In my country is not so rare to see people eating alone. However one time I went to an asian food restaurant, because I felt like eating ramen, so I went there by myself and started texting a friend while I was eating. When I was almost done the waiter came at me with a cupcake and told me it was on the house, so I started thinking is the waiter trying to hit on me or what, so I decided to ask the waiter why they gave me the cupcake and he said "Oh we get the feeling, I'm sure they wont leave you alone the next time!!" Seriously the thought i was stood up by my friends or date or whatever, I guess the my serious looking face and me checking my phone every 5 minutes gave that impression. I felt so embarrassed, but I took it like a champ and ate the delicious free cupcake with a pitiful act. XD

I'm a Norwegian and yes, people seriously go tanning outside in the winter. Not super common but it's a real thing. We also bathe in snow and ice water because we're vikings.

Kyungsoo went to the movies alone...

D.O of EXO went to the movies alone on EXO's Show time. Well i guess the camera man went too lol

We've been living in Korea together the whole time we've been here, but what's it like for people that aren't traveling here with a partner? How loner friendly is Korea? We're gonna talk about all this and more in this week's TL;DR!

I don't know what I would do if I went to Korea, unless I brought a friend. I really want to go... but I'm definitely 98% loner. I generally hate socializing unless there's family or a close friend close by. I live in the US and I'd say as far as going to places, like the movies or restaurants, alone to big such a big deal. People, on the other hand, can sometimes be a little annoying. It seems that most don't realize that sitting alone, generally doesn't mean 'I'm-lonely-come-talk-to-me'.

In the US I feel like teenagers will judge you very harshly if you are alone. If you're a college student or older than it doesn't really matter. Some restaurants have single tables and you will always see people eating alone in fast food chains. In bars and clubs there is always a space for singles. The older you get the more acceptable it is.

I came to Korea alone back in 2011. But Simon and Martina are right, since I came to teach English at a private school, I already had people showing me around. But I feel that people often tend to only stick to those people they meet at their job and don't meet anyone else. I found that being by yourself makes you more approachable by others, including Koreans. Doing things you love can you help find people with shared interests. Like going to a music show like Inkigayo forces you to wait outside for many hours, so you're bound to meet new people. Taking Korean language classes, going to board game cafes, or foreign churches help you meet new people, for example. Also, if you want to make friends with Koreans, an easy first way is to be a language partner for them. I feel that coming to university here has allowed me to meet so many more people and has made my experience even better in Korea. I'm glad I did come here to Korea University, because if I solely judged my time in Korea based on my year of teaching, I would've not thought of Korea so highly. Oh, I went to my first movie theater alone here. That was strange, but I realized it's not so bad. Same goes for dining alone. Good luck!

Everyone is lonely in the states, there are people that are by themselves everywhere. But you know people are desperate for friends because I can strike up a convo with anyone on the streets (well, some people cuz I'm from the hood son!) and they will literally talk about EVERYTHING in their lives. Relationships, tv shows, clothing, pets, the weather, etc. I've even had some older guy around his early 30's tell me about his xxx life O.O This is why I'm so excited for you guys to open the eat your kimchi cafe, hopefully I can make friends and not be lonely lol

you guys have such bizarre experiences, like eating at the same place/near martha stewart and having a sick-ass party going on at the hotel where your honeymoon night was spent like omg why can't i have cool things happen

Well.. EXO's D.O. saw a movie alone.. Even Suho said he sometimes saw a movie all by himself. lolol

Then there's D.O who watched a movie on his own in EXO Showtime, ahahah~

When I lived in Korea I worked at an English camp with 20 other teachers but I still felt very alone because I didn't get along with them and because my Korean was at a much higher level than theirs and for some reason that was a bad thing....go fig. So when I used to go out to eat alone alot but there was only one place I could go to that had the tables for that and it was a Japanese Katsu place. So the only place in Korea where I could eat alone served Japanese food. lol So anyway, one day when they served me my food the lady says to me in Korean "So you don't have any friend." No, it wasn't a question. She had watched me come in and eat by myself for weeks and came to the conclusion that I must not have friends because I always eat alone. I eventually joined a Japanese hogwan and a Korean Hogwon and that helped me make friends. I enjoyed Korea a lot better after that. :)

