While a lot of the people I know want to visit South Korea for their K-pop and K-drama idols and fantasies, I was there for some and more.
Hi Earthlings ! I just returned from an incredible trip to South Korea, and I have to share about the 4 C’s that totally stole my heart: Cat cafés, Cosmetics, Coffee shops, and Commuting. It felt like stepping into a whole new world of peace, excitement and fabulousness! Like I mentioned in my previous South Korea trip #EarthinKorea post , I am a first timer in this country and half of the reason being here was tourism the other part is life. So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let me share all the juicy details.
Charming Cat Cafés: A Purr-fect Paradise in Myeongdong
First off, let’s talk about cat cafés. You know how much I adore cats, right? Well, I found the cutest cat café in Myeongdong, and it was pure bliss. Imagine stepping into a cozy little café and being instantly surrounded by a group of adorable, fluffy cats. The atmosphere is serene, with soft music playing in the background. It feels like heaven on earth .
Many of the cats are curled up in various nooks and crannies, peacefully sleeping. You see a tabby nestled in a sunbeam, a Persian snoozing on a cushioned chair, and a Siamese stretched out on a windowsill. Their relaxed poses make you want to cuddle and snuggle them.
Upon entering, you pay an entrance fee of 7,000 Korean won, which includes free use of slippers, one drink of your choice, and unlimited time to play with the cats. After sitting down to order your drink, you receive a menu card with the café rules, including a gentle reminder that picking up the cats is not allowed. Instead, you can sit beside them, gently petting their soft fur and enjoying their calming presence. Video is also not allowed in this cafe so most pics you see are stollen shots. It is fine with me though as I can just enjoy playing with these adorable kitties !
You can also buy cat treats for 2,000 Korean won to feed them, which is a delightful way to interact with the more playful kitties. The café encourages you to play with the cats, and there are plenty of cat toys available for free use. One of the popular spots is Cat’s Playground, known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly felines. It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the company of adorable cats while sipping on a your beverage.
Oh, and a quick tip: If you’re ever in Pyeongtaek and thinking of visiting a cat café, don’t bother. The one you can find on Google doesn’t exist anymore. Most are dog cafe, I adore dogs but I love cats more. So, stick to Myeongdong for your kitty fix!
Cult Favorite Cosmetics: The Secret to Korean Beauty
Okay, so let me tell you about the absolute wonderland that is South Korea for beauty lovers like us. Imagine Myeongdong – it’s basically the Disneyland of cosmetics. There are endless stores packed with every skincare and makeup product you could ever dream of. I felt like a kid in a candy store, diving headfirst into the magical world of K-beauty.
Before my trip, I made this super detailed list of what I wanted to buy to avoid going overboard – you know how easy it is to get carried away! The ultimate goal? Achieving that flawless, glass skin that K-pop and K-drama stars are famous for. It’s all about layering hydrating products and using gentle, effective ingredients. Honestly, I hadn’t been keeping up with the latest K-beauty trends, so my list was a total lifesaver.
On my list were dark spot and blemish removers and creams, sunblocks and sunscreens, eyeliners and eye pencils, lip tints and glosses, cake foundations, facial masks, and serums. For someone in my age-range, you have to go tot he “department store” . It’s now an inside joke for me, I felt stupid asking what’s a department store when I was in Myeongdong and then I realized ok hahaha Lotte Department Store duh !
Anyway, Myeongdong is a beauty lover’s dream come true! Just prepare your Google translate if you can’t read Korean it is a life saver. My time was spent a lot reading labels through my Google Lens , yeah I am that Tita read the labels. I do this for products that are not on my list but looks interesting because a lot of people flock their stalls. But I stick with my list for now and on my next trip I will be more adventurous.
The famous 10-step Korean skincare routine is no joke. It focuses on cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturizing to achieve that coveted glass skin. Stores like Olive Young are perfect for stocking up on top K-beauty brands this is where I got most of the K-beauty products from my haul.
Some of the must-have brands you can find at Olive Young include:
- Laneige: Known for its hydrating products like the Water Sleeping Mask.
- COSRX: Famous for its gentle yet effective skincare solutions, especially the Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence.
- Innisfree: Offers a range of products made with natural ingredients from Jeju Island.
- Dr. Jart+: Renowned for its innovative skincare, including the Cicapair Tiger Grass line.
- Etude House: Popular for its fun and affordable makeup products.
- Round Lab: Celebrated for its 1025 Dokdo Toner, which is great for calming and moisturizing the skin.
- Beauty of Joseon: Known for its traditional Korean herbal ingredients and effective formulations.
- Clio: Famous for its Kill Cover foundation and waterproof eyeliners.
- Peripera: Loved for its vibrant lip tints and playful makeup products.
- Hera: Offers luxurious makeup and skincare products, including the Black Cushion foundation.
- 3CE (3 Concept Eyes): Known for its trendy and stylish makeup products, especially lipsticks and eyeshadows.
- Missha: Offers a wide range of affordable yet high-quality skincare and makeup products.
- Holika Holika: Known for its fun and innovative makeup products, including the popular Gudetama collection.
Whether you’re a seasoned beauty enthusiast or a newbie, Myeongdong offers an unparalleled shopping experience that will leave you feeling pampered and radiant.
