K-Pop has been popular in certain parts of the world for the better part of the century so far. But it's in the last few years that we've really seen it turn into a global sensation, with the best groups selling music and touring worldwide, and hit songs topping the charts from one country to the next.
This has translated essentially to a whole culture, with posters and memorabilia, themed video games, and anything else that might typically accompany a worldwide pop movement. And lately, we've seen this movement expands to include a burst of K-Pop-themed restaurants, not just in Korea but around the planet. These restaurants showcase band members and music, the general image of K-Pop, and often authentic Korean food; in some cases, they're even owned by the artists themselves!
We can't list all of these restaurants in one place, but these are a few that will give you the idea.
Café Aewol Monsant
If the ocean views on Jeju Island aren't enough to draw you out of Seoul, then this K-Pop cafe might be. G-Dragon from Big Bang, the now-four-person boy band, started the coffee shop, which serves cookies, macarons, and fruit juices as well as traditional coffee shop fare. Perhaps in light of his band mate's departure in March of this year (Seungri reportedly left the music industry altogether in the midst of an ugly scandal), GD seems to be enjoying having this sort of outlet. The star reportedly spends time frequenting the rustic cafe, so you may get in some stargazing (of the celebrity variety) while you're there. Given his hands-on approach to the establishment, perhaps in the future, he could be persuaded to put some more traditional Korean dishes on the menu one day.
KPOP
This is actually another New Jersey location, just down the beach from Atlantic City. The area was once known for casino entertainment and gaudy attractions before falling into a prolonged economic downturn. Now, though, thanks in part to an influx in online poker sites, casino platforms, and even sports betting, New Jersey is experiencing hints of a revival. And while Atlantic and Ocean City aren't restored to their former glory, there's a bit of buzz about them - which makes for a fun location for this K-Pop establishment. Serving up fusion Korean BBQ right on the boardwalk, it's ideally suited to rope in tourists, and further spread the joys of K-Pop culture to American audiences as well. And if the casinos in New Jersey do take off again, KPOP could become a legitimate hot spot.
Kalita Café
This restaurant is the first K-Pop themed cafe in Assam, India. ARMY, the official fan club of BTS, gives the café rave reviews, noting specifically the décor comprised of K-Pop-related photos and pillows. The atmosphere alone makes the café well worth a visit, if you're ever in Assam, especially since BTS is skipping India on its Love Yourself, Speak Yourself Tour in 2019 (they're only planning shows in the U.S., Brazil, Japan, London, and Paris). In other words, for the time being, Kalita Café may be as close as you can get to major K-Pop in this part of the world. The menu, we should also note, is full of traditional Korean fare.
B'Chill
Another Korean boy band member, this time BamBam of Got7, opened this K-Pop restaurant in Bangkok, Thailand, where he can serve his AhGaSes (which is to say, fans of the group). BamBam's family actually runs the place; his mother and siblings can be seen greeting guests and taking orders regularly. Got7 is finishing up its latest tour at the end of October (having spanned most of the globe along the way), so perhaps BamBam will be stopping by to help out himself sometime soon - or better yet, convincing one of his bandmates to open up a similar establishment somewhere! B'Chill is a full-service restaurant but has quickly developed a reputation for its dessert and drink offerings, including some frozen, sweet beverages (perhaps the inspiration for the establishment's name).
Across the world, music fans can unite over their mutual love of K-Pop. When you visit one of these restaurants, you won't have to wonder if the other customers share your love of BTS or Got7 or other popular groups in the genre. As you sip your coffee or try that new favorite Korean dish, you'll also be enjoying a feeling of camaraderie that only a sensation like K-Pop can truly provide.
