69. – 72. Hollys Coffee, Caffe One+One, A Twosome Place, 261 Street

69. Hollys Coffee (Haeundae, Busan). Fun fact: I first came to Korea in November 2005, where I was hired to teach at a very small hagwon (private English school) in Jinju. I lasted 40 days before finding a replacement and getting the hell out of Korea... until 2010, when I tried it again, only to need to go home after two months to get gallbladder surgery. But, that's another story. In 2005, the coffee obsession had not yet hit Korea. It was still another two or three years away. But, there was Hollys Coffee (in fact, it's all I remember from my admittedly brief time in Korea a decade ago). And, the size of their large? The size of today's small. And I just heard you can get Eggo waffles in Korea now? This is not the same place I remember...

69. Hollys Coffee (Haeundae, Busan). Fun fact: I first came to Korea in November 2005, where I was hired to teach at a very small hagwon (private English school) in Jinju. I lasted 40 days before finding a replacement and getting the hell out of Korea… until 2010, when I tried it again, only to need to go home after two months to get gallbladder surgery. But, that’s another story. In 2005, the coffee obsession had not yet hit Korea. It was still another two or three years away. But, there was Hollys Coffee (in fact, it’s all I remember from my admittedly brief time in Korea a decade ago). And, the size of their large? The size of today’s small. And I just heard you can get Eggo waffles in Korea now? This is not the same place I remember…

70. Caffe One+One (Haeundae, Busan). I have seen a couple of these around Busan and I may have went into one once because I was desperate for caffeine. But, I cannot remember: is there some kind of promotion this place has where you get one free coffee if you buy one? 1+1 is such a recognized thing in Korea, I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. But, it seems like they would either not be able to afford to stay open, or their coffee is sawdust. If you know, leave a comment.

70. Caffe One+One (Haeundae, Busan). I have seen a couple of these around Busan and I may have went into one once because I was desperate for caffeine. But, I cannot remember: is there some kind of promotion this place has where you get one free coffee if you buy one? 1+1 is such a recognized thing in Korea, I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the case. But, it seems like they would either not be able to afford to stay open, or their coffee is sawdust. If you know, leave a comment.

71. A Twosome Place (Samgye, Gimhae). From Wikipedia:

71. A Twosome Place (Samgye, Gimhae). From Wikipedia: “a coffeehouse chain based in South Korea and owned by the CJ Foodville of CJ Group. As of 2014, the coffee chain had over 500 retail stores in South Korea.” Wart thinks their salads are decent in a pinch. One location had some really decent-looking and reasonably affordable (for Korea) sandwiches for sale. But, their coffee is quite expensive (4,100 won for a small cup) and, frankly, pretty average.

72. 261 Street (Dongsang, Gimhae). I plan on coming back to try this place out. But, when Wart and I went we were disappointed that a brunch special (a fairly nice-looking ciabatta bread sandwich with salad and coffee) was

72. 261 Street (Dongsang, Gimhae). I plan on coming back to try this place out. But, when Wart and I went we were disappointed that a brunch special (a fairly nice-looking ciabatta bread sandwich with salad and coffee) was “sold out,” according to the girl at the counter. This, despite it being one of the banners prominently displayed outside to lure customers. C’mon, people.


JPDdoesROK is a former news editor/writer in New Jersey, USA, who served a one-year tour of duty in Dadaepo/Jangnim, Saha-gu, Busan from February 2013 to February 2014. He is now a teacher in Gimhae.

Comments

Re: 69. – 72. Hollys Coffee, Caffe One+One, A Twosome Place, ...

I teach adults 1:1 and classes are in coffee shops. Some coffee shops do not offer much variety. I don't want to drink coffee all the time, so I like coffee shops that offer drinks such as green tea latte, potato latte, and other interesting alternatives.