A convenience store featuring Korean products has opened its doors in Havana, providing a unique experience for fans of South Korean culture in Cuba.
The Korean market is located at J and 27 in El Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución municipality. It is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and promises to bring customers closer to the flavors and products they have seen in their favorite K-dramas.
The concept of "convenience" in Cuba
The term "convenience store" is not very well known in Cuba. It refers to retail establishments that remain open for most of the day and offer a variety of ready-to-eat products.
In South Korea, these businesses are very popular, open even at night, selling everything from prepared foods to everyday items, making them an ideal choice for those seeking speed and convenience.
What can you find at the Korean market in Havana?
The store offers a wide selection of iconic products from Korean cuisine, such as:
- Ramyeon (Korean instant noodles)
- Kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage)
- Kimbap (similar to Japanese sushi, but with a Korean style)
- Bungeo-ppang (fish-shaped bread filled with sweet red bean paste)
- Soju (traditional Korean liquor)
- Publicidad de artistas famosos coreanos y grupos de K-pop like BTS
- Personal hygiene products
Additionally, customers can enjoy Korean coffee and freshly prepared ramyeon at the same establishment, providing an immersive experience for fans of South Korean culture.
The YouTuber Dajanet Quintana visited the market
The YouTuber Dajanet Quintana, known for her passion for K-pop and K-dramas, was one of the first to visit the establishment.
On her social media, she shared her excitement about the market concept and the variety of products available, highlighting that it is a dream come true for many fans on the island.
What currency is used in the Korean market in Havana?
The market accepts payments in national currency (CUP), whether in cash or through electronic transfers, making it accessible to a larger segment of the population compared to other establishments that operate in foreign currency.
However, the products are not cheap. A bottle of Aloe Vera soda can cost 200 pesos, which is beyond the reach of many workers on the island.
Other markets in CUP in Havana
This market is not the only establishment that has recently opened in the Cuban capital with payments in national currency. A few weeks ago, "Punto Fresco," a store in CUP was inaugurated on Avenida del Puerto and Ensenada de Atarés.
Just like the Korean market, Punto Fresco combines shopping areas with dining spaces, where customers can sit down to enjoy a pizza or a coffee. However, the products consumed in the supermarket are accumulated on a magnetic card of the establishment, and payment is made upon exiting the premises.
These new options for supermarkets in national currency are not within reach of the majority of the population. Prices are too high. An average salary would only be enough to pay for a couple of lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Korean Convenience Market in Havana
Where is the Korean convenience store located in Havana?
The Korean convenience store is located in El Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución municipality, at the intersection of J and 27 streets. It offers a unique experience with iconic products from South Korean culture.
What products can be found in the Korean market in Havana?
In the Korean market in Havana, you can find iconic products such as Ramyeon, Kimchi, Kimbap, Bungeo-ppang, and Soju. There are also elements of Korean pop culture, such as advertisements for doramas and K-pop groups.
What currency is used to pay at the Korean convenience store in Havana?
The market accepts payments in Cuban national currency (CUP), either in cash or through electronic transfers, making it more accessible compared to other markets that operate in foreign currencies.
How does the Korean market compare to other markets in Havana?
Unlike other markets that only accept foreign currencies, the Korean market allows payment in CUP, which sets it apart from other options like the supermarket on 3rd and 70 that only accepts dollars. However, similar to other CUP markets, prices may not be affordable for most Cubans.
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