The controversy over the 'rude treatment' of a guest who visited alone has led Yeosu, South Jeolla Province, to launch a recruitment campaign for 'honzan' restaurants that promote dining for one.
On the 26th, Yeosu City announced that it will prioritize the discovery and designation of general restaurants that can serve local specialties such as crab marinated in soy sauce, braised hairtail fish, and sliced raw sea bream in individual servings. Cafes and bars will be excluded from this recruitment.
Designated establishments will be promoted through the Yeosu city website and the Yeosu tourism integrated app 'Yeosuen', and they will receive priority benefits when promoting the one-person dining table program.
Those who wish to apply can submit their applications to the city's food hygiene department by visiting, faxing, or sending registered mail by the 19th of next month.
A Yeosu city official noted, 'Through the designation of 'honzan' restaurants, we hope that single-person households and travelers visiting Yeosu alone can conveniently enjoy the local flavors and alleviate the tourism inconveniences related to food.'
Earlier, a controversy arose when a famous restaurant in Yeosu pressured a female YouTuber, who was dining alone and ordered two servings, to leave after 20 minutes.
In response, Yeosu City officially apologized, promising to strengthen friendly education through on-site visits in the food and lodging sectors, manage complaints of rude treatment, create a manual for serving single guests, designate restaurants that can accommodate one person, and enhance friendly training for staff.