The Kimchi Journals: For the Love of Coffee: discovering Coffee Road

Ok, the coffee fiend in me is needing a little blogathon... seeing as though life would be lived without colour if not for the trifector of great coffee, food and wine...

I may have complained about the coffee situation here in Korea, but I am on the verge of taking those comments back. The longer I stay here, the more coffee places I find. And yes, sometimes South African coffee is both stronger and cheaper, but frankly, I am still managing to find some of the dark goodness here in Gumi.

So, on my quest to find the best, and most affordable, coffee in Gumi I have learned this. Sometimes it is worth paying that little bit extra to take the time to sit down and enjoy the coffee here. Being one who is so fond of walking with a cup of coffee glued to my hand, this is something that back home was reserved for meeting with friends. Here in Gumi, every coffee shop that I have bothered to walk in is increadibly cute. Like, belong in a magazine devoted to celebrating coffee kind of cute.

This quest also lead me to what I have named, "Coffee Road". Right near my apartment, there is a little side street with three neighbouring coffee shops, all very much in the battle to be the most awesome little coffee shop. And so, starting on Monday, I decided to risk the cost (as there is no outdoor advertising of such things) and head into one of them to test the quality of their brew.

"Coffee Road"- Bonggok, Gumi

And so, comes the list (and photo's) of the battle of the coffee shops.

#1 Cafe Latte
Monday's stop on the way to work. This amazing little place was decorated just as quaintly on the inside as it is outside (am not brave enough to photograph inside these shops in order to protect the "artists" creativity). Inside is warm and decorated with all sorts of coffee paraphernalia surrounding the place. This included a very imressive coffee drip that I will HAVE to photograph at some point. Aaaaaand, the coffee was only 2500 won (great seeing as though pay day hasn't arrived yet). To top it off, this place serves their coffee in the best take away cups ever. The coffee itself: pretty decent, among the top that I have found here. Enjoyable to drink it pure (black and bitter). So, rating: 7/10 for sit down, there is a nice atmosphere, 8/10 for take-away as the coffee cup is THAT awesome. So, happy caffeinated days ahead for me as this place is a mere 100 or so metres from my place :D

Adorable Little Cafe Latte

Cafe Latte's winning cup!

#2 Coffee and Brunch
Coffee and Brunch has been made to look like a little garden cafe- complete with fake grass, pot plants and an outdoor table. While pretty cute on the outside, I was not completely sold until I stepped inside. Yes, like the other, this one surrounded me with coffee toys too, in the back it was basically a model of my dream kitchen shelves. Filled with an assortment of coffee mugs, tea pots and cups. Love it. There was also a message tree where visitors can write messages, prayers or wishes on (recycled) paper and tie them to the tree. And the coffee? Also great, not as strong as I would drink it back home (I mean, Esspresso Lab and Delux would dominate), but still great. Served in a plain take away cup (so, not as awesome as at other places). But, they also have a loyalty card, enticing me to come back every time I open my wallet. Ultimately, 7.5/10 for takeaway, 8.5/10 to sit down :)