Eating alone in Seoul: where it's easy and where you may get turned away

Solo travellers often ask whether they can eat alone in Korea without awkwardness. The short answer from travel forums: mostly yes, and it has become more common, but a few dish types are built for groups.

Where solo dining is easy

• Noodle shops, gukbap and soup restaurants, kimbap chains.

• Food courts in department stores and underground malls.

• Convenience stores, which have seating and microwaves.

• Market stalls where you sit at the counter.

Where you may hit a wall

• Korean BBQ​and some stew places often require atwo-portion minimum. Some will let you order two and take the rest, others simply say no at busy times.

• Busy dinner hours at popular places may not want to give a table to one.

Tips people share

• Look for signs or menus mentioning 1인 (one person) or 혼밥 (eating alone).

• Go slightly off-peak, before 6 p.m. or after 8 p.m.

• Learn the phrase “한 명이요” (one person, please) and hold up one finger.

Solo travellers: what was your favourite place to eat alone in Seoul?

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