I just found you guys about 2 weeks ago and marathoned probably an unhealthy amount of you vids (like 50+ hrs). I don't watch the kpop stuff but everything else. On another note, How is Soozee still single? She great qualities. Do you guys not let her out?

thank you for all your videos!! I've been waiting over a year to come to Korea and now I'm going in May! Thank you for all your help in making me feel more comfortable and confident!

Can you talk about technology and how it impacts the daily lives of Koreans? I have recently developed this pet-peeve for people that are on their phone during social gatherings and to avoid greeting strangers. It really frustrates me and the conversations usually die down significantly when people pull their phones out. Does this happen in Korea? Are people stuck to screens like they are over here? Do people have more technology-less fun away from video games and social media?

Simon: would anyone like to go to the movies with soozee?? raise your hand Me: I VOLUNTEER AS TRIBUTE!!!!!

In Australia many people eat alone. It's not noticed if you are alone or not, and regardless of the type of restaurant, it could be fancy or takeaway, there's always a mix of people together and alone.

You guys are the best thing I've found on the internet this month. SO informative and interesting! I want you hang out with you guys if I ever visit Korea :D

That prom proposal was so freaking cuuute~ Grace, you're a lucky girl!

In the UK it's okay to eat alone, you can definitely do it, but you will probably get a few weird looks from people. It's not the kind of place where, unless you're at a place of shared interests like a club or a concert, where you can just go and talk to anyone, people will probably think you're a little crazy! xD I've been to the cinema on my own once, because no one wanted to the see the movie, so Soozee, I would definitely like to see a movie with you!

I live in Japan. Honestly, this is the best country for forever alone people. I dont often do it because I too am joined at the hip with my husband, but when I do, Im never the only lonely one. Im never looked at strange or judged. Its amazing.

I love all your videos!! I would actually love to go to the movies with Soozee! I love everyone in the EYK family!! :)

The ending made me cry! Prm propasal was soooo cute!

Where I'm from (Texas/USA) it's perfectly fine to go anywhere alone. Out to eat, out to the movies... as long as you don't take up a huge booth made for six cuz that would be rude, you're fine. I especially see it at Starbucks a LOT. People will sit alone on their laptops for hours and just chill alone, drinking coffee and doing school work, sometimes they have their dog with them even. It's more common to see someone alone at Starbucks or fast food place than, say, at a sitdown restaurant because I think most people would just grab some food quickly if they were alone, but not necessarily. Being alone at a coffee shop is very common, eating alone at a restaurant is less common, but still not weird. I have been alone to the movies before and it wasn't weird at all. Actually, it was quite enjoyable. I also see people eating alone more at Diners (Like Denny's, IHOP, Waffle House, etc.) ... seems to be wherever the coffee is!! Coffee=lonely people I guess! lol! People usually bring something to do while alone, sort of like a security blanket, like a laptop (like I said ppl at starbucks do) cell phone, book, magazine, etc. People also go alone to parks and gyms all the time. But it's also very easy to meet people here too.

I think I wouldn't even care if I was alone.

Ya Let's Eat was an awesome drama!!! Loved the food.

