Celebrities who tried opening cafes in Korea say 'think twice'
Korea may look like a cafe lover's paradise, with coffee shops seemingly around every corner. But celebrities who have actually tried running one have a surprisingly sobering message for aspiring owners: Think twice. Singer and rapper Hanhae recently shared his own costly experience in the cafe business, while K-pop icon Lee Hyo-ri revealed that even the wildly popular Jeju cafe run by her…
Korea may seem like a dream destination for aspiring cafe owners, with coffee shops seemingly lining every street. However, those who have attempted to open a cafe in the country have a cautionary tale to tell. Singer Hanhae and K-pop star Lee Hyo-ri, both of whom have ventured into the cafe business, warn that would-be owners should think twice before taking the plunge.
Hanhae recently opened a modest cafe in Seoul's Sangam-dong, serving yogurt and coffee. However, he soon discovered that competing on price proved challenging when a major franchise nearby offered coffee at just 900 won ($0.64) per cup. In his view, the reality of running a cafe in Korea is far from the glamorous image portrayed by the countless shops dotting the country's streets.
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- Celebrities who tried opening cafes in Korea say 'think twice' koreatimes.co.kr