see some vintage stuff, some of them have pre-WWII stuff, toys that you can drool at. If you have a chance, go up north to Paju, they have a great park that houses a few museums and one of them has the largest Gundam and Terminator collections I've ever seen.

If you are into 1/6th stuff, you will find a few shops that sell that stuff and some even have CoolRain's stuff in display. Take moment and go visit the e-stadium, there are always matches going on.

Ill stop now, its late hahaha. If you need pointers or even people to hang out with, PM me and I can surely direct you to a lot of stuff.

Korea is amazing, and Im afraid 2 weeks will prove very little time to experience the whole blast that it is. Have a fun!

Thanks for all the info!

I suppose it's good that the toy scene is lacking. Need to save money for books anyhow.

I guess I'll just have to focus on the food then. haha