Korean Job Discussion Forums

goyovista · Joined: 29 May 2006 Location: Masan

My Korean girlfriend wants to open a cafe serving pancakes, waffles, sausage, bacon, paninis, omelets, you get the idea.

I told her it sounds like a great idea and would be willing to invest. She would advertise to Koreans as well and keep the prices low. The problem is, I'm a little concerned about the possible decrease in foreigners coming to Korea due to visa regulations.

Any advice? There are cafes like this in Seoul, I'm sure. Do they seem to be doing well? Thanks!!!

Pink Freud · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Location: Daegu

Start with a business plan.

http://www.score.org/template_gallery.html?gclid=CPeAyM6ao5ICFQIbewodpj_NMQ

CeleryMan · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Location: Seoul

Good Mohning.. Mekk Mohning didn't work in Korea; Ronald lost mucho dinero on that campaign. Don't underestimate the power of gruel, kimchee, and gim ... the real breakfast of champions?

goyovista · Joined: 29 May 2006 Location: Masan

thanks!

Dome Vans · Guest

Unfortunately if it's in Masan I don't expect it would work. The main thing is to have the perfect location. If you were to set up in Itaewon or Hongdae then you've have the captive audience. The Wolfhound breakfast is ok but at 9500 won it's a little on the steep side compared to Korean prices. The foreigners in that area seem to go back to somewhere that they know has consistently good food and a nice setting. If you have these then it's possible. But I feel that it would only be possible in Seoul.

Selective marketing and a target audience and remain consistent. The overheads are dirt cheap here, shown by the number of small restaurants that seem to survive by only having a few people coming in. It could definitely work.

goyovista · Joined: 29 May 2006 Location: Masan

once again, thanks for the valuable advice! No, it wouldn't be in Masan. I don't think it would work here, either.

Dukey77777 · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Location: Chungcheongbuk-do

Check out Butterfinger Pancakes in Apgujeong. That place has BANGIN breakfast food...it's a bit pricey, but every time I go I have to wait a while, and it's always packed. I believe they opened a second location as well. It is possible to open something like this, but the prices would have to be higher (like double) than in the West.

They serve big plates, which is great....especially when you have to share with Koreans, they always love taking food off your plate Sad

goyovista · Joined: 29 May 2006 Location: Masan

Thanks! We're going to Seoul soon to check out Butterfinger and other cafes. I appreciate the help.

coffeeNOW · Joined: 05 Feb 2008

Check out Flying Pan Blue (next to Hamilton Hotel, Itaewon).

The people who run that used to work in the restaurant business in Sydney. They have a fantastic western breakfast menu (poached eggs, mushrooms, tomato, spinach, bacon, thick toast - you name it) and amazing pancakes.

It opens at 10.30am, if you get there later than about 11am on a weekend you will probably face a half hour wait, it is packed (and not necessarily with foreigners - about two thirds young Korean chicks).

It's pricey but from my perspective well worth it to have a decent western breakfast once a week.