You know… you never think about it, but brunch is primarily an American thing. It’s almost underheard of in Europe, not to mention in Asia. But South Koreans are getting into brunch in a big way: Almost 200 restaurants in Seoul offer or specialize in brunch. Why? It all has to do with South Korea’s increasing affluence and (yup), Americanization:
The unaccustomed free time has also meant that South Koreans can start indulging themselves like the young New Yorkers they had been watching in syndicated television sitcoms like “Sex and the City,” whose characters always seemed to be whiling away enjoyable hours over brunch.Now, on weekends female friends, male buddies, couples, parents with toddlers and three-generation families all line up outside crowded brunch restaurants like Suji’s, Butterfinger Pancakes, Tell Me About It, Flying Pan Blue, Stove and All Day Brunch. Some restaurants are so packed that reservations must be made days in advance. Once inside, if they can get inside, people spend two to three hours chatting away.“Before the five-day workweek started, we were always tired after drinking until late, because nighttime was the only time to socialize,” said Suh Yang-ho, a 29-year-old who was having brunch with a colleague one recent Saturday at Stove.“I think it’s healthier to relax like this over home-cooked-style food in the late mornings,” said Mr. Suh, who works at Credit Suisse in Seoul.
Man, you really can blame Carrie Bradshaw for everything.
You know… you never think about it, but brunch is primarily an American thing. It’s almost underheard of in Europe, not to mention in Asia. But South Koreans are getting into brunch in a big way: Almost 200 restaurants in Seoul offer or specialize in brunch. Why? It all has to do with South Korea’s increasing affluence and (yup), Americanization:
[Image via New York Times]
