Seoul Eats: May 2015

The "I Die, You Die" Business Mentality in Korea

In Korea, you really have to be a first mover. If not, you'll never get off the ground. Being in Korea for 10 years, I have been owned or partnered in a number of businesses. Some have worked and some have not. The one thing I do know is that if you want to survive you have to look like you are doing terrible that you should be humble and that you are just getting by. This will keep you under the radar.

The problem with this is that my background is marketing and that I was born with the American Entrepeneural spirit (I know that sounds cheesy). My upbringing dictated that you should always look successful despite all the challenges and pitfalls.

If you look successful then people will copy. Sometimes a straight up copy or a gaudier, upgraded copy with cut corners. They will tackle price points to the point they will make no money. They will do all this to steal walk-by customers. It seems there is no honor or community in the business industry here. Every business wants to be an island. For example, look at the centralized shopping districts in korea such as cameras in Namdaemun, mobile phones in Yongsan, clothing in Dongdaemun, ginseng in Gyeongdong market; etc. Sure, everyone comes to shop for those items but can all those businesses truly excel let alone, survive? I highly doubt it. Sure being a group has some advantages. Some of them pool resources to buy bulk orders and later split them up to lower costs.

The few vendors in the markets that build a strong brand are the ones that survive or they have a special method to cut costs or do more volume. However the many other vendors in the area will cause them to lower costs to meet the new "standard pricing." The bigger business can't coexist with the other businesses so they also must destroy or minimize the other businesses.

The problem is that often companies play dirty and they use the law and the police to try and strongarm other businesses. Luckily in many businesses there isn't a strong mafia presence. Neighbors will call for building violations, noise violations, trash, tax, etc. They will try and incite violations so that a business will get fined and eventually go under.

I know it is not just in Korea but I feel there needs to be sense of community here and better laws to support businesses. If not, what's the point of a free market economy?

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, by Daniel Gray

In cake, dessert

Eating Apple Pie and Red Velvet Cake with Chopsticks

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, by Daniel Gray

In food tours,

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In gourmet, kimbap

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, by Daniel Gray

In Alone,

Letters to Seoul Eats: Is it Ok to Eat Alone in Korea?

Dear Daniel,

I would really like to ask you on your personal views for the Korean solo eating culture.

I am planning a solo trip to Korea soon and I would like to check if eating alone is much shunned upon in Korea. I have been there a couple of times with friends and I have never seen someone eating alone.

Of course, Ive also sussed out some 'alone' eating places like 이찌멘, 제일제면소, 이야기하나 (ㅎㅎㅎ), but was just thinking if it'll be viewed as weird if I were to just go into a restaurant alone and have grilled meat. Or noryangjin and have stew alone. How about cafes too?

Would really appreciate some tips from you on eating alone in 한국.

Thank you! :)

Regards,

Janel.K

http://www.jankliciouz.blogspot.kr/

Dear Janel,

Thanks for the letter. In the past eating alone was generally looked down upon but these days it is becoming more common as more Koreans embrace the "singleton" lifestyle. More restaurants are allowing single diners and it is not so uncommon. Especially in "fast casual" restaurants that serve noodles, kimbap or simple foods. Also, taxi driver restaurants are generally open to single diners as well. Generally, you can go and dine everywhere by yourself but you could receive some pitiful looks from diners. However, I don't think it is much to be concerned about. If you look particularly "foreign" you might even make some friends.

If you are dining alone, for something like barbecue you will have to order a minimum 2 portions. It's just the rule because the restaurant has to heat up coals and clean up the grill pans and for one portion, it would be too much of a loss. Also, if you go to a bar to just order a beer, you'll usually have to order a side dish EVEN if you just want a beer. At the bars, the beers are not cheap and can start at 12,000 won (about 11 USD). Drinking alone in Korea is a social taboo and many people might think you have a problem or you lack friends.

Noodle places tend to be ok for single people and also any of the fast food places. As for Noryangjin, I don't think you'll really have a problem. I see Koreans doing it some times there. It's a market so some people are doing shopping and want to get a bite while they are there. Just keep in mind at Noryangjin, you will have to pay a sitting fee at a restaurant and a cooking fee (it is by weight so getting one abalone cooked will be as expensive as getting 5 or 6 cooked).

Anyway, if you are looking for people to dine with in Seoul, you could look up some of the food tour companies such as Delectable Travels (www.delectabletravels.com). They will help pick out all the best food places in Korea and keep you company while you eat.

Cheers,

Dan