When Soouzie chimed in about going to the movies alone, that was the point that really got me chuckling! 08:21 to 08:29 should definitely be looped a few times with different video effects :-D :-D

Unless I meet someone in college, I'll probably be traveling to Korea alone as well. I don't mind that, however I am a little antisocial especially around new people so it'll take a lot of effort and determination to talk to strangers lol. I always feel so awkward talking to some people haha

Being lonely can be a serious thing in America, and the 'forever alone' meme is pretty overused. The bad thing about it is people are so desperate for love at very young ages (as early as 4th grade) that they'll date practically anyone. In return, this makes relationships a joke. It's not always like this, but many times it is, unfortunately. Also, some people have ridiculously high standards because of famous models. Again, not everyone is like this, just some where I'm from.

love the surprise ending!!! - google hangout chat with them simon and martina for a bit in your next live show!!! :D

Martinas dress is so pretty! I like the way it looks with the tattoos

I feel like from my experience in Western culture, the change up to actively pursuing friends in Korea would be difficult because when it comes to going up and talking to strangers here, they usually have this 'get away from me, I don't want to socialize, go away' type of attitude. Even my friends who are more quiet absolutely HATE being approached by anyone, and they usually get annoyed if a stranger attempts to talk to them even simply casually. Changing that mentality of 'leave people alone' to 'let's go meet people and chat' seems difficult when you are used to being treated badly for approaching strangers originally.

love your guy's videos

First off Grace I hope you said yes because that proposal was awesome!!!!! I found that if you're traveling by yourself to a location for few days go on one of those tours with a group. I recommend the first or second day . The tour will give you a better idea on where places are and then you can venture on your own. I did that on my travels and met very nice people. I know it may not be for everyone.

Lol, Simon…your face when you were telling the story about being hit on…XD i cracked up. you looked like a scared lost puppy Martina to the rescue~

*raises hand* I'll take you to a movie, SooZee, if I ever go to korea. Though, you're so cute that I'm absolutely baffled as to why you're alone. ;o Seriously.... what the hell?

In my experience in California even though there are people who pity people for being alone like in restaurants, movies, and parties there is a huge support group of people that would say, "Who gives a shit about them! You are independent. What if you go eat by yourself that don't mean your lonely."

I wish you guys had been in Korea when I was there! I felt so alone and became so depressed - it was so hard to meet foreigners for me for some reason (I was younger than a lot of others). I miss Korea thanks to you guys and can't stop watching EYK now that I found you guys 2 days ago.

It's amazing that you guys spend so much time together but don't get sick of one another

In Malaysia, I don't think it's weird to do things alone. I've seen people eat alone in restaurants, fast food outlets, coffee shops, etc. People go to the movies alone, do grocery alone, go to cyber cafes alone, and no one really cares. But of course, you will still see large groups of people doing things together. It is as normal to be in a group as it is being alone.

If you're not allowed to pour shots for yourself in Korea, then how in kdramas when a character is sad, they go out by themselves and drink all the shots they can? haha

your info is awesome

Thanks for this! I'm headed off to teach in Changwon at the end of August and I'm going aaaaall on my own. I'm nervous but excited. Until recently I've tended to stick in my shell and not do things but I've been actively trying to go out and do things in my life here in Canada in preparation for doing the same thing in South Korea.

I need that boyfriend pillow, LOL but seriously, why do people have these boyfriend expectations. Like oh you should have your first boyfriend by like 14, and first kiss and so on and so on. Really, does that benefit you at all at that age? LOL I don't know (asking as an unexperienced 16 canadian teen girl), would love to hear an opinion on that! Is it the same in Korea?

This is seriously so ironic because I just flew to Korea (Seoul) TODAY and I'm going to be studying + living here alone! I brought loads of books with me though because I know I'm going to spend a ton of time alone at home. Yes, I would love to watch a movie with SooZee and yes, I would watch a movie alone too because who gives a dang about what other people thinks. >; Oh... And Grace, you better say yes or else other Nasties will!!! Have fun at prom, alright? ;)

the end was so cute awww

OMG. You guys are awesome for helping the person with the prom proposal XD You guys rock! ^^

i went to a sushi bar alone in the US once... it was really awkward, and i wished i brought a book, because the employees kept coming up and asking me if i was ok. i guess i looked really lonely, but it was more awkward for me than lonely. i shop alone a lot too, and employees often come up and ask me if i need help or if i'm lost. nowadays, i tend to just rush in and out....

