I have been to my fair share of cafes all over Korea. I love the idea of an outrageously decorated shop with over the top beverages and delectable desserts to match. Sometimes, I need more variety in my life. Since COVID-19, I haven’t been able to travel to Seoul as much as I’d like. I’ve had to make use of my time here and explore the city where I live and work. The thing about Korea is that there is no shortage of really odd things to do. By odd things, I mean coffee shops that double as an animal hangout spot. Therefore, I think animal cafes deserve a post of their own. In the United States, you’d never really see things like this because of the strict health codes. I am pretty sure having animals and food in the same establishment is not exactly legal. Things here are much different and allow two really great parts of life in the same space. So let’s dive right into it as I I give you a list of the must-see animal cafes in Pyeongtaek City, South Korea.
1. Bird Sori:
Bird Sori 앵무새카페 (Kakao address)
The first one is located in Sosa, which is a more upscale area of Pyeongtaek about 20 minutes by bus from Pyeongtaek Station. Go to the building with the yoga studio on the 3rd floor. This particular cafe is full of parrots. What I liked about it was that you had the option of only paying the entrance fee without having to buy a beverage. Whereas most animal cafes will require the purchase of a beverage to enter. The fee was around 7,000 KRW ($6 USD), and you can also purchase a cup of bird food for an extra 3,000 KRW ($2 USD). One of the workers will escort you to the bird room where you can pick out a bird to play with during your visit. The decor of the cafe resembles the rainforest with fake trees and a canopy draped along the walls. There are also a variety of birds flying around the cafe. I will advise you to not pet the birds, they are not dogs so they might bite. And also, don’t wear clothing that you care about getting dirty. The birds can climb on your shoulders and might accidentally poop on you because they’re animals . My experience here was very unique, I recommend bringing your kids here because they will definitely have a blast with these exotic creatures.
2. Cat Cafe:
Chakan Goyangi cat cafe, 착한 고양이 (Kakao address)
This cafe is definitely a little harder to find, even though it’s only 5 minutes from Pyeongtaek Station. If you’re facing Daiso (looks like Target), go straight and there is a yellow sign with cats on it, the cafe is located on the third floor of that building. When you first walk into the cafe, you have to take off your shoes and change into sandals. The worker at the front desk will give you a piece of paper with the rules of the cafe in English. Then you will buy a drink which includes the entrance fee around 7,000 KRW ($6 USD). Put on some hand sanitizer before you enter the cat area. You can choose a place to sit where they have tables on the ground. There must’ve been 10 cats during my visit, the furry little creatures are hiding around every nook and cranny. This cafe is so uniquely designed for cats complete with a running wheel and shelves for them to pounce on. They also have board games available so you can play that while you hangout with the cats. I’m not a cat person, but I will say I did really enjoy this concept and the cats were absolutely adorable.
3. Joong Dog Cafe:
중독 JoongDOG (Kakao address)
This cafe again is also only a 5 minute walk from Pyeongtaek Station, and actually really close to the Cat Cafe too. If you see a sign with a cartoon dog with its tongue hanging out, you’re in the right place. Go upstairs to the second level and you will see three sets of lockers in front of the entrance. First, go in and pay the entrance free which includes the beverage (6,000-8,000 KRW depending on what drink you choose, $5-7 USD). Then you can take off your shoes, switch into sandals, and pick a place to sit. The dogs in this cafe range from tiny to larger breeds. There are also separate rooms with puppies for sale, and another with cats if you want the best of both worlds. The drinks were okay, but we all know that is not what you go there for. You can also purchase treats for the dogs if you want them to surround you. They had everything from Huskies, Poodles, Shibas, Pomeranians, a Golden Retriever mix, and a gorgeous grey Labrador. This cafe is also kid friendly, but if your kids are afraid of big dogs, I would be aware of that because of the variety of breeds.
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