As the popularity of K-Pop continues to spread globally, slowly but surely new establishments are popping up across the world to become the central hub for K-Pop and Hallyu lovers in their local community - today we are going to introduce one such place: KICK Cafe in France!

What is KICK Cafe?

KICK Cafe is a first of its kind concept store & boutique dedicated to K-Pop based in Paris; the name KICK comes from the motto ‘K-Pop Is for Cool Kids’ which is a part of KICK Cafe’s identity as they wish to undo the prejudice towards K-Pop felt in the European community. KICK Cafe was opened in 2020 by Savannah Truong, a K-Pop enthusiast since 2008, as a place for people who enjoy K-Pop and K-Culture to gather and enjoy together.

What does KICK Cafe have to offer?

Since opening, KICK cafe has evolved into a K-Pop hub where you can buy merch, enjoy Korean style cafe treats, meet other lovers of K-Pop and so much more.

Starting with the menu, as the name implies KICK Cafe has a cafe where you can enjoy instagram worthy drinks whilst relaxing in the beautiful pastel interior, listening to K-Pop music. However, even more exciting than this are the Korean menu items available, such as sweet treats like bingsu (shaved ice icecream), and light snacks like triangle rice balls and ramyeon.

[Various drinks on the menu at KICK Cafe | Credit: KICK Cafe website]

Alongside the delicious treats, KICK Cafe also sell official merchandise from various artists, both in their physical and online store - shopping inside the store will make you feel as though you’ve momentarily stepped into Korea itself as you’re surrounded by things you typically can’t find elsewhere. Oh, and while you’re at it, you may also want to pick up some of the cute and stylish KICK merchandise they have to offer too - the cherry blossom pink is reminiscent of the freshness of spring in Korea.

[Exclusive apparel sold at KICK Cafe | Credit: KICK Cafe website]

Hallyu Town - K-Culture Event

While the food is yummy and the merch is amazing, probably one of the best things about KICK Cafe are the special events they host for fans of K-Pop and K-Culture to come and enjoy, such as fan signs, birthday cafe events, and conventions.

This month, KICK Cafe are just about to host their newest event ‘Hallyu Town’, which will be a village focused on Korean pop culture where you can come and experience various things, such as K-Beauty, K-Fashion, K-Food and of course, K-Pop!

[Hallyu Town event poster | Credit: KICK Cafe website]

The event will be hosted on August 27th to 28th at La Cité Fertile - 14 Av. Edouard Vaillant, 93500 Pantin, and although entrance is free there is a capacity limit, so you can guarantee your spot and get extra benefits by registering during their pre-sales which are open now! As part of the event they’ll also be holding ‘The Ultimate Food Fest’ where you’ll be able to experience a wide range of different Korean foods, so it’s a great opportunity to try authentic Korean food for those who haven’t had a chance to come to Korea yet.

It’s truly amazing to see what can be created when K-Pop fans put their heart into creating something, KICK Cafe is truly a haven made by the fans for the fans, and hopefully only the first of its kind as we continue to see the love of Korean culture spread around the world.

Let us know if you’ve ever visited KICK Cafe, or if you do end up going after reading this article, let them know that Kooky sent you!

[Triangle rice balls from KICK Cafe’s menu | Credit: Kick Cafe’s Facebook]

KICK CAFE INFO

Address: 12 rue d'Alexandrie 75002 Paris

Website:

Instagram:

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Writer: Han (O.L)

Editor: Han (O.L)