There is a newly opened cafe near the University of Seoul (UOS) called HyGafe. The UOS Times highly recommends visiting HyGAFE. HyGAFE compounds the word “Hygge”, which means happiness and satisfaction in Danish, and “Cafe”. HyGAFE is founded by UOS collaborating with Dongdaemun Social Welfare Center to create job opportunities for slow learners.
‘Slow learner’ is a term that is sometimes used for low-ability students, with an IQ between 70 and 85. These individuals make up approximately 14.1% of the population, larger than the group of children with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and autism combined. To grasp new concepts, a slow learner needs more time, repetition, and resources. However, this does not mean that they are unable to contribute to society. Many public figures such as Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin, and many others were also slow learners.
HyGAFE’s motto is “a place of coexistence for bright youth who may be slow but are working hard toward their dreams.’’ All the cookies and drinks are made by the slow learners. The cafe refrains from using disposable products such as plastics and practices eco-friendly activities. The UOS Times also interviewed manager Seo Min-jung about the feedback from customers, and she stated the following:
“It has been only one month since we started serving the customers, but we have been receiving so much positive feedback. People compliment our staff a lot, which makes them so happy, and motivates us to continue what we do. Several customers came in groups, so we could strongly recognize people’s interest in us. It made things a little harder for us to prepare many orders at the same time, but we managed to overcome it by working hard. Our staff had been training to become a barista, and after two years, they managed to receive an international barista certificate. Just like our motto, our staff is working really hard for their dreams no matter how hard it is.”
HyGAFE is located at 117 Seoul Sirip Dae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. It is on the way to the Cheongnyangni station from UOS Main Gate. You can access the cafe by crossing the street and walking down straight. Drink prices range from 3,000 KRW to 4,500 KRW, while cookies cost 2,800 KRW. With a very modern interior, delicious desserts, and friendly staff, you may become a regular customer after your first visit. Since it is very close to the UOS campus, how about taking a sip of happiness at HyGAFE?
