How To Be Alone: A Solo-Adventuring Guide

At home, I am the type of person that deeply values the time I am able to spend with myself. A typical “I”, I appreciate and value my ability to hangout with myself and genuinely have fun. However, upon arriving in Seoul, I found myself constantly feeling the need to be around other people. Almost every meal and outing was with a friend, and at some point I realized that I hadn’t spent quality time alone in a month. 

So on a random Sunday, when I found myself alone- I decided to finally embark on my first solo date.

Here are some tips and tricks I learned to have a successful first solo date in Seoul:

1.For your first time, go somewhere you’re familiar with!

Of course, if you’re wanting to explore somewhere new, you should totally go for it! However, for my first time heading out by myself I found that going to an area I have already been to removed a layer of stress. Not worrying about getting lost or getting off at the right bus stop allowed me to explore freely. This day, I walked to Sinchon, the area Yonsei is located in. It was about a 20-minute walk from my dorm, and thankfully the weather was just right!

Sinchon is a perfect place to solo date because it’s an area that is largely aimed at university students due to its proximity to Yonsei University. There are tons of cute cafes, busking performances, photobooths, and affordable food spots. 

2. Don’t worry about being perceived by others!

This may be obvious, but don’t worry or overthink too much! A lot of worries I hear people having about going on solo dates is being anxious about being perceived by other people. But when you think about it…you usually don’t notice people who are just going out by themselves. So don’t be worried! Seoul is filled with places perfect for solo dining or cafe-hopping so you won’t be out of place.

3. Call a friend or family member if you want a bit of company!

Honestly for me the hardest part was just motivating myself to get out of bed and out the door. Calling a friend can always help make it feel less awkward and like there is someone with you. Solo dates are also a good opportunity to catch up with loved ones at home! Plus if you see something 

Here are some places I recommend in Sinchon

1. Hiu Khau

   I love this place! It’s a hole-in-the-wall Thai/ South-East Asian restaurant with a small but delicious menu. My favorite dishes are the Nasi Goreng and the green curry.

2. Chloris

   A french-inspired tea house perfect for a rainy day! It’s very cozy with a wide variety of tea, coffee, and blended drinks. They also have a lot of yummy cakes and desserts. A perfect place for a study session or a sweet treat after your meal.

3. Portid

   This is a Harry Potter-inspired cafe that has delicious warm cookies and a cozy atmosphere. The cafe is decked out in shelves of old books, crystal chandeliers, and beautiful dark-wood furniture. They serve tea and cookies, with a few set options. You can’t go wrong!

4. Dongnimmun Seolleongtang

   Dongnimmun Seolleongtang has only two items on their menu and they’re both delicious. Choose between either seolleongtang (a rich beef broth with strips of meat and green onions) or the bulgogi (marinated beef). Both items are only 8,000won and come out almost instantly- the perfect comfort food! They have tables and a countertop for solo diners.