Tradition isn't everything: Foreign nationals say cafes are most Korean places of all
Not long ago, I asked Conrad, a British participant on a food tour, what he considered the most quintessentially British food. I expected him to name the famous fish and chips or a full English breakfast spread. But without hesitation, he answered, “curry.” Seeing my puzzled expression, he smiled and explained. While Britain has its traditional signature dishes, curry is one of the foods Britons…
When asked to identify the quintessentially Korean food, foreign tourists on a culinary tour were surprised by my response. I asserted that cafes epitomized modern Korean culture. Unlike traditional dishes that represent a nation's heritage, it seems that coffee and cafe culture have become a defining aspect of Korea's identity in the 21st century.
This observation was echoed by other participants on the tour, who also marveled at the prevalence of cafes in Korea. As a guide leading food tours, I frequently encounter queries about the country's obsession with cafes. People wonder, "Why are there so many cafes in Korea?" and "Why do cafes remain packed well into the evening?"
While it is true that Koreans have a deep affection for coffee, the abundance and popularity of cafes in Seoul suggests there is more to the story than simple fondness. The presence of cafes lining nearly every street corner, remaining open late, and witnessing long queues during weekends at popular locations reveals a cultural phenomenon that goes beyond mere caffeine addiction.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
