Gwangjang Market vendors in Jongno don't tone down kimchi jjigae spice like Itaewon tourist restaurants. Their mild uses full korean gochugaru concentration that'll send you running to nearby GS25 for milk.

Made this mistake ordering medium thinking convenience store ramyeon prepared me. Spent 20 minutes crying over soup while ajumma watched confused. Start tourist-friendly Myeongdong spots first or specifically ask for foreigner portion.