Korea Is Fast, So Why Is Everyone Waiting?

Korean waiting culture with foreign travelers waiting outside a popular cafe in Seoul

Korea is famous for speed. Fast internet, fast delivery, fast subway transfers, fast cafés — fast everything. So why are people still waiting outside restaurants, bakeries, pop-up stores, clinics, and cafés? Korea’s reputation for speed can make long waits feel especially surprising. In busy neighborhoods, popular restaurants, pop-ups, clinics, and service counters, however, waiting is … Read more