More Than Coffee

PERSONAL | OCTOBER 4, 2020

“You are always in the greatest mood,” one customer said to me as I boxed his pastries. The young man would visit the cafe every Saturday night on his way back home from seeing relatives who lived closeby. He continued, “You must be the happiest guy — I’ve never seen you in a bad mood.” I smiled and thanked him as I handed him his pastries. “Have a good night,” I said. He replied, “see you next week!” as he walked out the door.

It was a gradual and strange realization. There was something about making coffee, conversing with customers, and just being in the cafe that felt natural and therapeutic. The coffee, the space, and the people were all part of a greater visceral experience that gave me a sense of comfort and belonging.

I knew others in the cafe felt the same way. The student who would rather study in a bustling coffee shop than alone at home. The group of friends who want to enjoy each other's company for just a little longer. The timid couple clearly on a first date. While working in the cafe, I noticed how people felt connected and shared moments of happiness that were subtle and ordinary, but also genuine and healing.

Reflecting on these observations reminded me of something deeply rooted in Korean culture. 정 or jeong is a Korean concept that refers to enduring feelings of warmth, affection, or attachment developed towards people, places, or even objects. Though jeong is indefinable by nature, it permeates every aspect of Korean society where interactions even among strangers are marked by reverence and familial love. Exploring jeong has helped me process what I love so much about coffee and the experience surrounding it.

More than coffee, it was the friendly encounters and comforting moments that gave me an unforgettable feeling of warmth and connection.

Words by Samuel Han
Photography by Justin Choi