Korean Job Discussion Forums

[paul]

I was much like Easy-E when I first arrived in Seoul: Lost in a sea of coffee imposters! Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. But I actually pefer instant coffee now. I think Maxim is the best value for the won. Try it for a while because it's a lot less hassle and reeeeeeeeally cheap!

[HardyandTiny]

Coffee!
What is this?
The gay brigade?

[wormholes101]

[Manner of Speaking]

desultude,

Any of the downtown department stores have supermarket sections in the basement. You buy a bag of beans and they grind the whole bag for you then and there. I buy an average-tasting "blue mountain blend" for 14,000 won at Dong-A department store. I'm not a fanatic, so the taste is good enough for me.

If you like bagels the Lotte Department store at Daegu Station has fresh blueberry, whole wheat, onion, etc. in their basement store.

Also, if you are in downtown Daegu, there is a small shop near the subway station that sells machines, coffee, grinders, filters, etc. Just go to the entrance of Jungangro Subway station (the one that is still closed because of the fire), then cross the street and walk towards Daegu station. On the left hand side of the street there are a couple of tailor shops and sports equipment stores. The coffee supply shop is along this side of the street and has a black and red sign (sorry I forget the name) and they're always polite.

Incidentally, I find Charm Soju is great for cleaning the coffee machine.

[steroidmaximus]

I can sympathize. . .good coffee is a necessity!

there are many remedies to your problem.

The bodum (french press) is the best solution; it's what I use, it's cheap, and makes a nice strong cuppa. Remember to let the coffee sit for about 20-30 minutes before you press it for maximum strength and taste. If you prefer your coffee steaming hot, buy a drip or espresso maker. You can buy a stove top espresso maker at Hyundai dept stores for about 70000 (small) ~ 120000 (large)

A- If you live in a small city, and NONE of the large chain grocery stores carry beans or ground coffee (highly unlikely), then find a coffee shop that serves espresso, and try and buy some of their stock. Many coffee shops will have prices posted for coffee. If you truly live in the sticks, an occasional trip to Seoul or a larger city is in order. A friend of mine used to run a coffee shop and would sell me a finely ground 1.5-2 kg bag of lavazza espresso for 30000.

B- If you live in a town near an American military base, go to Chung Ang Shi Jang (downtown market) or other main Shi-Jang and look for blackmarket stuff. Usually there are several stalls that will carry coffee. expect to pay max 20000 won for a 1-1.5 kg tin of whatever, usually some major brand

C- Costco is your friend. Lately I've been buying the 1.5 kg tins of Kirkland dark roast. . .they go for 9000 (!!!) a tin. Great deal for lots of great coffee. I feel rich because I have two tins sitting in my cupboard as we speak. If you don't want to make a trip to Costco, then Hannam supermarket carries a great (but expensive) selection of imported coffees, some very nice types of espresso as well.

[Son Deureo!]

Wal-Mart also carries its own brand of ground coffee. None of that flavored hazelnut crap, either, just french roast, colombian, and arabica. It goes for 3000 won for a 12 oz (340g) can. It works just fine in a drip coffee or bodum. It's pretty decent coffee if you're looking for just good ol' American style coffee, as opposed to espresso style.

[desultude]