Japan is home to hundreds of animal cafes where guests are able to hang out with cats, rabbits, and even owls as they sip lattes and cups of herbal tea. These establishments give their patrons, often people who live in rented accommodation in urban areas, a chance to interact with animals that they would not be able to keep at home due to a lack of space or strict “no pets” clauses in tenancy agreements.
In Korea, however, one particular cafe has upscaled the experience with something much bigger and fluffier than the common bunny, cat or pup. Check out this unique cafe which houses a pair of beautiful, friendly sheep!
Located in the Hongdae district of Seoul, Korea, Thanks Nature Cafe is a quaint little cafe that has been attracting crowds with its unusual dwellers, a pair of white woolly sheep. The joint has been operating since 2011, but has been exceptionally busy since the beginning of this year simply because it’s the Year of the Sheep.
▼ The interior is stylish and cosy with lots of hints of nature, and scattered with sheep paintings and ornaments.
https://www.facebook.com/TNcafe/photos/pb.411526208866720.-2207520000.1424781302./577104502308889/?type=3&theater
▼ Doesn’t look too different from a regular cafe, but…
https://www.facebook.com/TNcafe/photos/pb.411526208866720.-2207520000.1424781573./577105258975480/?type=3&theater
▼ Tucked away in the outdoor seating section of the cafe is a little wooden pen that houses two adorable sheep!
These are real sheep! And they’re not just for show. Visitors are allowed to interact with the animals and may even feed them some hay. The owner of the cafe, Mr. Kwang Ho Lee, personally cares for the sheep, diligently keeping their little house clean, and even taking them out for walks to ensure that they are active and healthy.
▼ The sheep freely roam about the premises of the cafe when it isn’t too crowded.
▼ The owner and his woolly pals.
▼ Check out these visitor reports!
Sadly, unlike cat or rabbit cafes where their furry hosts hang around all year round, the sheep at Thanks Nature Cafe only join patrons for drinks during the cooler months of the year. Due to their thick coats and size, Mr. Lee sends them back to the sheep ranch when it gets too hot, and invites a new pair of woolies to his cafe when the weather turns cold again.
However, even without their special stars, the cafe operates normally and attracts a healthy flow of customers with their menu of delectable waffles and beverages!
If you’re interested in spending some time with the sheep, be sure to check their Facebook page before heading down to avoid disappointment!
Thanks Nature Cafe
Address: 마포구 서교동 486 서교푸르지오상가 B121, Seoul, Korea 121-842
Seogyo Prugio Shopping Center B121, 486 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea 121-842
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 daily
Tel: 02-335-7470
Access: 6-minute walk from Hongik University Station (Line 2) Exit 9
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TNcafe
Source/Images: Thanks Nature Cafe (Facebook)
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