Korean cafe culture

Korea has an exceptionally strong cafe culture, with coffee shops on nearly every street. Cafes serve as places to meet friends, study and work, not just drink coffee. Many attribute this to urban lifestyles where homes are small and people need somewhere to gather. Hunting for cafes with unique interiors is a travel highlight in itself.

A-a is short for iced Americano, one of the most popular drinks in Korea. Many Koreans drink it even in the depths of winter, which inspired the slang eoljuka, meaning iced even if I freeze to death. A hot Americano is nicknamed tteu-a.

Studying or working in cafes for hours with one drink is very common in Korea; such people are called kagongjok. Most cafes do not mind, but during busy periods it is considerate to free up your seat. Some cafes post time limits or restrict laptop use, so check for notices.

In Korea you will often see people leave phones or laptops on a table while they order or go to the restroom. The country is relatively safe, but loss or theft can still happen, so keep valuables with you. Avoid saving seats for long periods during busy times.

Korea has rules requiring reusable cups for drinks consumed inside cafes, and the details of enforcement have changed over time. Staff will often ask whether you are drinking in or taking away. For the current rules, check official guidance from the Ministry of Environment.

In most Korean cafes you order and pay at the counter first, then wait for a vibrating buzzer or your order number to be called. Many also use kiosks or apps. Pick up your drink at the counter when it is ready, and return your cup and tray to the return station when finished.

After ordering, you may receive a small pager that buzzes and lights up when your drink is ready. Take it to the pickup counter, collect your order and hand the buzzer back. You will see the same system in food courts too.

Korea has hanok cafes, rooftop cafes, bakery cafes, huge garden cafes, board game cafes and comic book cafes, among many others. Animal cafes also existed, but under the revised Wildlife Act, displaying live wild animals outside zoos and aquariums has been restricted since December 2023, with a grace period for registered existing facilities. Check whether a cafe is still operating before visiting.

Look out for Korean-style drinks such as dalgona latte, misutgaru (roasted grain) latte, black sesame latte, mugwort latte, sweet potato latte and yuja tea. Many cafes promote their own signature creations. At a new cafe, ordering the signature drink is a good way to see what makes it special.

Dalgona coffee is made by whipping instant coffee, sugar and hot water into a thick foam and spooning it over milk. It was named after dalgona, a Korean honeycomb toffee candy with a similar flavor. It went viral worldwide on social media around 2020 as people made it at home.

Cafe restrooms are often shared facilities in the building, sometimes with a door code or key. The code may be printed on your receipt, or you can ask the staff. Restrooms are usually for customers, so use them after ordering.

Most Korean cafes offer free Wi-Fi, with the password on your receipt, the wall or a sign at the counter. Many seats also have power outlets for charging phones and laptops. On public Wi-Fi, avoid sensitive activities such as online banking.

Coffee prices in Korea vary widely by brand, location and type of cafe. Options range from budget franchise chains to high-end specialty coffee roasters. Check the menu board at each cafe for current prices. Size upgrades and extra syrup shots usually cost a little more, and prices can differ between locations of the same chain.

In Seoul, neighborhoods such as Seongsu-dong, Yeonnam-dong, Ikseon-dong, Samcheong-dong and Hannam-dong are known for distinctive cafes. Outside Seoul, places like the coffee street at Anmok Beach in Gangneung draw coffee lovers. Cafes open and close frequently, so check a map app for current information.

Most cafes either prohibit outside food or ask customers to refrain from it. Strong-smelling food in particular can bother other guests. In genuinely necessary cases, such as baby food, ask the staff first. As a rule, enjoy only food and drinks bought at the cafe itself.

A no kids zone is a business, often a cafe or restaurant, that does not admit children under a certain age. The practice is debated in Korean society. If you are traveling with children, check entrance signs or map app details beforehand. On the other hand, many family-friendly kids cafes welcome children.

Many franchise and independent cafes now offer decaf beans as an option. It may be listed separately on the menu, or you can request it when ordering. Not every cafe has it, so ask before you order. Demand from evening coffee drinkers means more cafes are adding it.

Many cafes let you swap regular milk for soy, oat or almond milk, often for an extra charge. Some also offer lactose-free milk. Availability differs by cafe, so ask when ordering. Each milk changes the taste and texture noticeably, so feel free to ask the barista for a recommendation.

In Korean cafes, customers usually take their cups and trays to the return station themselves. Some cafes have a separate place to pour out leftover ice and liquid, so follow the signs. Leaving your table tidy is basic courtesy. Some cafes also have different hours on weekends.

It varies, but many cafes stay open until around 10 p.m., and some in university or nightlife areas run 24 hours. On the other hand, fewer cafes open very early in the morning. Check opening hours on a map app.