다방
dabang
dabang is the Korean phrase for a traditional coffee house.
The term refers to a traditional style of coffee house. While the word originally referred to tea houses, it is the term used for the traditional style of coffee houses that became popular in Korea during the mid-20th century.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using 다방 instead of 'cafe' evokes a sense of nostalgia and refers to an older, more traditional style of social establishment. It is considered an old-fashioned term.
How do you pronounce it?
dabang
Did you know?
- Some specialized versions of these establishments, known as music dabang, allowed patrons to request specific vinyl records to be played by the owner.
- In the history of 다방 culture, 'coffee ladies' often served as social companions or even matchmakers for the customers.
- Instead of a latte, a traditional 다방 might serve 'ssanghwa-cha', a dark medicinal herbal tea served in earthenware.
Examples in context
- 그 다방은 커피가 정말 맛있어요.geu dabang-eun keopi-ga jeongmal masisseoyo.The coffee at that dabang is really delicious.
- 옛날 다방 분위기를 좋아해요.yen-nal dabang bun-wigi-reul joahae-yo.I like the atmosphere of old-fashioned dabangs.
- 동네에 작은 다방이 하나 있어요.dong-ne-e jageun dabang-i hana isseoyo.There is a small dabang in the neighborhood.
Example conversation
Dohyun and Minji are walking through an old neighborhood.
- 도현 Do-hyeon저기 다방이 하나 있네요.jeogi dabangi hana inne-yo.There is a traditional coffee house over there.
- 민지 Min-ji정말 분위기가 고전적이에요.jeongmal bunwigiga gojeonjeogieyo.The atmosphere is really classic.
- 도현 Do-hyeon우리 저 다방에 들어가 볼까요?uri jeo dabange deureoga bolkkayo?Shall we go into that coffee house?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 좋아요. 들어가요.ne, joayo. deureogayo.Yes, that sounds good. Let's go in.
