By Honorary Reporter Rosemarie Ann Cuevas from Philippines
Photos = Rosemarie Ann Cuevas

My love for Korea began with a simple cup of coffee that sparked my interest in the country's unique cafe culture. 

In March 2017, I arrived in Korea as a research graduate student. My demanding schedule limited my exploration but coffee eventually became my faithful companion, fueling countless nights of experiments and report writing in the lab.

Regardless, I was eager to explore the wonders of Korea. As I strolled around my neighborhood, I was amazed at the sheer number of cafes lining the streets. In every corner I found a lively scene where university students queued for drinks and worked on their school projects with laptops and textbooks. 

These people are known colloquially as "cagongjok," a term meaning those who love to study at cafes. Their presence is prominent around my university.

In Korea, a cafe is a versatile space for hanging out with friends or getting work done.

A cafe isn't just for studying but serves as a social hub where people connect, work remotely or relax alone. For me, it is an oasis for focusing on school work and taking breaks from the demands of academia and research.

Stunning cafes in Yongin and Paju, Gyeonggi-do Province, feature spacious interiors (top row) and aesthetic exteriors with traditional to modern architecture (bottom row).

In 2022, the country had an estimated 100,729 coffee shops, and this fueled my passion for cafes and going on a cafe-hopping adventure. Each visit unveiled new gems, from those with stunning views, unique themes and eye-catching interiors to trendy specialty coffee, unique desserts and vibrant ambiance.

Clockwise from the top left are coffees with a Korean twist blended with black sesame; tangerine from Jeju Island; and soya milk pudding and injeolmi (rice cake); and brunch cafes offering salads, pizzas, pastas, burgers, pastries and desserts.

One of my most memorable cafes was on Jeju Island, serving coffee with tangerines from the area. Another was a traditional Hanok cafe blending historical charm with modern design. And a bamboo forest cafe had a serene atrium I could enjoy the nation's four seasons.

I also explored cafes featuring gardens, pets and aquariums. At a board game cafe, I played traditional games like baduk (Go) and delved into books with K-drama adaptations at one for comics.

To make the most of my cafe adventures, I started using Naver and Kakao Maps just like the locals to find specialty themed or popular spots. Moreover, I follow cafes on social media, read reviews and browse photos to stay updated on events and limited-time menus. Some even offer loyalty programs such as stamp collections or points for free drinks or merchandise. 

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.