Coffee Culture in Korea: What You Need to Know and How To Do It

Coffee Culture in Korea: What You Need to Know and How To Do It

If your'e anything like me, than you know that Korea has some of the best coffee culture and is known for countless adorable cafe's. Let me tell you, Korea has not dissapointed.

I really can't explain to you just how many coffee shops there are here, I was absolutely floored the first time I walked around the city. About every minute or two you will stumble upon a cafe that is just as aesthetic as the next- never will you be dissapointed. Even when I was traveling out of the city and into some more rural parts of the country, the coffee shops are just as frequent and beautfiul. In my home town there about nine coffee shops I can think of off the top of my head. All of them you need to drive to, and five of them are Starbucks. None of them come close to being anywhere as cutely decorated.

When you walk into a coffee shop in Korea, you are first going to be greeted by a barista- no one walks in or out without a barista saying hello or goodbye (something I have liked very much). They will likely stare at you until you are ready to order- but don't be alarmed- it's just them being patiently ready to be at your service (something I had to learn). From what I have seen, you have about a 50% chance of the menu being in both Korean and English. However, I assume that if you are walking into a coffee shop you probably know a bit about coffee, and so you probably won't need a menu unless you are looking for a house special of some sort. 

My go to drink since being here has been a vanilla latte. it's classic, delicious, and get's the job done. But pay attention and you'll quickly realize that most Korean's are ordering just one thing at coffee shops: an americano. I will never undertand Korea's obsession with americanos. EVERYONE drinks them ALL THE TIME. I don't have an issue with an americano, but it is not by any means a drink that comes to mind when ordering coffee. Honestly, I think someone could base an entire thesis just on studying why in the world this country loves americanos so much.

Once you are ready to order, you should greet the barista again and tell them what you would like. "따뜻한 바닐라 라떼 주세요" I'll have a hot vanilla latte please. When ordering a drink you can start it first with saying wether you would like it hot da-deut-han  (따뜻한) or iced ai-suh (아이스), followed by your drink (바닐라 라떼), and then follow it up by politley saying please ju-se-yo (주서요). It's important to be as polite as possible, wouldn't want your drink getting spit in. 

It is now time to pay, so be sure to hand your cash/card to the barista using both of your hands! They will likely take it from you with both of their hands as well, ask if you would like a receipt yeong-su-jeung pir-yo-ha-se-yo "영수증 필요하세요?", and then give you a buzzer. This really surprised me when I first arrived- nearly every single coffee shop will hand you a buzzer for your drink. In the states I was really used to just certain restaurants giving you those to let you know when your table is ready, but in a country where I don't speak their language, I have been incredibly appreciative for the buzzers that let me know that my latte is ready.

And now you have gotten your drink! Your job now is to enjoy the likely beautfiul cafe and count just how many iced americanos are ordered.

Cafe reccomendation: Sinchon Blues Cafe- They get great golden hour lighting and Peter is a great barista- There was a week where I came in nearly six days in a row and the barista and I became friends!