Kimchee Live Blog
Korea travel notes from people who run guesthouses in Busan — getting around, where to stay, what to see and eat in Seoul, Busan, Jeju and beyond, and how a Korean guesthouse actually works.
Where to Stay in Seoul for the First Time: 5 Areas Compared
Where to stay in Seoul first time? Compare Hongdae, Myeongdong, Jongno/Insadong, Gangnam and Seongsu by subway lines, budget, and guesthouse vs hotel.
2026-11-13 · 8 min read
Jeju First Time Guide: How Many Days, East vs West, No Car
A Jeju first time guide: how many days to plan, east vs west, Seongsan, Udo, Hallasan, Olle trails, wind and rain, and where to stay if you don't drive.
2026-11-11 · 8 min read
Seoul 3 Day Itinerary for First-Timers, by Neighborhood
A Seoul 3 day itinerary built around neighborhoods: palaces and Bukchon, Hongdae and Yeonnam, Seongsu, and Namsan at night, all by subway, with food stops.
2026-11-09 · 7 min read
How to Book KTX in Korea: KTX vs SRT vs ITX Explained
How to book KTX in Korea: KTX vs SRT vs ITX and Mugunghwa, Korail and SRT apps, station kiosks, the Korea Rail Pass, standing tickets and Seoul–Busan times.
2026-11-06 · 8 min read
T-money Card Korea: Where to Buy, Top Up and Get Your Balance Back
T-money card Korea guide: T-money vs Cashbee vs Seoul Climate Card, buying and topping up with cash, bus transfers, taxis, and refunding leftover balance.
2026-11-04 · 7 min read
Solo Female Travel in Busan: Dorms, Nights, and Meeting People
Practical notes on solo female travel in Busan: how to pick a female dorm, get around after dark, and meet other travelers at a guesthouse.
2026-11-02 · 6 min read
Autumn Leaves in Korea: Where to Go and When
Autumn leaves in Korea: rough peak timing and public-transport tips for Seoul's palaces, Namsan, Seoraksan, Naejangsan, Beomeosa and Geumjeongsan.
2026-10-30 · 8 min read
Busan to Gyeongju Day Trip: Train, Bus, and What to Skip
A practical Busan to Gyeongju day trip guide: train vs. bus, a realistic one-day route, which sights to prioritize, and what to skip if time is short.
2026-10-22 · 8 min read
Book Direct vs Booking.com Hostel: What Changes for You
Book direct vs Booking.com hostel: what really changes for travelers, from talking to the host to changing dates and asking for a room, with a Busan example.
2026-10-15 · 7 min read
Busan in Winter: Mild Weather, Hot Springs and Markets
Busan in winter is milder than Seoul, with hot springs, steaming street food, busy markets and thinner crowds. Here's how to plan it, what to pack and where to go.
2026-10-08 · 8 min read
Busan Summer Travel Tips: Humidity, Rain and Typhoons
Busan summer travel tips for July–August: how to handle humidity, the rainy season, beach days and typhoon season, plus a practical packing list.
2026-10-01 · 8 min read
Gimhae Airport to Seomyeon: Light Rail, Bus, or Taxi?
Gimhae airport to Seomyeon compared: light rail + subway, limousine bus, and taxi, with practical notes on luggage, transfers, and timing.
2026-09-24 · 7 min read
What to Eat in Seomyeon: Gukbap, Milmyeon, Pojangmacha
A practical guide to what to eat in Seomyeon, Busan: dwaeji gukbap, milmyeon, and pojangmacha stalls, plus how to order without speaking Korean.
2026-09-21 · 8 min read
First Time Staying in a Hostel in Korea: What to Expect
First time staying in a hostel in Korea? Here's what shoes-off entryways, shared kitchens, lockers, and quiet hours actually feel like, plus what to pack.
2026-09-21 · 8 min read
Hostel Dorm Etiquette: Unwritten Rules for a Better Stay
Hostel dorm etiquette for Busan and Korea trips: lights, bags, alarms, snoring, and the small habits that keep a shared room easy for everyone.
2026-09-21 · 7 min read
Busan Subway Guide for Travelers: Lines, Cards, Airport
A practical Busan subway guide for visitors: which metro lines matter, transit cards, getting from the airport, and late-night transport options.
2026-09-21 · 8 min read
Where to Stay in Busan First Time: A Neighborhood Guide
Seomyeon, Busan Station, Haeundae, or Gwangalli — a subway-savvy guide to where to stay in Busan first time, based on what you actually plan to do.
2026-09-21 · 7 min read
Busan 3 Day Itinerary: One Direction Each Day from Seomyeon
A practical Busan 3 day itinerary based in Seomyeon/Beomnaegol, with one subway direction to explore each day — old town, coast, temple.
2026-09-21 · 7 min read