One Way Guesthouse in Busan, South Korea

First Impression

Living in Busan, South Korea, as a solo traveler several months a year, there is only one accommodation that I choose to call home. Steps from Busan Station, you will find a hidden gem hostel called One Way Guesthouse. As you approach the hostel, you are immediately welcomed by a beautiful mural of the city and guided by the sign above the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide the perfect vantage point to enjoy the bustling city life of Busan. When you step through the doors, you are greeted warmly by the smiling faces of the staff who offer to assist you with your luggage storage and self check-in process. 

Amenities & Facilities

When you arrive at One Way Guesthouse, you can breathe a sigh of relief, calmed by the soothing music played over the speakers, as you set down your luggage. You step into a cozy living space lined with tables and chairs that provide all the comfort of a cafe. You begin to survey the communal kitchen, complete with cooking utensils, dishware, cookware, and a large rice cooker —a dream for travelers like myself who enjoy sharing their culture through preparing large meals. The full-size refrigerator and freezer make it easy to store your groceries for both long-term and short-term use. You collect your free towels at the reception and make your way up the stairs to check into your room using the access code emailed to you on the day of your check-in.  

Rooms & Comfort

Upon arrival in the room at One Way Guesthouse, you are greeted by the comfort of central heating or air conditioning, which maintains a consistent and comfortable temperature at all times. The mosquito-screened windows ensure that the rooms remain free of these seasonal pests, to ensure a comfortable night's sleep. The shared bathrooms on each floor offer amenities, including a high-powered hair dryer, shampoo, and body wash, replenished daily. 

Atmosphere & Vibe

If you work remotely, like me, and seek a quiet and comfortable space to enjoy temperature-controlled rooms with fast and reliable wifi, then you can make no better choice than One Way Guesthouse. Although I maintain a residence on the island of Jeju, I choose to come and work from this amazing hostel at least one week a month to enjoy the company and convenience. The basement is always cool in the summer and warm in the winter, providing the perfect place to work, with power outlets and a fast and secure wifi connection. During the evening hours, it can be a pleasant place to relax and chat with new friends from around the world. This hostel provides a perfect balance between socializing and working remotely, upholding the cultural Korean value of respect. The reduced noise level and soft music create an ideal work environment, without feeling restrictive, in a comfortable setting that encourages cultural exchange over a shared meal. 

Location & Accessibility

The convenience of One Way Guesthouse is unmatched, as it is located just steps from Busan Station. The number one train line, Exit 6, with escalator access, and Exit 4, with elevator access to the platform, are located only a 2-minute walk from the property. Multiple bus lines offering complete access to all areas of the city are located directly in front of Busan Station, also just a 2-minute walk away. The easy access to transportation grants you full accessibility to explore any and all areas of Busan while traveling. The hostel's central location makes it the perfect home base for both domestic and international tourists. The ferry from Japan is located 10 minutes on foot from the property, and the hostel’s proximity to Busan Station ensures that you never have to wait more than 2 minutes for a taxi or car service. To purchase tickets to any other part of South Korea, you can visit the ticketing counter at Busan Station to buy your train ticket with either cash or card. You can ask the cashiers any questions that you have in your native language, as the station uses translation machines for added ease and accessibility to foreign visitors. 

District & Surrounding Area

One Way Guesthouse is situated in the Choryang-dong neighborhood, which features Chinatown, a large grocery store, a local street market, numerous cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores. The hostel is located directly across the street from a 24-hour GS25 convenience store, where you can easily withdraw cash from a global ATM and purchase a T-Money transit card to use on the buses and trains, which can also be refilled with cash within the convenience store. The hostel offers laundry services for a small fee as an added convenience for guests. However, there are also many 24-hour laundry mats in the area for expedited washing services. 

Best Value for Travelers

If you are interested in visiting Busan, whether for the first time or a long time on an extended stay, I highly recommend staying at One Way Guesthouse. You can not find a better value for the convenience of a comfortable and casual home base in the heart of the city. The hospitality of the owner, manager, and staff will make you feel comfortable and welcome during your travels, and will keep you coming back year after year. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, as a solo traveler, a couple, or a group, this is the ideal location to experience the kindness of Korean culture and create lasting friendships with people from all over the world. Your Busan adventure is waiting—let Oneway Guesthouse be the place where your story begins.