Upon arriving at the “Swissotel Nankai Namba” hotel located in Osaka Namba, we decided to drop off our luggage first. It was still early for check-in. After having breakfast in Kyoto and moving to Osaka, we stored our luggage at the hotel, and it was time for lunch. While searching for nearby dining options, we settled on having our meal ...
After getting off at Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, we walked north along the Kamo River. As it was not yet time for dinner, we were searching for a cafe to spend some time in. Surprisingly, cafes weren’t as visible as expected. Following a narrow alley behind the riverside, we stumbled upon a new bridge, and across from it, we found a ...
Blue Bottle is commonly compared to Apple in terms of coffee chains. If Starbucks is often likened to Microsoft due to its popularity, then Blue Bottle is more akin to the innovative icon Apple. The book “Cafe Blue Bottle” analyzes Blue Bottle before its entry into Korea, examining its differences from other coffee shops. With its concise length, small size, ...
Coffee Factory 103 is one of the prominent cafes you can find in Paju’s Heyri Art Village. Starting as a modest café, it soared to fame with its exceptional coffee, eventually constructing a three-story building, solidifying its status as one of the representative cafes in Heyri. Now, you can also explore Coffee Factory 103 in Seoul, including its Ichon branch. ...
Jungdong-gil, stretching from Seodaemun to Deoksugung in Seoul, is a distinctly Korean street with a nostalgic atmosphere. It exudes a feeling that makes you want to take a leisurely stroll. In the past, it was a place where significant events in modern history occurred, playing a pivotal role in the modern history of South Korea. At the heart of Jungdong-gil, ...
On July 27, 1999, Starbucks landed in South Korea by opening its first store in front of Ewha Womans University. Initially, there were controversies due to coffee being more expensive than a regular meal, but now Starbucks has firmly established its presence in South Korea. Especially within a 1km radius of Gwanghwamun Square, it boasts the highest number of Starbucks ...
In the hub of transportation in the northwest of Seoul, you can find “Mesena Polis” near Hapjeong Station. Mesena Polis is a complex apartment located in Hapjeong, combining residential and commercial spaces to create a unique atmosphere. Completed in 2012, Mesena Polis stands out with a design reminiscent of a canyon, providing a distinctive experience different from other shopping malls ...
Paris Baguette is South Korea’s largest bakery franchise, operated under the SPC Group. It started as Paris Croissant in 1986 and expanded under the name Paris Baguette in 1988. It has become a easily recognizable bakery throughout South Korea, often being the first brand that comes to mind when thinking of bakeries in the country. “Paris Baguette’s Guinness World Record” ...
On July 27, 1999, Starbucks landed in South Korea by opening its first store in front of Ewha Womans University. Initially, there were controversies due to coffee being more expensive than a meal, but now Starbucks has firmly established its presence in South Korea. Becoming a global company following McDonald’s, Starbucks created a new global index, the Starbucks Index, following ...
The Gwanghwamun area in Seoul is known for being a densely populated office district, attracting numerous office workers. It’s a place where you can find various restaurants and cafes to meet the demands of these workers. Amidst large franchise cafes like Starbucks and budget-friendly cafe brands like “Paikdabang,” there are also independently owned and uniquely charming cafes. “Small Cafe in ...
“Wood & Brick,” a bakery that doubles as a brunch cafe in the Gwanghwamun area of Seoul, has its own long-standing history. Established in 1987, it has been operating with the motto of an authentic European-style healthy bakery. There are two “Wood & Brick” locations in the Gwanghwamun area – one to the west, based on Gwanghwamun Square, and the ...
While leaving after a meeting in the business district of Gangnam Gaepo-dong, sudden rain started pouring. Considering whether to continue in the rain, the unexpectedly heavy downpour led me to seek refuge in a nearby cafe, and that’s how I stumbled upon ‘In the Mood Ilwon.’ “Secluded Cafe in Seoul Gangnam, Gaepo-dong: In the Mood Ilwon” In the neighborhood of ...