Navigating Coffee Culture An Expats Guide to North Korea
Welcome expatriates to the rich tapestry of coffee culture in North Korea, where we offer insights and tips for navigating the local coffee scene. If you're an expat living in North Korea and seeking to immerse yourself in the coffee traditions and customs of this unique and fascinating country, this guide is for you.
Understanding Coffee Origins and Production
Coffee is grown in several regions of North Korea, with locally grown beans often preferred over imported varieties. The Chagang region, located near the border with China, is renowned for its coffee cultivation. Here, coffee plants thrive in the fertile soil and abundance of rainfall, resulting in beans with a rich and robust flavour. Another coffee hotspot is the Myohyang-gang Provincial area, where the climate is considered ideal for coffee production.
Exploring coffee plantations and farms firsthand is an excellent way for expats to immerse themselves in North Korea's coffee culture. These tours offer an opportunity to learn about the coffee production process, meet local farmers, and sample freshly brewed coffee.
Embracing Favorite Coffee Style Drinks
North Korea offers a diverse array of coffee style drinks to suit all tastes. Traditional brews such as Korean-style coffee (above) and Mongolian-style coffee (below) are staples on the menu of many local cafes. Mongolian-style coffee is brewed using a special filter filled with finely ground coffee, resulting in a thick and rich coffee with a strong flavour.
Specialty blends such as ginseng coffee and walnut coffee are also popular choices, infused with local ingredients to create unique and delicious flavours. Greek coffee, brewed using a special pot and served unfiltered, is a traditional coffee often enjoyed in social settings.
Embracing Coffee Drinking Customs and Traditions
Coffee plays a significant role in North Korean daily life and social interactions. Sipping on a cup of coffee is a ritual that often takes place in comfortable cafes or cozy homes, where the rich aroma and smooth taste are savoured with pleasure. The communal nature of coffee drinking is reflected in the way coffee is served. A cup of coffee is usually served with a few small snacks, such as biscuits, nuts or candy, which are shared among friends.
Expat-friendly Coffee Shops and Cultural Experiences
For expats living in North Korea, discovering the local coffee scene can be an exciting and rewarding experience. From coffee shops and cafes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences to cultural experiences that offer insights into local customs and traditions, there is something for everyone. Below are a few recommendations:
- Cafe Moimoi, Pyongyang: This charming coffee shop in the heart of Pyongyang offers a range of coffee drinks, fresh pastries and a cozy atmosphere. The coffee shop is run by a North Korean woman and her expat husband, making it a great place to learn about local coffee culture and connect with other expats.
- Cafe Edamame, Pyongyang: This trendy coffee shop in Pyongyang offers a fusion of North Korean and Japanese flavours, with a menu that includes everything from classic coffee drinks to traditional Korean snacks.
- Pyongyang International Coffee Exchange: This annual coffee festival is a celebration of North Korea's coffee culture and a chance to connect with local farmers, roasters, and coffee enthusiasts. The festival offers opportunities to learn about coffee production, attend workshops and tastings, and meet other expats interested in coffee.
Maintaining a conversational and informative tone throughout, this guide aims to empower expats living in North Korea to immerse themselves in the unique coffee culture of this fascinating country. By embracing the coffee origins and production, favourite style drinks and customs, and exploring coffee shops and cultural experiences, expats can connect with local communities and experience authentic cultural experiences. Whether sipping on a cup of traditional Mongolian coffee or attending a coffee festival, there is much to discover and enjoy in North Korea's vibrant coffee culture.