Originally Posted by
tcook052
My guide book for Seoul noted that solo diners might be politely turned away from some restaurants specializing in Korean BBQ, I think, as it's a more communal experience. As that's where I'm headed in a month I'll see if that's true of just words in a guide book, though hopefully it isn't as I'd liked to try the meal for the experience.
Seoul is problematic for the lone diner. At one restaurant, I ended up having to buy a huge plate of food that would have comfortably fed four or more people just because they didn't do single portions. I left most of it - but finished the half bottle of spirits.
I think it is a cultural thing in Korea - people just don't do anything on their own. Everyone is in a group of some kind. Fortunately, though, I found people were friendly and tried to accommodate me with my bizarre behaviour.