In Korea, cafes are not just places to grab a quick caffeine fix. Specifically, they have evolved into a vital “Third Space” between home and work. However, if you enter a popular cafe on a weekend, you might be shocked by the crowd and the unique etiquette.
Consequently, understanding the local vibe will help you enjoy the most aesthetic spots without feeling out of place. Fortunately, I have Ssam to guide me through the world of “Cagong” and Instagram-worthy Hanok cafes.
Welcome to Level 1. Let me tell you about the time I thought I could easily find a seat in a famous Yeonnam-dong cafe on a Saturday afternoon.
Level 1: The “Cagong” Shock
Flashback: My first attempt to study at a cafe.
Initially, I walked into a large cafe near a university, expecting a quiet library atmosphere. Instead, I found every single table occupied by students with laptops, tablets, and multiple textbooks. Unfortunately, I realized that many people stay for 3 to 4 hours with just one cup of coffee.
Furthermore, I noticed that nobody was worried about their belongings. Eventually, I saw someone leave their MacBook and iPhone on the table to go to the restroom for 10 minutes. For this reason, I learned that “Trust” is a huge part of Korean Cafe Culture.
Level 2: Ssam’s Insight (The Art of the Theme)
(Why is every cafe so beautiful?)
The Instagrammable Era
Immediately, I asked Ssam why there are so many themed cafes. “Alice, in Korea, we eat with our eyes first,” he explained.
Specifically, cafes are divided into various styles:
- Hanok Cafes: Traditional Korean houses renovated into modern coffee shops.
- Industrial Cafes: Old factories turned into large, rugged art spaces.
- Concept Cafes: From 2D cartoon themes to cafes filled with actual sheep or raccoons.
Indeed, these spaces are designed for social media. Therefore, the “Aesthetic” of the interior and the “Visual” of the dessert are just as important as the taste of the coffee.
Alice’s Bottom Line: Respect the Space
The beauty of Korean Cafe Culture lies in its diversity. If you want to work, find a “Cagong” friendly cafe with plenty of outlets. On the other hand, if you want photos, head to a designer cafe in Seongsu-dong or Ikseon-dong. Indeed, as long as you order at least one drink per person and respect the time limits during busy hours, you are welcome in any “Third Space” in Korea.
Survival Hangul: Cafe Edition
- “아이스 아메리카노 하나 주세요.”
- Pronunciation: (A-i-seu A-me-ri-ka-no ha-na ju-se-yo)
- Meaning: One Iced Americano, please. (Most Koreans call it “Ah-Ah”)
- “와이파이 비밀번호가 뭐예요?”
- Pronunciation: (Wa-i-pa-i bi-mil-beon-ho-ga mwo-ye-yo?)
- Meaning: What is the Wi-Fi password?
- “콘센트 어디 있어요?”
- Pronunciation: (Kon-sen-teu eo-di it-seo-yo?)
- Meaning: Where is a power outlet?