A small noodle shop in Yeosu, South Korea, has become the centre of online discussions after refusing to welcome customers who want to eat alone.
Photo via SCMP
The story was first highlighted by the South China Morning Post. A photo of the restaurant’s notice went viral on 17 November, showing a list of “choices” for solo diners, and none of them were friendly. Anyone who comes alone must either pay for two bowls, finish two bowls, call someone to join them, or “come back next time with a wife”.
Right next to the list, the owner even added a speech bubble saying, “We don’t sell loneliness. Please don’t come alone.”
The sign sparked mixed reactions. Many netizens felt the rules were old-fashioned and questioned why eating alone was treated like something sad. Others, however, said the owner had the right to run the shop however he wanted, even if it meant losing customers.
Photo via SCMP
This is not the first time solo diners, known as honbap customers, have faced unkind treatment in South Korea. But the situation is ironic, as single-person households in Seoul continue to rise, increasing from 29.5% in 2015 to 39.3% in 2023.
As the number of people living and dining alone grows, debates like this show how the country’s dining habits are slowly evolving, whether some restaurants like it or not.
