by Kim Jaeseung
Published 20 Apr.2026 15:13(KST)
On April 20, Goheung County in South Jeolla Province (Governor Gong Youngmin) announced the launch of the “Solo Dining-Friendly Restaurant Environment” initiative, which combines hygiene and eco-friendliness in response to the growing number of solo travelers. This project aims to enhance the convenience of single tourists, strengthen the competitiveness of the local dining scene, and help usher in an era of 10 million annual visitors to the region.
The county will conduct a survey on the readiness to accommodate solo diners at 860 general restaurants and similar establishments in the area through April 24. The county’s hygiene management team, in collaboration with the Goheung County Branch of the Food Service Association, will examine factors such as the operation of single-person menus and the availability of dedicated seating. The results will be compiled into a database for systematic management.
The information collected will be made available digitally for smarter access. The county will establish a “solo dining map” on the tourism website and place QR codes at major tourist attractions and accommodations, enabling travelers to check restaurant information in real time.
In addition, the county plans to conduct at least four campaigns annually and attach “Solo Dining-Friendly” certification stickers to participating establishments to promote awareness and change perceptions. Furthermore, the county will offer hospitality training and follow-up inspections for restaurants to continuously improve service quality.
An official from the county’s tourism policy office stated, “This project is meaningful in that it promotes Goheung as a welcoming destination for solo diners by prioritizing hygiene and environmental values. We will expand the influx of young tourists through tailored services and develop Goheung into a sophisticated culinary tourism city that leads the way in the era of 10 million visitors.”
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