How does one speak to strangers without being awkward?

Yes! Im from Norway and that is true! I would lay in the snow to get a tan if it's sun outside! It's warm even though there's snow because we are used to colder weather... But it depends on where you live in the country :)

I just want to say that it's not really as grim as this. I taught at a hagwon and had to eat by myself for a while because our schedules were staggered. I ate pretty frequently in the food courts you can find in most medium and large department stores and also in the fast food places in subway stations. No problem ordering and sitting by yourself to eat. Also, there are lots of street side food stalls/trucks with little seating areas. But I found people there to be really friendly towards me. I've had the regulars on route wake me to make sure I made my stops and my private students often invited me out to tea or concerts or other outings.

Totally true! No one goes to the movies alone in the U.S. ..well besides my dad but he's kinda antisocial lol lol it's strange cus you barely even talk during the movie but it still feels weird to go alonexD But I also feel like many people don't go to restaurants by themselves unless you look like you are on your break from work. Otherwise the only place you really don't get looks for being alone are bakery/ frozen yogurt places/coffee shops...all those nonmeal places. Restaurants are for being with family or friends otherwise it's like why waste money?xD

I feel like it's not weird unless you think about it. You might feel uncomfortable being alone - whatever country you're from - but other people don't really care. Yeah, they may look at you for a sec, but you're the one that's so concerned about appearing as a "loner".

I just got super excited to hear the mention of Mississauga! Reppin my hometown :). Cawthra's cool and all, but we all know PORT CREDIT'S WHERE IT'S AT HOMIE.

I live in toronto,canada and you see people by themselves all the time. I will occasionally go sit at a starbucks by myself, or shop. Especially at malls, it's really not that strange to be buy yourself. As far as restaurants go, it's still pretty strange to be eating by yourself, but usually not that big of a deal.

How about meeting natives and not other foreigners? If I went there, I would want to meet people who can introduce me to the culture and the area, and allow me to practice my Korean. So far what I've done to prepare is get penpals online so I'll know people ahead of time, but how would you meet new Koreans there? If I was an english teacher at a public school, couldn't I be super friendly and just ask other teachers to have bbq together or something?

Question: If I come to Seoul, can I go to the movies with Soozee? I mean...it's not a date or anything...err...just for the sake of company and the defeat of loneliness, right? Haha...

I moved to Korea from Toronto alone for my teaching contract. This is such a great video. My favourite place to hang out is Bupyeong. Plenty of foreigners and a few great North American-style bars. Most, if not all, foreigners understand what you're going through. I've met a lot of people already who told me that they were already thinking about leaving after a month, and yet, they've renewed their contracts for multiple years. It's all up to you to go out and make the effort. People are very friendly here, Korean or foreigner. Just get out there.

SooZee, I'll watch a movie with you! When I was travelling out west to Seattle, WA and Portland, OR, a lot of the times I was exploring alone because my friends out there had work. I really had to get over eating lunch on my own in a normal restaurant, but it wasn't so bad. The first days if I felt awkward, I'd bring a book to read. But, I had some of the best food and the most fun just rambling about checking things out on my own. Lunch specials are always smaller portions too. As you said though, it's a bit easier to go out alone here in North America.

being lonely in the Netherlands is normal I guess... most people don't care what others think about them... XD

Hi EYK! I really, REALLY want to travel to Korea but I have a very severe nut allergy, and a moderate soy protein allergy and do not speak the language. How are food allergies handled in Korea?

