Comic book cafes are something you never knew you needed in your life. Who hasn’t been out in town, exhausted, just wanting to lay down in a quiet place with a nice cup of tea or coffee and just relax for an hour or two? Oh yah, and read something… maybe.
This is what comic book cafes are and aren’t:
- They are little oasis that allow you to get out of the hectic noise and have a rest.
- They aren’t really always about the comic books.
What we mean is that although these are amazing places to go read comic books and study your Korean and have fun in Pyeongtaek. They are also spaces to go to get some rest during a busy day out exploring. A place your mind can have a break and your body can have a rest. Embrace it. Own it. Do it. This is how many of us expats have learned to survive life when we get overwhelmed.
Different comic book cafes in Pyeongtaek operate different ways. Some require a drink purchase and others allow you to just pay by the hour. This week we went to one near AK Plaza and two hours at the cafe with an americano and a green tea was only 7,000 won. That’s crazy affordable. They spaces also usually have snacks you can buy like ramen or chips just in case you get hungry.
We go to these cafes for a variety of reasons: to take a nap, to study Korean, to read our own books, to study for graduate school.
What you need to know when you visit:
- You need to be quiet. Think library quiet. Whisper at most.
- If you are going to watch a movie on your phone, use earbuds.
- No shoes allowed. You will put your shoes in a locker near the door and change to slippers.
- Not for young children.
- Not for running around and playing.
- It’s ok to fall asleep.
- There is usually a place to charge your devices in each cubby.
- They can be very busy during times kids aren’t in school.
- Adults are welcome, these aren’t just for kids.
- The owners may warn you none of the books are in English, just smile and let them know it’s ok.
Now that you know what is expected, here are some comic book cafes around Pyeongtaek that we have just listed in the South of Seoul App. Each cafe is in a different neighborhood. We did this so that wherever you are while you are out on an adventure, you can find a place to take a quick rest.
After you have visited these cafes, be sure to leave your review in the South of Seoul app! Your app reviews encourage other new arrivals to try all of the amazing things Pyeongtaek has to offer. They create help to creat a warm and welcoming environment for each person that moves here. Something we all need while we live so far from family, friends, and the life we left behind.
Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.
Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.
Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.
Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.
When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.
