Dining Solo in Seoul | Where to eat if you're traveling solo!
Here's a list of recommended spots to go to when you're dining alone!
Korea values "unity" and "community," which might make some foreign travelers worry about dining alone during their visit. But fear not! There's been a rise in places where you can comfortably enjoy a meal alone in Korea. Let's dive into some "Top Solo Dining Spots in Seoul" together!
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Korean Food Culture
While dining alone is not uncommon in other countries, there's a noticeable difference in perception in Korea. Doing things alone in Korea is often associated with being a 'lonely person with no friends' or being seen as 'strange.' A significant factor contributing to this is the smaller portion sizes for single diners in Korean restaurants.
Despite this cultural nuance, there has been a surge in the number of single-person households in Korea in recent years. Consequently, there's a growing trend of people dining alone, both at home and in restaurants. While Korea may not have reached the level of solo dining comfort seen in other countries, it's gradually evolving into a place where individuals can relish a meal on their own.
Korean Solo Dining Culture
Solo households in Korea constituted 33.4% in 2021, and projections estimate it to rise to 50% by 2030, signifying a somewhat alarming trend of half the population living alone.
In reality, solo dining and solo drinking have become commonplace, with a growing number of individuals preferring to enjoy meals alone at home. The increase in people who feel uneasy about sharing a meal with someone else has given rise to terms like 'solo dining' and 'solo drinking.'
Common Foods that you Can/Can't Eat Alone
Can't â
In Korea, there are places where it is generally not possible to eat alone. This is because they do not offer single serving menus or have many menus that are meant to be shared with multiple people
The following is a list of menus with a high probability of not being able to serve for one person.
- Barbecue
- Stew (Hot pot, shabu shabu, etc.)
- Bossam
- Jjimtak
- Dak-galbi
- Pocha (Some welcome solo diners!)
As mentioned above, when the base menu is served for one person or more, it is often possible to order for two people or more, making it difficult to have a meal alone
Some shops offer menus for individuals or if you 'í¬ì¥ (Takeout)' it's okay, and recently there has been an increase in places selling single portion menus for lunch at K-BBQ restaurants
Can â
On the contrary, the following menu items are highly likely to be enjoyed as a solo meal in Korea.
- Snacks (Kimbap, Tteokbokki, etc.)
- Kuppa (Soup dish)
- Korean noodle dishes (Kalguksu, etc.)
- Korean tongue dishes (Seolleongtang, Galbitang, Pyeohaejangguk, Samgyetang, Chueotang, etc.)
- Chinese cuisine (Jajangmyeon, Mala-tang, etc.)
- Convenience store
- Japanese food (Tonkatsu, Donburi, etc.)
- Fast food
- Food stalls in markets or streets (Street stalls)
- Korean cuisine buffet
- Cafe brunch menu
- Food court
As mentioned above, shops that originally serve a single portion menu are often accessible even for one person.
However, note that the rules may vary depending on the store, so there is a possibility of being rejected during peak times.
Popular Restaurants for Solo Diners
The number of people eating alone has increased, and in Korea, the word 'íŒë°¥(Honbap)' has become established, with many restaurants and chain stores specializing in solo dining also being born!
1. Ssaum (ìžìì ê³ ì)
- Business hours: Vary by each store
- Address: Nationwide
Source: ssago_korea
Jokbal (Pigs' Feet) and Bossam, among other dishes, are usually served for two people or more. Here, you can choose from sizes M/L/XL, so you don't have to worry!
Source: ssago_korea
Source: ssago_korea
In addition, there are also Samgyeopsal set meals, Braised Chicken and Gukbap, so everyone can definitely enjoy a satisfying meal
There are stores in areas with many students such as Sinchon, Jonggak, Konkuk Univ., Samseong, Hanyang University, and Sungkyunkwan University, which are easy to reach in Seoul.
2. Shabu Boat (ì€ëžë³Žíž)
- Business hours: varies by each store
- Address: nationwide
Source: Chaeseondang Shabu Boat Gangnam Central City branch
When you come to South Korea, you tend to eat spicy and greasy foods like fried food all day long, don't you! When you eat at such times, vegetables are the best!
But... if you don't want to eat salad while traveling, go to Shabu-Boat
Source: Chaeseondang Shabu Boat Gangnam Central City Branch
Spicy, curry, tomato, etc., there is also a wide variety of soup types.Meat and plenty of vegetables are the main ingredients, and each person has their own stove! Even if you go with multiple people, you can choose your favorite soup!
There are stores in areas such as Gangnam and Gongneung, which are easy to reach in Seoul.
3. GOPIZZA (ê³ íŒì)
- Business hours: Varies by each store
- Address: Nationwide
1-person pizza specialty store that is currently expanding its number of stores significantly.
The brand is dedicated to the motto of allowing individuals to enjoy pizza even by themselves, so it's no surprise that there are many single seats and smaller seats arranged. However, of course, there is no problem with visiting with two or more people!