Thank you for this video! Im a very sociable person but as you said in the video in western countries going up to talk to strangers is weird so I was worried it might be the same in korea. Im pretty sure that knowing korean before you get there will really help expand the options that you have with friends

You make it sound so easy. I'm not going to be a teacher, but I want to travel to Asia one day. I am really bad at putting myself out and setting down roots where I don't know anyone. If it weren't for required social outings, or work, I would be stuck in my room all day because I'm THAT terrified of meeting new people or asking for help in a new place. I prefer being on the giving end of knowledge like that. *currently in Berkley, CA for six months and though she knows a lot of people in the week she's been here, she doesn't have any friends*

D'AWWW PROMPOSAL DOE

I have question for you guys. What do you guys think about Kris ''leaving'' EXO? Are guys shocked, sad, confused, or?

D'aww the promposal at the end! Hope everything goes well!

In Malaysia I don't see restaurants rejecting customers who eat alone, in fact I do see people who eat alone. But I personally think it would be awkward to do so.

About going to the movies alone in Korea, on EXO showtime D.O. went to see a movie all by himself, and I'm pretty sure there's many people he knows that could have gone with him, but he decided to go alone despite um him being and idol and that it would go public, so I don't think it's that awkward. Anyways, it's a TV show so it's not that informative, but I wanted to point it out so that Soozee doesn't feel like she's alone on this one haha

*raises hand*

Norwegians tanning in snow is true. After the dark time of the winter is over, alot of people strip off to feel the sun's warmth in early spring/easter vacation. Been there, done that. The sun makes the snow less jarring when you get up again as well :)

I think probably the most fun, but the most socially awkward place to go to alone is an amusement park! I know that it probably seems sad, but going by yourself is a blast. You skip through lines constantly and you can go at your own pace. However, this idea doesn't apply at night. It just stops being fun after the sun goes down. My ideal visit would be to hang around in the morning and afternoon by myself and go on most of the rides. And then in the evening I would meet up with friends and hit the games, the ferris wheel, and the scariests rides (like the drop towers and the roll-o-planes)!

QUESTION!: How is S. Korea with random acts of kindness? for example, just paying for someone's meal or randomly giving someone a flower (small things like that). It's pretty normal here in America, but how would it be like in S. Korea? Would they think that it's weird?

Please show us the Martha Stewart pictures!!!! Please!!

You can survive in Korea or any other country being alone or a loner, depends on how independent and not afraid to be different you are. And in this case SImon and Martina just aren't used to being alone often so they don't know much about it

You're videos make me want to go to Korea! Maybe one day :P

Hey guys, I was wondering how the alternative scene is in Korea. Are there many so called "hippies", who don't care about image and money etc. And how is the vegan scene which may also be alternative in korea?

I know D.O from Exo has gone to a movie alone

I'm a Korean who does a lot of things on my own, because as an introvert I get tired at constantly discussing what to eat :P And because I work freelance I can go to movies in weekdays when there are no people! But I guess this is all possible because I have friends I can turn to whenever I need. So go out and make that social circle blossom!

As someone living in the US who is fairly shy and bad at meeting new people, I've never considered it weird to go out to movies, dinner, bars etc. alone. I'm more comfortable reading a book by myself in a public space than spending time with groups of people. That's probably why South Korea would be the worst place for me to travel to...

oooomg PROMPOSAL SO CUTEEE^o^ Ahhhhhhhh

OMYGOSH THE PROMPOSAL. IM VERY HAPPY EVEN THOUGH ITS NOT MY PROM;;;;; /cries/ Did she accepted? :D So kdramaland... (why cant this happens to me xddd)

Sooozeee! I'll go w ya! In NYC, i even prefer skipping out on friends and doing stuff by my self sometimes. There is a lot of cool ways to enjoy yourself, alone or with a group. I would say amusement parks by yourself would be a bad idea...nobody to wait in line with would be torturous.

In the pacific north west of the US, it's pretty easy to be either a social butterfly or a loner! I go to college in a small town but I'm originally from Portland. in both places I find that it's easy to do do most things solo, however if you do go out to eat alone/go to a bar alone you might get a couple weird looks but it's definitely doable. In general if say it's pretty easy to be one or the other- or both!

