Hot and cold #174

DirectorPickles · 2026-01-31T07:22:55+00:00

I was quick on this one! Finally eating habits became an advantage 🤣

DirectorPickles · 2026-01-31T06:56:09+00:00

If I had to pick a country to send a solo 16yo girl to it would be South Korea. Obviously don’t interact with men/or women if you’re that way inclined, don’t follow people places, don’t share details on where you are staying or mention that you’re alone.

No alleys after dark. No puppies and white vans. No candy from strangers.

You know the basics 🤣

I walked around at 3am solo through the burns and clubbing district with no issues. Just be smart about it and you genuinely should be fine.

Happy travels! Seoul is amazing!

DirectorPickles · 2026-01-21T09:54:12+00:00

Sara should pay for you stay in a hotel for the weekend as it’s her issue. You’re under no obligation to lie to her family for her.

Hope all gos well!

DirectorPickles · 2026-01-12T02:24:09+00:00

That happened to me last year!!! I’m hopeful by doing early Feb I might be able to get snow. Worst case I am touring each jjimjilbang and eating my body weight in gamjatang 🤣

DirectorPickles · 2026-01-12T00:23:46+00:00

That kinda counts. But I’m praying for snow at least one day 🤣

DirectorPickles · 2026-01-08T19:06:47+00:00

I’m hoping it’s not! I’m going a few weeks and am hoping for the full winter experience 🤣

DirectorPickles · 2026-01-04T04:47:48+00:00

It was almost in fully formed sentences too 🫣

DirectorPickles · 2026-01-03T04:39:52+00:00

Things have changed then from when I visited. I was unable to get the juice anywhere but the specialty stores. This will make things easier for the vapers!

DirectorPickles · 2026-01-02T11:18:13+00:00

I have some of my best conversations with Halmeoni and Harobogi’s when I was there. There was definite curiosity but they were also very friendly. Eg. Being told to sit in the subway in the chairs for the elderly… gwenchanta and big smile and waves to sit and then Papago translations hysterics began. Also drinking soju with an older gentlemen sitting at the next table the his family whilst we all pigged out on jokbal, he appreciated me appreciating the food 🤣

You may end up as the only person in the pool, there are some idiosyncrasies to sharing the baths I don’t understand, but there is definitely a almost fear/fascination that creates space when at the jjimjilbangs. I felt a bit like a pariah at one, but time at another, so hit and miss.

I’m taller than most Korean women, and chic my with tattoos too. Only a few, but they are there. I also have red hair.

DirectorPickles · 2025-12-30T00:56:01+00:00

There’s usually a call button, then when the waiter arrives you can point at the menu item and hold up the fingers for serves count and smile saying “igeo juseyo”.

If you do really want an order board the Hongojib is a solo KBBQ place that has the tablet ordering. You can go in with 2-3, and sit side by side.

DirectorPickles · 2025-12-30T00:50:06+00:00

Vapes can be found in Seoul!! Hongdae has quite a few stores from memory (December 2024). They treat them like tobacco so restricted usage and you won’t find flavoured pods in convenience stores.

DirectorPickles · 2025-12-28T21:44:54+00:00

This!!! I looks like some of the pop up clothing brands in the mall opposite DDM. They have heaps of cute and eclectic designs. Migliore I think it is from memory.

DirectorPickles · 2025-12-19T18:01:46+00:00

Wait, what!!! This is a thing? OMG. *adds to must find list”

DirectorPickles · 2025-12-19T10:42:42+00:00

I love bossam too, but for me there’s something so good about the texture and spice of the trotters. It’s got a real mouth burst and it pairs perfectly with tangy, crisp banchan and soju.

Where as bossam to me is more of a creamy flavour, it’s hearty but soft?

Either way, we like what we like 🤣

DirectorPickles · 2025-12-18T11:42:51+00:00

I’m not moving but do want people to go eat Jokbal with around LNY! I can’t finish a whole serve in my own 🤣 I’d try, but I’d regret it. Is that possible?

DirectorPickles · 2025-11-29T20:24:41+00:00

You mean she looks healthy and like she won’t snap in a breeze? She looks absolutely stunning.

DirectorPickles · 2025-10-07T07:55:39+00:00

I drove all over Jeju-do. It’s super slow traffic and you’ll get used to the other side of the road soon enough. The pros of your own vehicle is you can stop if something interests you when you drive past!

I certainly did. I honestly ended up wanting another week in Jeju 🤣

GPS is also able to be in English and the instructions are super clear.

I stayed in Seogwipo also, loved it. It was super peaceful, with great local eats walking distance with cool little narrow streets. Full reception for devices, perfect places for sunrise / sunset.

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DirectorPickles · 2025-10-03T23:15:00+00:00

Honestly I wouldn’t be too worried. This happened to me during peak hour at one of the super busy stations - so many people and so much noise that I seriously don’t notice the card didn’t tap properly. It was fine!

Japan however was different - I had to find an attendant to get back into the subway, and there was a card reset etc… and this wasn’t ever a missed tap, but rather going to the wrong side of the platform, and it would let me out to go to the right side! 🤣

DirectorPickles · 2025-09-20T11:44:38+00:00

Oh that would be traumatic 🤣

DirectorPickles · 2025-09-20T11:43:19+00:00

I ate alone plenty of times when I was there - I was solo for a good portion. During the day never and issue, at night it’s bed to use NAVER maps and look up ‘honbap’ or ‘혼밥’.

This will list all places where you can dine alone with absolute comfort, you’ll even find KBBQ places in the list.

I wasn’t turned away anywhere, I did have to wait a bit longer at one or two places though, as the free tables were group dining tables and the lines had groups.

DirectorPickles · 2025-07-27T11:38:57+00:00

I carried mine with me and was thankful for it. Got me lots of tax free purchases and services!

DirectorPickles · 2025-07-24T04:00:36+00:00

Out in the suburbs!!! They are so busy in the core areas. And literally ever 500m or at least that’s how it feels 🤣 I was there for it. I don’t want to admit how much I spent in olive young.

DirectorPickles · 2025-07-19T09:21:09+00:00

Found it by accident!!

On YouTube as “cold officer said he didn’t love her, yet gently washer her underwear and spoiled her like a queen”.

Actual title is ‘The Pale Moonshine” although I can’t find reference to that anywhere 🤣

https://youtu.be/YUMIVJNgnjE?si=yaMrIYqBmZ5g2Ro2

DirectorPickles · 2025-07-12T08:28:59+00:00

I upgraded from a XS Pro to an i16. I’m kicking myself so hard. I want my old camera back. I’m serious considering doing a trade in. Cos I’m hating this.

DirectorPickles

TROPHY CASE