PIKA COFFEE

The second week of the project "Coffee Shops Tour 2016" is awesome. Today, Sunday afternoon, I finally paid a visit to this hidden coffeeshop, PIKA COFFEE, which was sitting on my list since forever after have done some researches about coffee shops around Korea University (KU). I found this place as a highly recommended one among others on some korean blogs so I decided to come when I got chance. So, here I am finally. As you can tell from the photo below it is quite unattractive exterior of the coffee shop because of its plain wall design. But, trust me guys! You will fall in love with this coffee shop once you get inside. Anyway, who is PIKA? or what does PIKA mean? Not sure I can answer either of those questions, but this is located just behind the S-Oil which is a bit hard to find after getting off from Anam Station (Subway line 6) exit #3. 

This is the view when I got in. What I found inside was a very ample cafe as well as music that's not too loud as to be distracting. They have another corner on the left side (which is perfect for studying or focusing on your assignments) when you go straight to the end. 

Probably this one is my favorite spot inside. It looks so cozy and relaxing at the same time. The entire place is quite, bright and well furnished. 

They also have an outdoor smoking area which is kinda a small yard. But still people can sit there to enjoy the sun during the summer and spring time.

I completely enjoy sitting here and enjoying my hot americano (black coffee in general) because of the atmosphere here. The atmosphere is delightful and tranquil and for that it has completely won me over. Unlike other coffee shops which tend to be really compact and fully with small chairs and table to go for a complete combo, Pika Coffee is exceptionally spacious, which is probably the biggest reason why I like it so much. 

Anyway, I can't tell in detail about the drinks and desserts they provide since I haven't tried them. But, as other bloggers said they definitely have yummy taste, so you can come and give a try one of their menus. 

Another convenience thing is the clean and tidy indoor restroom which is so unbothered during the cold season.

At the end, if you are looking for a place with comfortable sofas and chairs to sit down as long as you can to do you project/homework/assignment or chitchat with your friends Pika Coffee is made for you.

Noticing that if you are a foreigner with less ability in Korean language you will find it a bit hard to get to Pika without Korean friend or any researches before hand. But don't worry, here I provide you direction how to get to PIKA COFFEE from Anam Station. If  you got lost, just simply show this map to any Korean you meet on your way there.

STARBUCKS PLANNER 2016 KOREA

Yes, today I finally completed my 17 e-frequency and got this planner for free. So, let me explain quickly about e-frequency if you don't know what it is. E-frequency basically is kinda like sticker for promotion where you have it on your Starbucks app. You need to complete 17 of them by buying drinks excluding soft-drink in the store. Among the drinks you get, 3 of them should be Christmas drinks. After completing it, you can choose any of the planners they provided. That's it. Easy right? 

As I already have red planner this year, I decided to get this one which I think is classy. Oh yes, all black for 2016. (Just want to match a black tumbler that I got for my birthday by the way).

Starbucks Planner 2015 Black, South Korea

The design inside the 2016 Starbucks Planner looks quite different from the 2015 planner. Where there is no more stamp journey mission that needs you to travel around Korea to the destination that for getting the stamps. Now, what you need to do is just go to any Starbucks store nearby each month with someone or bunch of people depends on the mission.

By seeing this, I think you already know. The first theme starts by saying Merry Christmas. It has the calendar after each theme of each month and before the theme you will see a sheet for reviewing & sharing.

January theme. 

"Happy Healthy New Year"

February theme. 

"Yes LOVE's day"

March theme. 

"My Brand-new DAYS"

April theme. 

"GREEN"

May theme.
"Enjoy Together"

June theme.
"Very nice to meet you"

July theme.
"Let's celebrate"

August theme.
"VACATION, DRIVING, FIZZIO. That's all we need"

September theme.
"Good things happen when we get together"

October theme.

"One for you, One for me, one for our memory"

November theme.

"Everything will be alright"

December theme. 

"The Perfect way to TREAT YOURSELF"

So, here are the picture showing you the mission. I gotta tell that since I have no kids yet, am not living with my parents, and I have no friend whose birthday on June, so I won't use the mission sticker of the first month of the year 2016, May, June.

Starbucks Planner 2015

Starbucks really knows how to increase their sales in Christmas season. Specially here in South Korea, where the young people loves coffee, they obviously targeting those young crowd. So since I am one of those coffee drinker, I have finally completed the 17 stickers in 3 weeks (probably), and I got a Starbucks planner after consuming 17 cups of coffee (14 core beverages + 3 Christmas beverages) as they required. I believe that the feature of the planner provided in South Korea will be look different in other countries. Here are the photos of what it looks like inside the planner. 

So, here is the one I got. Basically the planner comes with three different colors (red, green and black) and two different sizes. I prefer black color, but I have no choice since the shop I went only has the red one. 

Lets take a look some details on the inside. It starts with personal information as you can tell from the picture below. 

Just like normal diary and planner out there that Korea usually has, the planner has month calendar view with some space where you can leave some reminders, notes, or whatever you please. 

It also comes in different themes where it covers pictures of the popular view in South Korea to start the month. Let the pictures do the talking because we all know that pictures always talk louder than words do.