Riding (and Dining) Solo

As much as I love hanging out and exploring with others, I have always been a person that enjoys running around on my own time with no specific plans. One band, one sound…except I’m a one person band whose sound is a jazz improv. With my tendency to hop on random buses and trains to see where the Seoul winds blow me, I clock in nothing less than 10,000 steps a day and about ₩15,000 spent on a new shiny thing of the week.

With all of that running around the city, I make it a priority to eat something delicious every time I’m out and about. It doesn’t matter to me if I’m surrounded by nothing but couples, office workers on their lunch breaks, or ahjummas that are catching up with each other. I’m gonna eat!

I do, however, still find that it can seem a bit difficult to eat alone in Korea, whether because of feeling awkward, or because many places literally need you to have at least two people. Because of that, here are a few places I frequented during my solo dates. This isn’t an extensive list, but these are safe options that I will always stand by:

1. Hongojib (I went to both the Myeongdong and Hongdae locations) - This place is literally heaven if you love grilled meat and I’m not even playing. Pork belly, short ribs, wagyu! If I could take one thing back home with me from Korea, it would be Hongojib. Every meal comes with a bowl of rice, soybean soup, kimchi, and a sweet-ish shredded cabbage. Tens across the board. Also, you don’t have to say a single word the entire time you’re there. Shout out to ordering on the screen!
2. goodnessclub (Haebangchon) - This is the best sandwich shop in Seoul. The owner, Hana, specializes in focaccia and is truly the sweetest woman in the world. There isn’t a single miss on her menu. I recommend the tuna avocado sandwich and the lemon tea (I’m a creature of habit, and this was my routine order every time I rolled through). If you ever find yourself in Haebangchon, you have to stop by!
3. Andwich (Dongdaemun) - I ran through this place like a tomb raider, and it’s all because of the tomato soup and focaccia. I swung by Andwich at least once every two weeks, as it was right down the street from where I lived. Listen to me when I say this: Get the tomato soup. And order some bread to go with it (it only comes with one small piece). It’s so good. It’s literally perfect.

Another very important thing to remember, if you type “혼밥” (honbap, a mashup of “혼자” (alone) and “밥” (meal)) into Naver Maps, you will get a ton of solo dining options. And remember, don’t sleep on convenience stores! Those 7/11 kimchi dumplings paired with a peach water drink? Marvelous. If you’re ever completely stuck trying to figure out where to eat, hit up a convenience store (at least to grab a triangle kimbap to hold you over)!

Whether you’re someone who usually does things in groups, or if you’re more of a solo-date person like me, don’t be intimidated by eating alone in Korea! I hope you’re able to check out the places I’ve recommended.