Honjok: The South Korean Method of Living Happily with Ourselves

Honjok is the revolutionary philosophy that teaches us to appreciate our moments of solitude and helps us transform our self-isolation into a new lifestyle.

Up until a few years ago, the word honjok didn't exist. The expression, coined in South Korea as a combination of hon (alone) and jok (tribe), has become a symbol of a South Korean movement that challenges traditional notions of family and social roles. Choosing to live and spend time alone, young South Koreans have found a way to free themselves from social pressures and give new meaning to the concept of happiness. This book describes honjok in all of its facets, among which are honbap—eating alone; honsul—drinking alone; and honnol—playing and spending time alone. Each chapter, identifiable by a specific color, is self-contained and requires no cross-referencing. You are free to approach the book in whichever order you prefer.