Despite never travelling to Korea, the internet has made it possible for several language learners and Korean culture enthusiasts to learn something new about the country every day. From content creators who share everyday moments to variety shows and K-Dramas, the variety of content offers a glimpse into Korean culture that goes beyond textbook resources.
One everyday aspect of Korean culture that learners are quick to catch on to is the café culture. Whether to work remotely, hang out with friends or simply unwind after a stressful day, there is a café for every purpose in South Korea. If you are planning to visit or shift there, you need to understand that cafes in Korea aren’t just places, but a lifestyle.
A Space Between School/ Work and Home
It’s no secret that students spend long hours studying in Korea, either at after-school hagwons or libraries. The same could be said for young adults starting their careers, who often have to work overtime to meet milestones and deadlines. Once the day is done, people prefer to spend time relaxing before heading home. This is where cafes come in.
With several aesthetics and ambiences to choose from, cafes provide a place of solitude for people who need a moment to themselves after a busy day. From themed cafes to regular cafes, these cozy spots offer much-needed respite before calling it a day. Don’t be surprised if you come across several cafes in one street! Cafes are an essential part of everyday life in Korea.
Though cafes by nature are a place to wind down, Koreans also spend time studying at cafes, where they can energize themselves with a snack or a drink at any time. This cultural phenomenon is known as 카공; Cagong ( 카페 + 공부; Café + Studying).
A Place To Escape The Summers And Winters
Korea experiences hot and humid summers and cold, dry winters, making cafes a particularly appealing indoor space to escape the weather. With countless beverages and desserts to choose from, moments away from home become therapeutic. Iced Americano is a popular choice of drink among Koreans, who love to drink coffee in summers and winters. There’s even a famous expression in Korea: 얼죽아 (eol-juk-a), short for 얼어 죽어도 아이스 아메리카노 (meaning: even if I die from freezing, iced americano!).
A Café For Every Personality
While cafes are a fun spot to hang out with friends, there are also moments when one must spend time by themselves. However, solo dates need not necessarily be awkward. Themed cafes are a great place to spend time alone at any time of the day.
If you’re an animal lover, be sure to check out cat and dog cafes, where spending time with fuzzy friends is sure to melt your heart. If you want to explore nature cafes beyond cats and dogs, there are even sheep cafes in Korea, where you can pet sheep while enjoying a drink.
For those seeking a quiet moment, consider book cafes where you can pass the time reading manhwa. If you are a lover of movies, there are several movie-themed cafes to choose from in Korea, with semi-private screen setups and café snacks to feast on.
Hence, cafes in Korea are more than just a place where you can grab a quick drink or snack. They are spaces to relax, study, work or enjoy alone time after a stimulating day. If you have the chance to travel to Korea, be sure to stop by cafes and experience these unique aspect of everyday Korean culture.
Written By: Deborah Sridhar
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