I have made a revelation about Seoul this winter break. It is not very solo travel friendly. In a jam-packed city, a single person is easily forgotten.
Here is the deal, as I have been doing things mostly solo this week, getting meals and café hopping is giving me a lot of anxiety. Many places I have on my list to go are very small or very busy, when I the solo traveler take a table and there is a line of others waiting on me I feel very uncomfortable. Me sitting there taking up a spot that two or three could sit at. This is the same for some restaurants as well. I have tried now to go during less busy times so as to not run into the issue of feeling awkward.
Some restaurants don't want you to eat there alone either, some dishes are made to share or some restaurants only accommodate groups of diners. In my neighborhood Anam, I know where I can go but as I have been exploring more I find myself in a predicament sometimes. Korean BBQ is completely unheard of solo sadly ):
Today I went to a lunch cafe and there are literally 8 chairs in the entire place, all set at tables for two. When I sat down it took out a spot for two people in the tiny place. I know it isn't that big of an issue but I feel bad when it happens. Now taking things to go is pretty easy, I have figured out how to ask for it and successfully made it through 3 days so far!
Another thing is that Seoul is very big with photo culture, taking selfies and pictures of the surroundings is much harder when you are alone, also it feels weirder when you are alone compared to with friends.
I have been able to do a lot when I put in the research. I find homey places and go for early dinners to avoid the rush of people. Due to covid, this is a fine plan regardless. I couldn't imagine going on a solo trip to Korea, especially with my lacking language skills. I am already stressed enough dealing with Seoul that I have become a little familiar with it.