Seoul Gyeongbu Line Korean restaurant: solo-dining zone set, Bapjangin

Sitting alone at the terminal without feeling awkward, thanks to a proper one-person table set — here's my visit to Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch!

Where is Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch?

Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch is in the underground arcade of the Gyeongbu Line terminal at Seoul Express Bus Terminal (194 Sinbanpo-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul, unit 20). It's open daily 10:00–22:00, last order 21:10. A round rice-bowl logo greets you at the entrance.

There's no dedicated parking, but you can use the paid lots at Express Bus Terminal, Central City, or Shinsegae Department Store. Whether you arrive by subway or bus, it's in a super convenient spot! Perfect for grabbing a quick meal when you've got an awkward gap before your bus.

Near the register there's a row of origin-labeling signs and framed autographs. The water dispenser and sauce bottles are gathered here too.

Is Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch okay to visit alone?

Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch has a solo-dining zone running along the glass wall, so eating alone doesn't feel awkward at all. I was seated in a row of single seats, and each table has a tablet for ordering right from your seat. They even give you water in a full bottle, so no need to get up for refills.

A layout where sitting alone means zero self-consciousness!

Every table also has its own gim flake (roasted seaweed flake) shaker.

Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch menu and prices

Here's how the main menu at Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch is laid out!

• Bubbling jjaglie (₩12,000)
• Fiery kimchi jjigae (₩12,000)
• Clean-tasting potato stew (₩12,000)
• Savory brisket doenjang jjigae (₩15,000)
• Smoky bulgogi (₩14,000)
• Sizzling squid stir-fry (₩18,000)
• Hot-plate five-flavor bulgogi (₩35,000)
• Hearty set menu (₩39,000)

At the bottom of the menu it clearly states they use only domestic pork!

On the tablet, going into the set menu section shows a separate one-person set. I went all in for the hearty option and ordered the one-person table set (₩20,000). You can even choose your stew's spice level, which is genuinely great.

What comes with the one-person table set?

Bapjangin's one-person table set comes with a ttukbaegi (earthenware pot) stew, jeyuk-bokkeum, black rice, and three side dishes. First the three side dishes arrive: seasoned bean sprouts, radish salad, and napa cabbage kimchi. A classic baekban (home-style set meal) lineup, right?

The rice comes as black rice — not in a small bowl, but heaped generously in a stainless steel bowl.

And finally, the one-person table set arrives! Ttukbaegi stew plus jeyuk-bokkeum plus black rice — eating alone but the table is completely full.

Visually it looks like a two-person portion, even though it's for one.

Spam-topped ttukbaegi stew — how spicy was it?

I chose the ttukbaegi stew at roughly Shin Ramyun spice level, and it was fiery but absolutely not tongue-numbing. Tofu, zucchini, onion, and pork were all packed in, with Spam sitting right on top. The broth looked red, but the spice was exactly the kind that goes perfectly with rice!

The Spam came in about two big pieces — not thinly sliced, but nice and thick. Very satisfying.

The tofu had soaked up the broth well too, so one bite and it's warm all the way through.

The pork wasn't cut into small scraps either — big enough chunks to really catch on the spoon. Very generous with the ingredients.

Is Bapjangin's jeyuk-bokkeum spicy?

The jeyuk-bokkeum that comes with the table set is, despite its look, not spicy — more sweet-and-savory with a touch of smoky char. It's sprinkled with sesame seeds and stir-fried with onion.

Seeing the red color, I thought, 'oh, this is going to be spicy' — but nope, not spicy at all once I actually ate it!! Should be totally fine even for people who can't handle spicy food.

Don't be scared off just because it's red.

The finishing mix with the gim flake shaker

Remember that gim flake shaker on every table? Sprinkle some over the leftover black rice, add a spoonful of stew broth, and mix it all up. Sounds like nothing, but this final bite is an absolute game-changer. Turns out that shaker wasn't just sitting there for decoration.

And here's the result. Rice bowl cleaned out, jeyuk plate cleaned out — only the broth left, totally cleared.

Overall verdict: Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch's one-person table set

With just the one-person table set at Bapjangin Express Bus Terminal Branch, I walked out having eaten a really hearty meal of stew, jeyuk, and rice. The row of solo-dining seats means zero self-consciousness sitting alone, and being able to choose your stew's spice level means even people who can't handle spicy food don't need to worry. Highly recommended as a go-to spot at Express Bus Terminal whenever you've got an awkward gap before your bus, or just want a hot, satisfying meal on your own!!