“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 ...
While Jeonju is renowned for its hanok villages, you can also explore various hanok villages in Seoul. Notable examples include the iconic Bukchon Hanok Village, and there’s also the charming Namsangol Hanok Village. Additionally, you can discover other places like Seochon Hanok Village and Ikseondong Hanok Village. Each is referred to as a hanok village, yet each exudes a different ...
“Mangwon Market” in Seoul, located near Hongdae, is a well-known market in western Seoul famous for its diverse food offerings. Its proximity to Hongdae and easy access via public transportation make it a popular destination, especially among the younger generation. Notably, this market is renowned for its various street foods and snacks, and there’s a cafe within the market named ...
Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, Seoul offers a variety of shops, including distinctive cafes. Among these diverse establishments, a relatively recent addition is the unique cafe, Matte Black. “2D Optical Illusion Cafe – Matte Black” Matte Black is located on the 4th floor of Lotte World Mall. Previously occupied by ‘Susugarden,’ this space has been transformed, and now Matte Black ...
As you walk west from Gyeongbokgung Station in Seoul, you’ll come across Sajikdan. Sajikdan is still under restoration, making it somewhat less visited since the restoration isn’t complete yet. Consequently, even though it’s in the heart of Seoul, it exudes a relatively quiet atmosphere. Generally, when you think of Seochon Village, you envision an area west of Gyeongbokgung and north ...
The easiest way to get to Incheon Chinatown is to disembark at “Incheon Station.” Incheon Station serves as the terminus for both Subway Line 1 and Suin Bundang Line. Once you exit Incheon Station, you can easily find the entrance to Chinatown right across the street. “Cafe near Incheon Station, Compose Coffee” Arriving in Chinatown and before delving into its ...
Starbucks is not only a personally inspiring space but also a place that garners significant attention. Originating from a small coffee shop in Seattle, the brand transformed its narrative by conceptualizing cafes as a “third space.” In South Korea, the Starbucks phenomenon began on July 27, 1999, with the opening of its first store in front of Ewha Womans University ...
Once upon a time, mentioning Starbucks might evoke negative images like “beanpaste girl” or “beanpaste boy.” However, Starbucks has successfully overcome such stereotypes, becoming the most famous and thriving cafe in South Korea. “Why could Starbucks succeed in South Korea despite the recession?” This book explores the reasons behind Starbucks’ success in the South Korean market, even during economic downturns, ...
Akihabara in Tokyo is a renowned destination and a hub of Japanese subculture. Thanks to this, you can find places all around that sell products or services related to Japanese manga and animation. Good Smile is a company that produces and sells products related to subcultures, particularly known for creating cute figures with large heads and big eyes. Exploring various ...
With Starbucks now a ubiquitous presence worldwide, it has established itself as the largest global coffee chain, offering a popular and comfortable space concept. However, there is another coffee franchise that takes a different approach and competes with Starbucks. While not as large in scale yet, Blue Bottle has been expanding its business with a strategy that focuses solely on ...
In recent times, there’s a domestic coffee brand challenging the dominance of Starbucks. It’s the franchise coffee shop named Banapresso, rapidly expanding, particularly in the heart of Seoul, especially around Gangnam. Banapresso, established in 2018, is a low-cost, large-capacity coffee specialist. Despite being a budget-friendly coffee shop, it has garnered significant popularity due to its resemblance to a regular coffee ...