Eating out in Korea was typically considered an activity for two or more people. Most restaurants organize their menu into "couple's sets" or measure their servings for 2 or more people (you will often encounter restaurants that say you must order one particular main course (often meat) for at least 2.

In fact, until the recent past, many restaurants turned away single customers. 

Thankfully, this is changing rapidly and the number of places where people can comfortably order and eat on their own is rapidly increasing. Some native Koreans might still feel a little uncomfortable with the idea, regrettably, so they might give you a sideways glance or, when confronted with the same situation for themselves, simply resort to ordering delivery food to their home rather than eat by themselves in a restaurant.

With that in mind, let's take a look at a great grilled-meat restaurant where lone wolves can enjoy a meal in privacy. Sometimes, people travel the world by themselves so it's great to know some great places to go on your own. 

As soon as you enter, you'll see how each cubicle is specially organized for people to eat by themselves (complete with individual TV's).

This is a very unique restaurant in Korea. You are not likely to see this setup anywhere else!

Each cubicle has its own seat, TV, smartphone charger, gas table, fan, apron, hanger, etc. Everything is prepared. for your convenience.

Due to its unique premise, this restaurant has been featured on television in Korea several times.

It has even been featured on television shows in Japan and China. It's a globally recognized grill joint!

The price of the meat is 12,500 won for 150g of pork belly and 15,500 won for 150g of imported beef. Imported pork shoulder sirloin costs 8,500 won.

This guide, which was attached to the partition in front of us, provides useful information:

1. Rice is not included with grilled meat, so we have to order it separately.
2. Note that the remote control will not work unless it is close to the TV!
3. Using personal headphones is highly recommended.
4. (Taped up)
5. Do not let the plates touch the corner of the iron plate when grilling meat.
6. The button to turn on the fan is located on the back of the wings.
7. The washroom is located outside. Go through the door on the left of the counter and turn right.

Right after you order, you will be served several plates of delicious side dishes.

You can get unlimited refills of the kimchi, kongnamul (bean sprouts), tofu, salad, and lettuce. The seaweed soup is also really good!

Now onto the meat!

This is the domestic pork belly (a two-person serving). It looks so fresh! Hopefully we don't burn it.

You can order extra meat for a really cheap price and continue getting refills on all the side dishes. This is a great place to eat to excess without anyone there to judge you. 

When cooking the pork belly, it's best not to flip it too many times. It will cause the grease to pop and possibly jump onto your skin. Just cook it well on one side and try to flip it only once. 

After it's been mostly cooked, you will be able to cut it to whatever size you want! Let it cook a little longer to ensure that it's 100% cooked (no risks with pork) and it'll be ready to eat!

A great way to eat pork is by making what is called ssam. Take a piece of lettuce, add the pork (and other ingredients -- they all complement the pork!) and fold it up into one big bite. Then eat it in one shot!

Pair it with beer or soju for the truly authentic experience.

This is a really popular one-person restaurant! Many customers come in one after another.

There are a plentiful mix of male and female customers.

With restaurants like this, it is becoming not only possible, but enjoyable to eat by yourself in Korea. 

If you're traveling in Korea on your own and really want to eat meat, check out Dokkojin! You don't have to worry about anything except making sure your wallet can handle how much meat you'll want to eat. 

There are also many drinking establishments and cafes nearby where you can mix and mingle with other young people.

Information

Address: 경기 부천시 중동로 244
Gyeonggi-do Bucheon-si Joongdong-ro 244

Hours: 17:00-24:00
Mon: Closed

Approximately 10 minutes by foot from Exit 1 of Bucheon City Hall Station on Subway Line 7

Menu

How To Get To Dokkojin

Step 1: Once you come out of Exit 1 of Bucheon City Hall Station, go straight a few steps and turn right at the intersection.

Step 2: Go straight until you come upon the convenience store on your right. This is where you should turn left and cross the street.

Step 3: You should walk straight through the small park (enjoy the grass!)

Step 4: Go down the small side street running alongside the apartment.

Step 5: Turn right at the intersection and continue going straight.

Step 6: Cross the large intersection and turn left.

Step 7: After going straight a little, you'll find the restaurant!