Reflections on coffee

By Kim Jin-hyun

There is a Turkish proverb that says, “Coffee is black as hell, dark as death and sweet as love.” It means that coffee has strong flavor and is highly addictive.

I drink coffee twice a day, every day. In the morning, I drink it for its flavor; and in the afternoon to fight my fatigue.

When I participate in this daily ritual, at least two or three guys enjoy a cup with me. Then, through my coffee break, I give and receive information related to my life, hobbies and health.

When I get into deeper conversations with friends, I usually visit cafes and drink only sweet coffee because my stomach is weak, though they sell espresso, Americano, mocha and so on.

The cafe culture became popular in England and France in the 18th century. It helped coffee addicts activate discussion. In the end, coffee provided a motive to form a democratic society by giving people a reason to get together and discuss such things as politics, society and art, bringing forth the “age of reason.”

Thus, French historian Jules Michelet, said coffee’s appearance played a role in the development of man’s creative thinking.

Since the dawn of capitalism, citizens have enjoyed it as a way of being awakened, enduring extreme situations, and achieving their dreams. And it helped bring about industrialization sooner.

Also, the Islamist Sufis drank coffee as a beverage for disciplining themselves. They believed it could initiate communication with God through spiritual euphoria. On the contrary, Catholicism regarded it as an evil beverage, making the spirit delirious.

Along the way, businessmen encouraged citizens to spend more on coffee.

For example, in Korea, thanks to economic development since the 1970s, citizens have had more chances to enjoy meat, eat spicy dishes and drink coffee.

This food culture urged them to promote the effects of coffee through TV and media, and to have coffee shops around the country. Thus, even farmers drink coffee in the fields.

Some 66-77 percent of the total coffee consumption in Korea in 2013 was from packet coffee, which means Koreans enjoy sweet coffee. It contains coffee, sugar and so on.

Thus, people who do not exercise are exposed to obesity and illnesses. Nevertheless, coffee breaks became symbols for rest, communication and pleasure.

In the 2000s, after Asian financial crisis in 1997, lots of people lost their jobs. Thus, some ended up wandering the streets and sleeping in subway stations. A cup of coffee from a stranger gave them hope and consolation.

In my office, when my colleagues get tired or depressed, the offer of a cup of coffee represents care and is the basis for good ongoing relations. Thus, drinking coffee together makes for good friends.

When and how do you drink your coffee ― like hell, death or love?

The writer is an English teacher at Yeosu High School in South Jeolla Province. His email address is shinykim60@hanmail.net.