A coffeehouse or café; a place where coffee and light refreshments are served.

Origin: The word '카페' comes from the French 'café', which means coffee or coffeehouse. The French term itself originates from the Turkish 'kahve', which was borrowed from the Arabic 'قهوة' (qahwa). The word entered Korean through French cultural influence.Historical and Cultural Context: The concept of a café became popular in Korea during the early 20th century, particularly in urban areas, as Western culture began to influence Korean society. Cafés were seen as modern and sophisticated meeting places.Evolution: While the original French 'café' referred specifically to a coffeehouse, in Korean, '카페' has broadened to include a variety of establishments that serve not only coffee but also tea, desserts, and light meals. It has become synonymous with a casual, social gathering space.Modern Relevance: Today, '카페' is an integral part of Korean urban life, with countless cafés in cities offering diverse themes and experiences, from traditional tea houses to modern, stylish venues. The term is used widely in both spoken and written Korean.

In Korea, themed cafés are incredibly popular, ranging from pet cafés where you can interact with animals, to book cafés that double as libraries.