Korean Job Discussion Forums

[HANGRY]

I would like to go out to eat and I don't really know many people in the city. Also, there are times when I just like to have a good meal, read a book, etc. In the states I could do that at a local diner, cafe or panerra or something. However, I've never been to any Korean establishment
where they eat alone. It seems like they always have somebody with them to eat. Is there any place socially acceptable to eat by yourself?[/list]

[Zackback]

Kimbab Nara
Kimbab Chungook

[ChrisLamp]

As a foreigner nothing you ever do in Korea will be "socially acceptable". This is based solely on the fact that you look different. You could be sining the national anthem perfectly while wearing a Hanbok, drinking soju, eating kimchi and waving the South Korean flag but it wouldn't be ok, because you are foreign.

Stop trying to not offend Koreans and just to whatever the heck you want.

[ChrisLamp]

damn, i forgot Starcraft in my list of stereotypically Korean things.

[PigeonFart]

I eat out alone 99% of the time. The Korean gimbap places, all western retaurants, and other asian ones too. I go there to eat food, not to socialize. The only place i wouldn't go alone is a Galbi place where people sit on the floor, because those places tend to cater to groups.

Go out and stuff your face. You're like the proverbial wall flower at the disco being overly self conscious. Just get out there and stop worrying what others think. As the other poster said, they think you're strange already.

[sadguy]

that's the thing about korean restaurants that i don't like... NO ONE ever goes alone. sometimes i just want to eat some galbi or ddalk galbi but you need someone to go with....

[highstreet]

Eating alone seems more accepted here than in the States. I rarely saw people eating alone in the US.

[northway]

[toby99]

Chun-guk. 'nuff said.

[furtakk]

pretty much anywhere that has non-shared meals available is fine to eat on your own. wander around your neighborhood. even if you don't see anyone eating on their own, don't worry about it too much. i never cook and eat out for pretty much every meal. during the week, nearly always on my own. no one ever gives me strange looks.

[Son Deureo!]

If you're not comfortable dining out alone, why not just order in? Plenty of Korean restaurants deliver for free, even if it's just a meal for one. Just hang onto those menus people keep sticking on your door.

[Jack_Sarang]

[happiness]

theyre taught from day one not too do anything along. maybe its from the war times when they had to share food. they also dont think less of you eating alone. we are non-koreans. so we can get away with alot.

watch any korean in starbucks or whathaveyou alone. they almost always look uncomfortable.

also, notice when you tell someone you went to see a movie, mostly, the first question theyll ask is NOT what movie, but who did you see it with. socail stigma.

yes, i know

[carleverson]

[orosee]