The recent inauguration of a convenience store featuring Korean products in Havana has sparked great curiosity among Cubans, and they have a common question: what currency is used for payment?
Located at the intersection of J and 27 streets, in El Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución municipality, this market opens from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It offers an immersive experience for fans of South Korean culture in Cuba, allowing customers to enjoy products they usually see in their favorite K-dramas.
Contrary to what some believed, the Korean market accepts payments in national currency (CUP), both in cash and through electronic transfers.
This news has generated a variety of reactions, such as that of the Facebook user "El diario de Tom el gato," who joked: "At any moment, they're going to open an Eskimo market to sell penguins and seals. Surely, we’ll have to pay with Korean won, Chinese yuan, or Japanese yen... Oh no, I’m out. Sayonara."
Despite accepting payments in CUP, the prices of the products are far beyond the reach of the average Cuban. Here is a list of prices for some very popular products:
- Fruit soft drinks without colorants: 280 CUP
- Flavored waters with Aloe Vera: 380 CUP
- Bottle of soju: 290 CUP
- Instant noodle packs (ramyeon): between 1,000 and 1,500 CUP
- Tea bag: 150 CUP
- Instant coffee: around 200 CUP
- Kimbap (rice and seaweed): 800 CUP
These prices have sparked a debate about the accessibility of these products, given that the average salary on the island barely covers some of these items. Nevertheless, the market has attracted many young enthusiasts of K-pop and K-dramas, eager to try the flavors they have seen on screen.
This phenomenon reflects how cultural globalization impacts even a complex economic context like Cuba, where access to international products remains a luxury for most people.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Korean Market in Havana
What currency is used in the Korean market in Havana?
The Korean market in Havana accepts payments in national currency (CUP), both in cash and via electronic transfers. This sets it apart from other establishments that operate in foreign currency.
What products can be found in the Korean market in Havana?
In the Korean market in Havana, you can find iconic products of South Korean cuisine such as ramyeon (instant noodles), kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage), kimbap, bungeo-ppang, soju, and personal hygiene products. There is also advertising for Korean artists and K-pop groups.
Why are prices in the Korean market considered unattainable for many Cubans?
The prices in the Korean market are high compared to the average wages in Cuba. Products like ramyeon can cost between 1,000 and 1,500 CUP, which represents a significant portion of the average monthly salary on the island, making it difficult for many Cubans to access these products.
What are the opening hours of the Korean market in Havana?
The Korean market in Havana is open from Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., offering a unique experience for fans of South Korean culture in the Cuban capital.
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