Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sojourner1]

While I enjoy much of what Korea has to offer to eat, I tend to only eat out when with at least 1 other person. There seems to be a stigma surrounding eating out alone in Korea as no one I've ever seen simply does it and most meals are geared towards couples and groups such as when you have a burner or BBQ in the center of the table. I do eat kimbap and other simple stuff alone, but need more dining options while alone without a kitchen and not knowing any foreigners in my town. I arrived just 4 days ago in a small town in Gangwondo and heard of 7 other foreigners, but haven't seen or met anyone. There are no street vendors outside of these pancakes in the center marketplace.

Last year in Changwon, a fairly large city, I ate out alone in the Homeplus cafe court and fast food restaurants, but never in Korean restaurants. I went to many Korean restaurants and hofs with a Korean friend and people from work during the year. Being that I was alone 5 to 6 nights out of each week, I cooked my food in the apartment, but don't have that yet so I'm getting mighty hungry for a hot filling meal. I have been getting sandwiches at a Family Mart, gimbap, snacks, and fruit. My food choices are limited, not because I can't order or don't understand Korean food or dislike Korean food, but because I'm alone. There are no fast food joints or corporate chain places except Family Mart as it's all locally owned small Korean restaurants.

Do you eat in Korean sit down restaurants alone outside of Seoul? If so, is there anything wrong with it or are you just looked at as a nutter for being lone bachelor(ette)? I'm still a little shy to go alone. Yes, shy after 1 year of being in Korea before. A shyness of Korea I never seem to get over. I had no issues eating alone in many other countries such as Thailand, America, Germany, etc, but Korea is very different. In Thailand, I rode a motorcycle out in the country and stopped at road side tents well off the beaten tourist trail for meals with no issues. I've dined all over the world alone, but never was shy or autophobic until I go to Korea; every time. It's very awkward for me regardless of the city or town size unless in Itaewon. Not to knock Korea, I couldn't make a long term career of it for this reason.

[moosehead]

the first K restaurant I ate in I was all alone - turns out I picked a good one - they were delighted I was there - of course I didn't read a whit of the menu and just looked at them - motioned them to bring me food so they did - smiling and cheerful as all get out -

the side dishes were fantastic - and yes, it's a big restaurant that regularly has a lot of people - they remembered me and I ate there from time to time, even later brought my K friends -

they always remember me if I go back there - and I'm glad I did - I hope the first place you go to is as welcoming because it certainly isn't always that way.

good luck!

[Css]

Thats kinda odd...most of my korean friends eat alone every day...I always thought eating alone was weird when i was back home, but having seen how common it is here, i do it often now..

I dont know about the posh kind of restaurants..but normal restaurants...im very rarely the only person eating alone.

[Ya-ta Boy]

I lived and taught alone in two tiny rural towns for a year and a half. You will have a bit of trouble at first finding which restaurants will serve you because Korean restaurants are set up for groups. You can get around it (in many but not all places) by ordering for 2...2 orders of 갈비 or whatever. The places that would agree to let me do that were quite friendly and welcoming.

I always took a book with me (and a healthy appetite) and ate and read in complete comfort. Sometimes other customers would talk to me (there often were no other customers--that's how small these towns were). The service staff always talked to me.

They understand you are new in town and live alone. The only thing between you and a good meal is your shyness or whatever it is. Get over it, get out there and enjoy yourself.

[aka Dave]

These days I'm eating at home, mostly. Remember many places have take out (or delivery). One Grandmother Bosam is expensive, but the Bosam is awesome and I could live 3 days off one order of take out.

A few years ago, in Gyong-gi Do all the galbi places required two people. However, I found this one, brand new, really nice place (two stories) and the boss happened to have worked in abroad as a hotel owner. They let you eat as a single diner.

I got to know the boss and he would put me on the second floor, pretty much alone with my Korea Herald or novel. The galbi was the best I've ever had, and side dishes included shrimp and oysters and other goodies (was a little pricey)

I ended up going there every weekend. My adult class also took me there.

Also, there's this brand new Japanese restaurant in Ochang (fairly small town) that opened. I ate there a few months ago, alone. They put you in your *own* little room (many restaurants have this). The set menu was spectacular, the tempura easily as good as what I had in Japan. Sushi, fried crab, the works.

Be adventurous. You might find something you really like.

[schwa]

A lot of places are fine with a single diner. They might seem surprised when you show up alone but you can ask politely if eating solo is okay. Some types of restaurants might say no -- grilled meats, numerous sidedishes, etc meant more for sharing. Try around your local bus terminal where they'll be more accustomed to serving individuals. Gisa & baekban restaurants (ones with many menu items listed on their windows) are other good bets.

I could probably help hook you up with some of the other foreigners in your town. Drop me a pm & I'll send you contact info for the EPIK coordinator in your area.

[Young FRANKenstein]

[Young FRANKenstein]

[tefain]

Of course it should be OK for you to eat alone without having to ask the restaurant first. I've seen many Koreans and foreigners eating alone if different types of places. Though I wouldn't care to eat at a grill table alone. You'll be noticed just for being a foreigner so I wouldn't worry about having others joining you. The best thing would be to check out some of the places and just go into a casual noodle or gimbap shop. They should be happy to have you. Just wear decent pants and shirt and you'll be fine. No one should have a problem with you being there alone. You're a professional doing your job in their town, you belong there.

[bobranger]

My suggestion is to find a restaurant with a lot of taxis in the parking lot. They are usually cafeteria style so it is no big deal to go solo. I also find the prices are cheap, a variety of foods and all you can eat. The food is usually fresh because of the high turnover rate. In some of the bigger towns, they are usually 24 � 7. Of course if you eat too much and can�t walk home; you can easily get a cab.

[spyro25]

try to get your school to find you a restaurant that changes its food daily ) a JONG SHIK) restaurant. when i lived in rural Korea 5 years ago, my school put me in touch with a little jong shik restaurant across the road who gave me discounted lunch and dinners daily, and i would pay monthly for them. the food was always good and with it being a family business i would talk to the family and got to know their kids well. if i had another appointment i would go into the restaurant and let them know i wouldnt be coming for dinner. it wasnt unusual to eat alone as everyone in there ate alone too.

i really miss that place and one day i will go back and bring them a good present for keeping me fed so well in the back arse end of nowhere for a year......

[bobranger]

spyro25 great idea

[Suwon23]

[sojourner1]

What a dumb ass smart assed post. Of course we eat with our co-teachers, other Koreans, and other foreigners when invited. Of course all living things eat in order to survive. You're a real wanker.

[Suwon23]