If you've ever worked in Korea or even visited for business, you might have heard of Hoesik (회식) . It's a company dinner (or sometimes lunch) where coworkers get together to eat, drink, and bond. Sounds fun, right? Well… it depends on who you ask! Some people love it, others dread it . Let’s dive into what makes Hoesik both a blessing and a curse, and how it has changed after COVID-19. The Good Side of Hoesik One of the best things about Hoesik is that it helps break the ice between coworkers . In Korean work culture, hierarchy can be pretty strict, so these gatherings provide a rare chance to talk casually with your boss or colleagues. People share personal stories, joke around, and build stronger relationships outside of the office setting. It can also be a great way to de-stress after work. With delicious food (think Korean BBQ, fried chicken, or seafood) and drinks flowing, it’s a moment to enjoy and relax with your team. Some even say Hoesik is where real teamwork s...
Hi there,
Did you know that cafés are a staple of everyday life in Korea? In Seoul alone, there are over 25,000 coffee shops, making it incredibly easy to find a stylish and cozy café in almost every alley. According to statistics, the top five café-dense areas in Seoul are Jongno, Seongsu, Yeoksam, Seogyo, and Seocho. But truthfully, you can discover hidden gems almost anywhere in the city.
Why Do Koreans Love Cafés?
Cafés in Korea are not just places to drink coffee—they’re integral to the local lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular reasons why people visit cafés:
Meeting Friends
After lunch or dinner, it’s common for friends to head to a nearby café to chat and relax.Café Hopping
Many enjoy "café tours," where they visit multiple cafés in search of unique aesthetics and delicious coffee.Business Meetings
Cafés are often used as casual meeting spaces. Some even allow reservations for groups of four or more, making them ideal for small business discussions.Studying and Working
University students and freelancers frequently work or study at cafés. To meet this demand, Korea offers "study cafés," which combine a café's ambiance with quiet workspaces.Passion for Coffee
With the growing love for coffee, many Koreans aspire to become baristas, leading to a surge in specialty coffee shops. If you're a fan of filter coffee like I am, you’ll love Korea’s roastery café.
Seoul’s Best Café Neighborhoods
- Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu (Hongdae): 673 cafés
- Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu (Seoul Forest): 452 cafés
- Jongno 1-4 ga, Jongno-gu (Ikseon-dong): 437 cafés
Popular Coffee Chains in Korea
- Large-scale, mid-to-high price range: Starbucks, A Twosome Place, Hollys, Coffee Bean, Tom N Toms, Paul Bassett, Angel-in-us
- Medium-scale, mid-price range: Ediya Coffee, Compose Coffee, Coffee Bay, Dalkomm Coffee
- Small to medium-scale, low to mid-price range: Mega Coffee, Paik’s Coffee
Large Suburban Cafés: A Unique Experience
In suburban areas, you’ll find massive cafés often exceeding 330 square meters. These cafés cater to families and travelers looking for a short getaway. They serve meals like sandwiches and pasta, along with bakery items, making them ideal for spending 3–4 hours.
Many of these large cafés boast unique architectural designs, creating Instagram-worthy spaces. If you’re staying in Korea for an extended period and have access to a car, a visit to one of these suburban cafés is a must!
Lastly,
if you're traveling in Korea and
you're tired or your plans have gone awry and you don't know where to go,
you want some personal time with Wi-Fi
or you want to experience staying in a unique space,
head to a cafe!