Korean Job Discussion Forums

[AgentONeal]

I'm probably not the only person on these boards who is addicted to coffee. I drink it every day, and if I don't get it and god forbid it's sunny outside, stay out of my way.

So I'm curious -- is coffee easy to come by in SK? And I don't just mean Folger's type coffee, I mean whole bean, locally roasted stuff.

I plan on bringing a pound or two of my favorite beans. I have a grinder I was considering bringing, but if I can get a grinder there I might as well not go through the trouble of bringing it and buying a down converter.

Because, if it's true that my electric shaver (which has a converting power adapter), my hair straightener and blow dryer will all work without one, why bring a transformer for one of my appliances? Why bring it at all?

Also, while in the midst of answering this, if you want to share your favorite coffee place in Seoul (where I'll be), I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

[Emeliu]

I'm pretty sure coffee shops are rampant in South Korea. Most of the time, after they eat a meal, they go to a coffee shop and chat.

[AgentM]

I too have a coffee addiction. This is second hand info, but from what I've heard buying coffee beans in SK isn't too exorbitant, and you can get grinders there. From what I've been told. Not sure of the quality of the beans and all that though.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

There might be 2-3 roasters in Seoul, tops.

Coarse hazelnut coffee and pre-mixed sachets are the coffee of choice.

There are lots of coffee shops where you can buy beans downtown but "coffee coffee" is a western luxury and you'll pay through the nose (esp.if you buy from a department store). Costco is probably your best bet.

Definitely bring a grinder.

[uk27]

Is Starbucks expensive in South Korea out of interest? I just drink the regular filter stuff when I go in England, but I do go most days so would be interested to know if they hike the prices up over there.

[NightSky]

coffee is way overpriced and hard to come by in Korea, unless you like the sugary instant mix packs.

sure you can find a dunkin donuts or local chain of coffee shop easily, but will they know how to make a good coffee/make it to your specs? hit or miss IMO.

[ChinaBoy]

If you can't control yourself without coffee, I shudder to think what you'll act like around Koreans.

[Harpeau]

Kaldi Cafe in Hongik University area is my favorite. At this point, I'm off Caffein and alchohol for a month. Feeling great! Oh yes, bring the grinder. They're expensive and overpriced here.

BTW, instant coffee's gonna kill you! (Sung to Lennon's "Instant Karma".

[crazy_arcade]

Coffee grinders cost about 40,000 for a basic electric blade and 100,000 up for the most basic bur grinder. hand grinders can be had for about 25 and up.

beans from costco are starbucks crap.

In 5 years in the Seoul/Gyeonggi area I've only found one coffee roaster that I like. It's a little hole in the wall near Geumjeong Station in Anyang city. I'm sure that there are other hole in the wall coffee roasters that are good...but I haven't found one yet. So if you want the best coffee in the country you can buy your custom roasted beans there for around 10-12,000 won a half pound and grind them at home.

Koreans tend to like their coffee very very light. it's serious shite.

The best bet you will find for your day to day coffee needs is Tesco/Homeplus shopping centers. They carry TESCO branded ground coffee in sachels of 225 grams. It's about 5 or 6000 won a sachel depending on the style you buy. They have Tesco espresso, a mocha java, medium columbian, a medium Kenyan, and original blend.

I use the espresso a lot (it's really nice) and I find that a columbian/mocha java blend really hits the spot.

happy drinking.