Have you been to a coffee shop lately and been told you can’t stay in the coffee shop with your to-go cup? Feeling angry because it all seems so foolish that you can’t just sit in the coffee shop with your paper or plastic cup? Well, if it makes you feel any better, they aren’t singling you out or trying to be jerks. It’s the law in Korea.  Like many of the worlds leading countries, Korea is taking a look at what it can do to reduce waste. One of their most recent rulings is to create laws addressing to-go cups and plastic bags. Read more about this CLICK HERE. The to-go cup ban has directly affected all of our local coffee shops as they scramble to avoid fines of nearly 2 mil won (2,000 USD) for having excessive to-go cup waste. They have all had to buy real mugs for their shop and adjust their systems to accommodate. Officials are even doing random checks on shops across the country to make sure they are complying.  Since the coffee shops are already very stressed by this new law, don’t give them too much extra stress about it. They didn’t choose this for themselves but they have to enforce it to avoid fines. Here is how we, as customers, can all pitch in to make it easier on our favorite shops: Bring your own mug or thermos for take-out orders. This is the absolute best option and often gets you a small discount. Carefully consider if you are dining in or taking out and if you plan to sit with your friends for a while, error on the side of dining in and get your drink in a mug. If you still have coffee when you are ready to leave, as for a to-go cup then. Let your friends know about this law so they don’t feel uncomfortable when they visit their local coffee shop. It’s a confusing new situation to get used to, and knowing before you go will help things be more comfortable.  It’s never fun for businesses when new laws like this come into play, and it’s even more stressful when there is a language barrier. Hopefully, this information will help clarify what’s happening so your next coffee stop is as relaxing as you dreamed it would be. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Coffee lovers rejoice! There are four lovely micro-roasters in Pyeongtaek. Each one a little different than the next. Since each coffee addict has their own unique pallet, we wont try to tell you which one is best. We can say that we have tried each of these and found them to be solid depending on different preferences. It might also be good to know that, in Korea, a large number of the beans are sourced from Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. The flavor tends to be more acidic and bitter than you will be used to if you generally drink beans from Central America. It’s not bad, it’s just different. You also really need to keep it air tight so that it doesn’t get too intense. That said, you can get single source beans from a few of these roasters. For example, Cafe Kong has the most choices from Central America. We often use them since we prefer softer, smoother coffee. Since pricing also vary a great deal based on bean source and market prices, we have not included prices. All that said, here are our favs: 1. Cafe Clark: In Bijeondong Address: 경기도 평택시 평택3로 83 2. Coffee Kong: Near Songtan Address: 경기도 평택시 장당동 635-4 3. Gabae Maru: Near New Core Address: 경기도 평택시 비전동 838-5 4. Coffee On: Near AK Plaza 경기도 평택시 평택동 65-23

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Have you always wanted to find a desert cafe where everything looks as good as (or better than) the pictures? Well, we found it.  Cafe CF in Songtan (main street in front of base, across from the bank) has amazing, giant desserts that are a feast for your eyes and your belly.  Don’t come here if you aren’t ready to gorge yourself on sugar. To make it easier to order, they even have photo menus where you can see what each desert looks like. Usually these types of things leave me feeling horribly disappointed, but not here.  The have flavored sodas, shakes, bingsu, juice, coffee, etc.  Something for everyone.  After we pig out for dinner or lunch in Songtan, this is almost always were we end up after. FYI the fruit desserts, like the one pictured above, are usually seasonal.  During winter they will not be available. Don’t panic, there are many other options.

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