Challenges of Eating Alone in Korea
People dining solo at a Seoul food court – a sight that was once uncommon but is increasingly normal today. The tradition of communal dining in Korea meant that eating alone was once socially uncomfortable – solo diners often got puzzled looks or even pity from others. Even today, many restaurants have a two-person minimum order for certain beloved dishes like Korean BBQ or dak-galbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), making it hard to enjoy those meals as a party of one. Some establishments even used to refuse single patrons outright, viewing solo customers as unprofitable since they’d still get a full spread of banchan (side dishes) for just one person. These norms can leave solo travelers feeling awkward, frustrated, or simply left out when all they want is a meal by themselves.
Honbap & Honsul: What Do They Mean?
Honbap (혼밥) literally combines honja (alone) + bap (meal), meaning eating by oneself. Honsul (혼술) similarly fuses honja + sul (alcohol), referring to drinking alone. These trendy terms have become part of everyday language as more people choose to dine or drink solo – so much so that individuals who embrace doing things alone are sometimes called honjok (the “alone tribe”). What used to be viewed as something sad or antisocial has shifted into a celebrated act of independence and self-care in Korean culture.
Why Solo Dining & Drinking Are on the Rise
- More 1-person households: Korea’s single-person households have skyrocketed – in 2023 they made up about 35.5% of all households With more people living (and eating) alone by circumstance or choice, solo dining has naturally become more common.
- Independence & “me time”: Many young adults enjoy the freedom of doing things on their own. Eating alone means you can choose what you want to eat and when you want it without coordinating with anyone else – it’s a form of self-care and relaxation free from social pressures.
- Media making it cool: Pop culture has helped normalize honbap and honsul. In 2018, a K-pop star was shown confidently devouring a meal alone on TV, and it went viral. Since then, reality shows like “I Live Alone” and dramas like “Drinking Solo” have showcased the fun and appeal of enjoying one’s own company, turning solo life into a trendy lifestyle rather than a taboo.
- Changing attitudes: The stigma around doing things solo has faded. Not long ago, someone eating or drinking alone might be seen as a loner, but today it’s often viewed as empowering. Some even frame the honbap/honsul trend as a small rebellion by the younger generation against traditional group-oriented norms – embracing personal freedom over forced conformity.
Honbap-Friendly Places to Eat Solo
Tips for Enjoying Honsul (Solo Drinking)
- Pick a comfy spot: Choose a laid-back venue for your solo night out – perhaps a cozy pub or a casual pojangmacha (street tent bar) – somewhere you won’t feel out of place by yourself. Super upscale bars or loud clubs might be less comfortable alone, so aim for a spot where you can relax.
- Try a convenience store session: It’s totally normal in Korea to grab a cold drink from a convenience store and enjoy it at the store’s outdoor tables or back at your accommodation. In fact, honsul is often enjoyed at home – many 20–30-somethings find it relaxing to unwind solo with a drink in their own space. Don’t be afraid to do the same; you’ll often see locals sipping a beer on a park bench or outside a 24/7 store.
- Pair your drink with anju (snacks): Solo drinking is more fun with your favorite treats on hand. Fried chicken, dried squid, peanuts – whatever you like, having some anju (drinking snacks) will elevate the experience and help pace your drinking. Plus, a pint of beer with a tasty snack can be just what you need to cap off a long day.
- Unwind and savor: Treat honsul as quality “me time.” Many Koreans see drinking alone as a way to de-stress after work and reward themselves. So put on some music or a TV show in the background, sip slowly, and enjoy the calm vibe. There’s even a certain romantic charm in coming home to your cozy space and ending the day with a drink that’s totally your style.
- Stay safe and know your limits: When you’re out solo, keep an eye on your intake and make sure you have a plan to get home safely. The goal is to enjoy your own company, not overdo it – a happy solo night is one you can remember the next day!
Embracing Solo Life
Solo diners feel the simple joy of eating exactly what you want, at your own pace – with no compromises and no distractions – as a major perk. It’s a chance to tune into your needs and savor a moment of peace in a busy world.
So next time you find yourself saying “Table for one, please,” or cracking open a drink after a long day, remember that you’re part of a growing community of happy solo adventurers! Have you tried honbap or honsul?