Cozy Coffee Shops: The Perfect Cup of Joe Everywhere You Go
Let’s dive into the world of coffee shops in South Korea. Being a coffee lover and a coffee shop owner myself I had to see how the others are doing. The coffee culture here is absolutely irresistible, with trendy cafés on nearly every corner, each boasting its own unique charm. Whether you’re seeking a quiet corner to curl up with a book or a lively spot to watch the world go by, South Korea has it all.
One of my absolute favorite finds was 1977 Coffee Lounge Camp Humpreys. I went there specifically to try their caramel macchiato—my go-to hot coffee drink for sizing up a café’s offerings. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed! The café’s Instagram-worthy décor and generously sized coffee servings made it stand out from the rest. I loved it so much that I ended up visiting a few times during my trip. The ambiance was delightfully cozy, tucked away next to a car wash in a surprisingly quaint setting.
South Korea’s coffee shops are generally very affordable, with prices starting around 4,500 Korean won. And here’s the best part: you’ll find coffee shops everywhere, even in train stations! It’s like a caffeine lover’s paradise.
The coffee scene in South Korea is as vibrant as it is diverse. From trendy spots like Mega Coffee, which was featured in a scene from “Queen of Tears,” to charming themed cafés, there’s something to suit every coffee enthusiast. Seoul alone has a multitude of coffee shops catering to every taste and preference, whether you’re in the mood for a serene nook or a bustling café.
And if you’re a K-drama aficionado, you’re in for a treat—many coffee shops have made appearances in popular shows. I even visited a café that served as a filming location, and it was surreal to sit in the very spot where my favorite characters had their dramatic moments.
Cafés I visited Near Camp Humphreys
If you find yourself near Camp Humphreys, here are some cafés to check out:
- Cosmic Cat Paengseong
- Highlights: American-style donuts to satisfy your sweet tooth, they also have coffee of course what’s best to pair with your donut ? You can buy cat merchandise too, I secretly wish this was a cat cafe though.
- Coffeeville
- Highlights: Cute little coffee shop near the walk-in gate across the Red Onion where you can just grab and go.
- The Cottage
- Highlights: A charming café in a cottage like setting and enchanting books on the second floor. They serve pastries and freshly made donuts everyday. However, I found myself browsing their Good Fairies / Bad Fairies book displayed on the bookshelf.
- The Roaster
- Highlights: located within walking distance from the pedestrian gate at Camp Humphreys. The café exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing coffee break. The interior is tastefully decorated with warm, earthy tones and comfortable seating, creating a homely feel. The walls are adorned with local art, adding a touch of creativity to the space. The menu at Roasters features a variety of expertly roasted coffee options, including classic espresso drinks, pour-overs, and their must-try honey butter bread. It’s a delightful spot to unwind and enjoy a quality cup of coffee
- The Bakery Café 292LU
- Coffee Intenso
- Highlights: This café offers a cozy and modern ambiance with a very busy display of the owners toy collection. Your coffee will be served in a disposal paper cup that has different design all the time. The menu features a variety of coffee options, including rich espressos, creamy lattes, and refreshing iced coffees. They also offer a selection of pastries and light snacks to complement your drink. I also post my reviews on Google Maps/ Google Guides
These cafés offer a delightful mix of ambiance, delicious drinks, and unique experiences, making them perfect stops for any coffee lover exploring the area
Convenient Commuting: Effortless and Efficient
Lastly, I could not help but emphasize more about commuting in South Korea. I was absolutely enchanted by how effortlessly you can get around the country and commuters comfort at least is in the minds of those who made this all possible compared to the Philippines jeez. The transportation system is like a well-oiled machine—everything runs on time, so you can leave any worries about delays behind. Buses and trains are incredibly punctual, making your travel experience smooth and stress-free.
The T-money card is a total game-changer for getting around. You can pick one up at any 7-Eleven store across South Korea. This nifty prepaid card lets you glide through public transportation with ease, covering everything from buses to subways. No more fumbling for cash or figuring out ticket machines—just tap your card to get on and off, and you’re all set!
South Korea’s public transport system is a marvel of convenience and connectivity. The advanced network includes trains, buses, and subways, making it a breeze to get from point A to point B. The KTX (Korea Train Express) is perfect for long-distance travel, connecting major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu at lightning speed. For city travel, the Seoul Metropolitan Subway is incredibly efficient, with lines that cover the entire city and beyond.
To make your travel even easier, there are several apps you should definitely download:
- KakaoMetro: This app provides detailed information on subway routes, schedules, and transfer options. It’s a lifesaver when navigating the extensive subway system
- Naver Map: Google Maps doesn’t work well in Korea, so Naver Map is your go-to for accurate navigation. It offers multiple route suggestions and even street views to help you find your way
- Kakao Taxi: If you prefer taking taxis, this app is perfect. It allows you to book taxis easily and even choose the size of the taxi you need
- Seoul Subway: This app is exclusive for foreign residents and tourists, providing real-time timetable information, location-based guidance, and even details on nearby tourist attractions
With these apps, you can navigate South Korea’s public transport system like a pro, the efficiency and convenience are unmatched.
Wrapping Up the Adventure
So, that’s my fabulous adventure in South Korea, discovering the joys of cat cafés, cosmetics, coffee shops, and commuting. Each experience was unique and unforgettable, and I can’t wait to go back and explore even more. If you’re ever planning a trip, make sure to check out these spots – you’ll absolutely love them!
Until next time, stay fabulous and keep exploring!