The menu includes not only pizza but also other items such as tteokbokki and pasta. There are also combo sets available, which include a small portion of pizza, tteokbokki, or pasta, suitable for one and a half people.
Source: Official Website of Go Pizza
There are stores in areas such as Sinchon, Gwanghwamun, Noryangjin, Samseong, Jongno, Oksu-ri, Mudeung, and Namsan that are easy to reach in Seoul.
4. DONWOK (ëì)
- Business hours:
Main Store - 11:00~21:30 Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
Gyo-dae Store - 11:00~22:30 (Break time: 14:30~16:30) Closed on Saturdays - Address:
Main Store - 23, 2F, 98-gil, Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (ììž ê°ëšêµ¬ ìžì£Œë¡98êžž 23 2F)
Gyo-dae Store - 37, 54-gil, Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (ììž ììŽêµ¬ ììŽëë¡54êžž 37)
Source: InstagramïŒ donwok_seocho
It is a restaurant that serves 1-person servings of Samgyupsal and Moksal (pork barbeque), which are difficult to eat alone, in a set meal style. In addition to set meals, they also sell rice bowls, all of which are designed to be able to eat a full meal of meat even for one person, and are very popular
There are two stores near the Seolleung and Korea University stations, where many students and office workers gather.
Recommended for those who want to eat a lot of samgyeopsal even alone!
5. Budaetong (ë¶ëíµë ¹ëë°°êž°)
- Business hours: varies by store
- Address: nationwide
Source: Budaetongryeong Tteokbokki Noryangjin Branch
Normally, Sundubu jjigae and soybean paste stew are often served in a single pot at restaurants where you can eat alone, but at Budaetong, other dishes like budae jjigae, takgalbi, chimtak, and nakji bokkeum, which are usually prepared for two people, are also served in a single pot. Of course, it's okay for one person to enjoy them too, as there are many people who dine alone.
Source: Budae-tteokbokki Sejong Dodam Branch
Many people like Budae Jjigae, which is also known as Army Stew, but it was hard to order a full portion alone, so this place is very valuable! It's also a grateful point that it's rotating from early in the morning until late at night
6. JACKSON BLVD (Jackson Pizza)
- Business hours: varies by each store
- Address: nationwide
Source: InstagramïŒ jacksonpizza
Currently, there are 33 pizza specialty stores in Seoul and 14 in the capital area. They offer small-sized pizzas, perfect for solo dining, ranging from 8 inches in size and costing less than 10,000 KRW. Jackson Pizza has gained a following for those who want authentic, American-style pizza.
There are also 14-inch sizes that are good for sharing and eating, of course, side menus such as spaghetti, fried food, and salad are also well-prepared, which is a delightful point!
If you're tired of Korean cuisine, how about some pizza?
Convenient stores in Seoul are located in areas such as Noryangjin, Gongdeok, Samgakji, Apgujeong, Oksu, Gangnam, and more.
7. Hecbob(íµë°¥)
- Business hours: varies by store
- Address: nationwide
A restaurant that specializes in making delicious donburi rice bowls. Their main menu consists of Japanese home-cooked dishes such as donburi, ramen, and katsu, but they also sell Korean-style donburi dishes like Gopchang Donburi.
Source: Haeppbap Konkuk University Branch
Getting takeout and food delivery orders are also very popular, and it has quickly expanded its number of stores.
Convenient stores in Seoul are located in areas such as Hongdae, Geondae, Gangnam, Chamshil, Yeouido, Noryangjin, Daehak-ro, and Chungmuro.
Wait! Get the Creatrip 'Solo Foodie Pass'
for extra perks and discounts to solo-traveler-friendly restaurants!
At Creatrip, we offer perks to solo Korean travelers by curating restaurants and cafes where foreigners can experience trendy Korea and enjoy a satisfying solo meal!
Explore a selection of popular solo dining spots in Seoul, favored by celebrities and idols, ensuring a delightful experience for you.
With this solo meal pass, you can enjoy trendy gourmet food and cafes in Seoul confidently and at a better value than Korean people! Some of the restaurants that we introduced here are also included in the store list of this pass (You can enjoy solo dining while receiving benefits)
1st early bird discount price (~23.12.31) Purchase this pass for 3,000 KRW and enjoy a fun solo trip
Also Recommended!
I really want to eat it! But if I can't eat alone at the restaurant!
Try using Creatrip's delivery service
Unlike other delivery apps, you can order everything in English without needing a Korean phone number or smartphone authentication!
We offer delivery on your preferred date and time, available every day around the clock. Same-day delivery is also an option, of course!
Korean delivery classics such as chicken and Chinese cuisine, as well as Korean dishes like samgyupsal, jjigae, kamjatang, and soy marinated crab, are all available
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We hope that you can enjoy a delicious meal alone! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!