Taehyun Ryu (Big Black T.
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This hostel offers a unique opportunity to stay in an old Japanese traditional house, something you don’t often find in the city. From the entrance of the alley, the building doesn’t really stand out, so you might easily pass by without noticing it. But once you step through the main gate, you’ll find a few tables and a small reception area.
When I visited, there happened to be a local youth event going on, which made the atmosphere even more lively. There was also a Korean staff member who was very kind and helpful in Korean, even recommending great nearby restaurants—which made exploring the neighborhood extra enjoyable.
As with most traditional Japanese houses, insulation isn’t great, and because of the wooden floors, you can hear footsteps or even small conversations from the hallway quite clearly. It might wake you up at night, but this is also part of the authentic experience of staying in such a house.
One of my favorite parts of the stay was the garden with old trees spreading freely across the yard. At first it seemed a bit unkempt, but as I walked through, I noticed small paths made with stones set into the ground. On a nice day, just sitting there and listening to the wind brought a real sense of peace and calm.
For comfort, each bed has conveniently placed power outlets, and with the curtain closed you can relax in your own little private space—perfect for watching YouTube or just unwinding.
Another highlight was the simple yet heartfelt breakfast. They served onigiri and miso soup—nothing fancy, but it felt like a real Japanese breakfast, the kind people would actually eat at home, rather than something designed just for travelers. It added an authentic touch to the whole stay.