I wanna go to the movies with SOOOOZEEEEE :)

THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS!! GRACE SAID YESSS!! :DDD AND SHE IS SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW :') She crys everytime when Simon says her name LOOL She is visiting korea this summer and hopping to bump into you guys loool and visite the coffee shop! :D You guys are so awesome and amazing! HAVE A SAFE TRIP IN BEIJING! Again thank you so so much :)

Hey Simon and Martina! How's the coffee house coming? I am going to Korea (hopefully) in February to teach English and would love to meet both of you and the team at TTMIK!

Hey Simon and Martina!!! I'm a huge fan of you guys. So, this year, one of my friends is going to Korea for the first time. I know that what tour websites and such say are wayyy different from actual experiences. Could you please give some advice on where to go in/around Seoul? THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

here in malaysia we even have a popular edible collagen thingy that whitens your skin, and not just on your face, i mean your whole freaking body. they advertise themselves as knowing the secret to beautiful korean skin and to be honest, the people look bleached and pale. my friend tried it once and said he said it tastes like bubblegum lol XD

Any Homestuck Nasties out there? Anyone else who for a second thought that the commenter was "Sollux"? Also: **raises hand** I'd totally go to the movies with you Soozee! :D (unless you actually *want* to go alone, which is cool i guess.)

In Australia if you go to a proper restaurant that has its own building, alone its considered pretty weird but if you go to a restaurant like in the city or in a food court ( or like fast food ) its not considered weird and in fact you see a lot of people eating alone in shopping centres and in the city. And with going alone at cinemas, its pretty normal for people to go alone. Its normally adults and older who go by themselves though, teens normally go on a date or with friends and you see alot of families go. But yea, its fine ~

My name is Jackie and I am from Sydney, Nova Scotia. I taught in Korea for two years from 2011-2013. One of the best things I ever did was apply to a recruiting agency (i.e. Korvia Consulting), that had a large orientation for all of us. All the new teachers going to Daegu and Busan and neighboring areas all gathered at a university in Busan a few days before our contract started. We had information sessions, basic Korean lessons, group projects to help teach ESL, and more. The best thing was that we were separated by location. So all the new ESL teachers in my classes were from the same city I was going to, Daegu. It was great!! A lot of the people I met during orientation became some of my best friends that I still have today. And as you go around town, a lot of the foreigners you see, you recognize from orientation. Also, facebook groups are formed for each new contract of teachers for each city (i.e. Daegu EPIK Spring 2014/ or FALL 2014, etc.), so you can join those groups and meet more people that came at the same time as you, find out about events, hangouts, and more.

In korea do you absolutely need to know fluent Korean to be able to live there, do many Koreans speak English and can serve or talk to you in English?

Random question, but what is love like in Korea? Not PDA but the actual thought of having love. Is it different from North America? Is it different for idols? What is the thought of marriage and having children like in Korea?

I think the coffee-shop-yet-to-be-named will also be an awesome place to meet people.

in my country it's totally normal to eat or to be alone but it's actually weird to go and just say hello to other people you don't know so what i'm trying to say here is it's easier to eat alone than to meet new people while you're eating

I'm not really a social person. I mean I have friends but I probably wouldn't have met or talked to them if I didn't have a class with them, because I'm that socially awkward and shy. so yeah I don't mind doing a lot of things alone and I mostly talk to myself a lot so I don't think being alone in Korea would be a problem for me...... yes I do talk to myself even though I'm not an only child and yes my current friends do think I'm weird for it, but they still like me anyways for it so it's fine.

Hey can anyone explain to me what it means when they say "comeback" like when i think comeback i think like if destiny's childs were to get back together now.... but i here it a lot in reference to Kpop....

It's so funny hearing your questions at the end cos I can't really answer i live in a city near Toronto so y'all already know bout that

I'm raising my hand! Suzeeeeee And awww, that proposal