변화무상

The speed of change in Seoul is quite amazing. A shop may be there today but the next day it will be torn down and within a week or two, a new shop will be up and operating. This sort of change is so common that I don't really feel much about it. However, when my favourite cafe in Myeongdong is gone, I could no longer hold back.

Two months ago, Cafe Pascucci's flagship cafe at Myeongdong was still there but now it is gone. Cosmetics chain, 'Nature Republic', has taken over the building and covered it up from ground to roof in wooden planks. The scene of coffee-drinking crowd sitting inside the building and looking out at the street of Myeongdong is now a thing of the past.

Tea'Us, a newly-open cafe opposite of Cafe Pascucci, must be very please with its disappearance. As for 'Nature Republic', its ability to take over such a prime location, demonstrates one very clear fact - cosmetics is the number one selling product in Myeongdong and an extremely lucrative business.

I was quite disappointed when I discovered that my favourite cafe is gone for good. But lost is gain and it is not that contradicting at all. Recently, I was introduced to a new cafe, Restree, in Myeongdong which I think is very good. It is a book & spa cafe. The drinks are not more expensive than other cafes. Furthermore, coffee, tea and toast are free-flow. As a book and spa cafe, latest magazines and doctor fish foot massage (cost extra 2,000won) are provided for customer's pleasure. The ambiance is so nice that I can spend the whole day lazing there.

This iconic Cafe Pascucci of Myeongdong is no more. My good feeling of Myeongdong originated from this building. I miss sitting by its window and looking down on the busy street of Myeongdong.

Nice decor at Restree. The tap at the right bottom corner is meant for feet washing before and after doctor fish foot massage. The doctor fish's pool is beside the tap. Outside the window is the busy street of Myeongdong.