Are You Brave Enough to Eat Alone?

Eating

One of those basic needs that everyone must do in order to live. Some eat twice a day while others consume 5 -6 meals. However much a person consumes in a day s their own personal choice and who am I to judge. But what I don't understand is with such a ubiquitous thing as eating a meal, why in the 21st century is there still a social stigma associated with eating alone?

We go to the store alone, exercise alone, take our dogs for a walk alone and do countless other things alone, without a care, but when it comes to eating outside of the house, for some it can be a painful experience and for others they would rather starve than be seen eating a meal alone.

South Korea

has its roots in Confucianism and as such group or family culture is at the forefront and this include eating as a group. Korean meals are commonly served with many 반찬 side dishes and the meal is made for a group of people. Whereas in western culture when we go to a restaurant each individual usually orders their own separate meal, with maybe the exception of a pizza place.

However, as South Korea has risen to power, people are working longer hours, taking shorter breaks and have less time to coordinate group dinners, this has lead to people having to eat by themselves whether it be at the office, at school or going to a restaurant, the latter of which still provides a lot of embarrassment for some people.

Recently on a trip to Seoul in a popular district I even came across a sign that shows the levels of eating alone. This sign says that eating alone ranges from 1-9, I'll quickly break down their English equivalents.

Eating Alone Levels

• Level 1 - Eating ramen or gimbab at a convenience store.
• Level 2 - Eating at a student restaurant or a cafeteria
• Level 3 - Eating at a fast food restaurant
• Level 4 - Eating at a Bunsik or Korean style flour/fried restaurant where people usually stand and pick their own food
• Level 5 - Chinese food, cold noodles or just a regular restaurant with a small menu
• Level 6 - A popular date restaurant
• Level 7 - A family restaurant
• Level 8 - A BBQ or meat restaurant
• Level 9 - Going to a bar alone

Personally I don't mind doing most if not all of these things alone, especially if I am traveling by myself. SO I would say I am a level 9.

Dinner for 1 ?!?!

So my question to you is, "Are you brave enough to eat alone?"

What level on this list would you be?

Do you find it uncomfortable eating alone?

Anything to add about Korean eating culture?

Let me know your thoughts.

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