Denied Entry at Restaurants... Foreign Solo Traveler Shocked During Seoul Trip

Seoul was recently ranked as the top city in the world for solo travelers, but foreign tourists traveling alone are actually facing unexpected inconveniences, aren't they?

Thanks to its safe security, convenient public transportation, and diverse tourism content, the world's largest travel platform selected Seoul as the number one "best city for solo travel" last year.

This year, domestic interest in solo travel also increased by 9% compared to last year, with demand for Seoul proving to be the highest among domestic destinations.

However, the reality experienced by actual travelers is somewhat different.

This is because a considerable number of restaurants still demand orders for two or more servings or outright refuse entry when approached by solo diners.

Out of approximately 170,000 restaurants nationwide, only a little over 10% offered single-serving menus last year.

In May of this year, a CNN journalist in Seoul became a hot topic after sharing an experience of being denied entry to restaurants twice while dining alone.

Accommodation conditions are not much different.

Many lodging facilities in major tourist areas of Seoul set their standard room capacity at two people, meaning solo guests often have to pay the standard two-person rate even when staying alone.

Experts pointed out that as the culture of solo travel and individual consumption spreads, the dining and lodging industries need to view single customers as a new consumer base in line with changing consumption patterns.

(Photo Source: Online Community)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.