Solo Dining In Korea: Does It Make People Happier Or More Isolated?

Solo dining has become more common in South Korea, where people follow a culture that usually values eating together. These days, it's not unusual to see someone enjoying a bowl of ramen or sipping coffee alone, whether in a café or a restaurant. What was once seen as odd or sad is now part of daily life for many Koreans.

But why are more people choosing to eat alone? Is it about enjoying personal time, or does it hint at a growing isolation? In a society where group activities and social harmony are important, this shift raises interesting questions about how people connect or disconnect from one another.

Could solo dining be a new form of self-care, or is it a quiet sign of something deeper? Let's further examine this new aspect of modern life in Korea.

The Rise of Solo Dining in South Korea

Called "honbap," solo dining has become popular among Koreans aged 20 to 30. The idea involves a single person visiting a café, restaurant, or bar and enjoying a meal or drink alone.

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As per the 2022 Gallup World Poll, Koreans eat with others four times each week. On average, people in Korea only eat about two dinners and four lunches with other people each week. The rest of their meals are usually spent alone.

In the same way, a 2023 study by Professor Lee ShimYeol and his team at Dongguk University discovered that one in two Koreans in their 20s and 30s eat at least one meal alone every day.

Why Did Solo Dining Become a New Norm in South Korea?

The rise of visiting eating places alone in Korea may have something to do with the growing number of people living by themselves. In 2023, about 7.83 million households, around 35.5% of all homes in the country, were made up of just one person, according to Statistics Korea.

Another key factor is media influence. Mass media idealized solo dining as a cool trend. For instance, the reality show “I Live Alone” features Korean celebrities who live on their own. Back in 2018, MAMAMOO’s HwaSa appeared on the program. One scene shows her at a restaurant eating gopchang (grilled cow intestines) by herself. It immediately went viral because of how she enjoys every bite of the food that she didn't seem to care about anything else around her.

In addition to TV shows, social media has also fueled the popularity of solo dining in South Korea. You will commonly find vlogs and reels showing people traveling around Korea and dining at restaurants. There are even memes that divide different kinds of restaurants into levels of honbap.

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Level one includes fast food restaurants since they are the easiest places to eat alone. The highest level is buffets and sit-down restaurants, such as Korean barbecue joints and Outback Steakhouse. Honbap enthusiasts consider it worth flaunting if they manage to eat alone at such establishments.

Busy and fast-paced lifestyles in Korea influenced solo dining as well. Since most Koreans have tight schedules, they usually can't find the time to meet their friends and eat out. Some would leave work late at night, so they tend to eat alone at restaurants or even convenience stores before they go home.

The Psychology and Social Shifts Behind Honbap

Aside from increasing single-households, media influence, and a busy lifestyle, there are also psychological and social reasons behind honbap.

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Korea has a strong collectivist identity, so people traditionally eat in groups. Even the Korean word ‘sigku,’ which translates to ‘family,’ literally means people who eat together. It doesn’t just refer to relatives—it can also mean close friends or coworkers who share meals often. However, a big shift has taken place.

Culture critic Kim HeonSik thinks solo dining is a way for the younger generation in Korea to challenge traditional values and expectations. He pointed out that solo diners were judged as being loners or socially awkward in the past. Now, honbap is seen as a sign of young people choosing freedom.

Personal Choice Drives Solo Dining in South Korea

Many Koreans are increasingly dining alone, not out of loneliness, but because it brings them happiness and peace. They view it as me-time when they can have a sense of freedom.