If you are a fan of Korean dramas, you have probably seen characters eating ramen by the Han River. Specifically, you can now enjoy that same experience in the middle of the city at Unmanned Ramen Cafes in Korea. However, standing in front of a wall of 50 different ramen types can be overwhelming for a first-timer.
Consequently, knowing the “Machine Logic” is the key to enjoying a perfect bowl of noodles at 3:00 AM. Fortunately, I have Ssam to show me the secret of the “Automated Induction Cooker.”
Welcome to Level 1. Let me tell you about the time I almost caused a flood because I didn’t understand the “Barcode Rule.”
Level 1: The “Water Panic” Disaster
Flashback: My first visit to a 24-hour ramen cafe.
Initially, I picked my favorite spicy ramen and a paper bowl. So, I put the noodles in the bowl and searched for a hot water dispenser like a normal convenience store. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find one.
Instead of asking for help (because there was no staff), I just guessed and put my bowl on the induction machine. Furthermore, I pressed a random button, and water started gushing out. Eventually, the machine stopped because I hadn’t scanned the barcode first. For this reason, the machine didn’t know which ramen I was cooking! In Unmanned Ramen Cafes in Korea, the machine needs to know the “recipe” for your specific noodle.
Level 2: The Solution (The 4-Step Masterclass)
Immediately, Ssam walked me through the automated cooking process. “Alice, the machine is the chef. You are just the assistant!” he joked.
Follow these steps for the perfect DIY ramen:
Step 1: Pick and Pay
First, choose your ramen and any extra toppings from the fridge (cheese, rice, or dumplings).
- Action: Pay at the kiosk. Note: Once you pay, grab the specific “Induction-safe” paper bowl provided.
Step 2: The Barcode Scan
Next, this is the most important part.
- Action: Scan the barcode of your ramen package on the scanner attached to the cooking machine.
- Result: The machine will automatically set the timer and the exact water amount for that specific brand.
Step 3: Add Toppings (The Free Bar)
Subsequently, put the noodles and soup powder in the bowl and place it on the induction burner.
- The Best Part: Most Unmanned Ramen Cafes in Korea have a free topping bar.
- Hack: Add bean sprouts, green onions, and rice cakes for extra texture.
Step 4: Stir and Wait
Finally, press the “Start” button.
- Action: The water will pour in automatically. Stir the noodles occasionally to make them chewy.
- Alarm: When the timer hits 0:00, the machine will beep.
Level 3: Ssam’s Insight (Why We Love It)
(The “Third Space” for Koreans)
You might wonder, “Why go here instead of cooking at home?” Fundamentally, it’s about the “Atmosphere” and “Induction Magic.” Specifically, the high-power induction machines cook the noodles much better than a home microwave or stove.
Moreover, it serves as a social space for students and office workers. For this reason, it has become a “Healing Space” where you can eat cheaply and comfortably while watching Netflix on your phone. Indeed, the “Han River Style” ramen in a paper bowl just tastes different!
Alice’s Bottom Line: Don’t Forget to Clean Up
The beauty of Unmanned Ramen Cafes in Korea relies on the users. If everyone leaves a mess, the stores won’t survive. Therefore, always throw your leftovers in the dedicated food waste bin and wipe your table. Indeed, if you follow the “Clean-as-you-go” rule, you are a true Seoulite!
Survival Hangul: Ramen Cafe Edition
- “바코드를 스캔해 주세요.”
- Pronunciation: (Ba-ko-deu-reul seu-kaen-hae ju-se-yo)
- Meaning: Please scan the barcode.
- “토핑은 무료예요?”
- Pronunciation: (To-ping-eun mu-ryo-ye-yo?)
- Meaning: Are the toppings free?
- “물 추가 버튼이 어디예요?”
- Pronunciation: (Mul chu-ga beot-teun-i eo-di-ye-yo?)
- Meaning: Where is the “Add Water” button?