Day In The Life of A Cafe Owner in Korea

Tucked away in the mountainous city of Yeoju, Korea, lies a picturesque cafe that looks like it came out of a Studio Ghibli movie. Cafe Yeoju specializes in serving freshly made seasonal cakes, desserts, and drinks in a beautiful, outdoor green space. Everything is freshly made, from scratch, every single day by the owner, Yoon Dahee, and her two staff. Having always been fascinated with the cafe culture in Korea, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to spend a whole day with her at the most beautiful cafe I've ever seen.
Thank you, it still feels like a dream (:
Cafe Yeoju
496-2 Ganmae-ri, Gangcheon-myeon, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Once again, the magically talented Yuang Chen continues to impress with his sublime music. Thank you for letting me paint some of my dream scenes.
Seycara
Songs: Sad machine, Springtime with You, Endearing, Again, Walk to Paradise
Spotify - open.spotify.com/artist/1tdHP...
Apple Music - / seycara-orchestral
KZbin - / seycara
Lastly, thank you to my translator, Philip, for making this video possible. Making videos in non-English languages is really important to me, especially when so many incredible food places exist around the world. If you're looking for a Korean translator that'll go above and beyond, Philip can be reached at [e-mail]
My personal channel:
/ alvinzhou1
Instagram: / alvin.zhou

[@Seycara]

I could not be more thrilled to work with Alvin again to provide music for his newest film exploring exquisite food and the extraordinary people behind it!

[@DefinitelyNotJody]

Heyo Seycara :D

[@squatyescaloonte9734]

Your music is amazing!!!!!!

[@manog2105]

Your work very much reminded me of Joe Hisaishi. It was beautiful

[@slayer7739]

omgg seycara!! hiii

[@theShadeslayer]

I was watching this with my Mom who is a piano teacher - she immediately noticed the music and we were both loving it throughout the video. She said your work is stellar!

[@Dexter26958]

This short film was an absolute masterclass of a documentary. The aesthetic, the cinematography, the b-roll shots framing the entire café, the edit, THE MUSIC(!!!) Can't really put into words how perfect this was.

[@breeze5440]

💯 couldn’t agree more. It’s absolutely beautiful

[@robcuiper1965]

Dude, she has 13 hour work days, every day? Doing all the prep work alone? Massive respect, she really puts her heart into it!

[@Yurito12]

Its concerning when she said she goes to the hospital frequently because of the workload, she should get another worker or automate the manual parts of baking, cooking

[@Moss_piglets]

Some cooks work more. It depends on the establishment and if they have a union but typically they work very longs hours even on holidays. So be nice to food industry workers.

[@robcuiper1965]

@@Moss_piglets ... It's her own cafe? I have no idea how hard it is to hire people in Korea in this line of business, but nobody is able to work every day of the year, she needs coworkers to survive, literally. This has nothing to do with being nice to food industry professionals.

[@Jaykmane]

This is pretty much how the restaurant business works if you own your own store. Especially if it's youre first or 2nd year of business. It's even more difficult if you are a pastry chef but once she gains some experience as a business owner than she'll be able to scale up and take a step back after year 4 or 5 but being a pastry chef is something you do out of passion. Not many people in this world can make decent bread day in and day out so gotta hand it to her.

[@Moss_piglets]

@@robcuiper1965 because most people are very rude to food industry workers. That's a fact. Who said she doesn't have workers? Having a food business ain't cheap and you have to do most of the work during the first few years. The first 6 months are critical in the food industry. You either fail or survive. If you're a business owner, no matter what industry you are in, you will still put in more hours into your business than your workers. You basically work 24 hours a day all year round. Being a business owner is completely different from being a worker where your job ends after clocking out. As an owner you still have to do all the mental gymnastics of running your business. Have you ever worked in the food industry? It's not all about cooking. Even Sous chefs stay late to help out the executive chef and the owner is around too. My sister in law is a pastry chef and owns a pastry shop that's less than a year old. She goes in at 3 am and comes home at 7 pm. That's with a newborn infant too. Despite having 5 employees, she makes the products too, she also does inventory, training, paperwork, customer service, breakdown etc. Even though my brother helps after work, they still stay late because they're the owners.

[@alvinzhoufilms]

Lots of influences in this one, especially from my favorite anime, games, music, and movies. Here's a list of what inspired me during the course of 3 months of editing: 1. Studio Ghibli 2. Porter Robinson (this one in particular gave me lots of joy) 3. Your Lie In April (see if you can find the song) 4. Maplestory Thank you again to Seycara for creating such wonderful songs to dream about, onto the next adventure (:

[@rspeck]

Another masterpiece.

[@joseywales7525]

(you) have the best videos on you tube hands down Sir. o7!

[@Rob_Cantor]

Your attention to detail is wonderful. The shots are so beautifully framed, the graphics are so artful, the music and editing are exquisite. You should be very proud.

[@dreampinkreel]

You had me at Sad machine

[@LittleKey93]

Love to see the maplestory reference, and it makes so much sense after watching the video.

[@huntakilla1234]

Video is beautiful. I am, however, quite sad for Dahee that she's overworking herself to the point where she's suffering from chronic shoulder & neck pain, and has to visit the hospital a lot for that. Takes no break during busy days, and has no social life. Dahee, if you happen to read this, there is more to life than just work. You deserve friendships, free time, and to experience more of all the things life has to offer.

[@tyrant351]

for real. I hope she can at least take a day off once a week.

[@Raphmatic5000]

The scene when she was making the cake and talking about how she empties her mind and the music plays... so perfect. I love your work Alvin!

[@alial-ghamdi4231]

It's so beautiful. What's the music playing during this? I can't seem to find it in the description

[@michellyta]

^^^

[@isamhyu]

@@alial-ghamdi4231 i shazam-ed it and it's hopes fulfilled by baptiste thiry. i found it on spotify too

[@irisprado5069]

It is called “Hopes Fulfilled” by Baptiste Thiry

[@amhedgehog]

BABE WAKE UP, NEW ALVIN ZHOU FILM

[@ishyc]

Honestly one of the best creators on KZbin. Your videos take a while to release due to how long and well edited they are but are always worth the wait and the watch. Keep killing it

[@joejo6690]

I may sound like I'm overexaggerating but this video is the definition of falling in love. From the way you insert her voice at ordinary moments yet one can feel the intimacy, the way the music starts silent then reaches a climax, the way you angle the camera as if we are little garden fairies watching over her, and even the way you focus at the furniture in the cafe! Like I cannot totally explain the emotions I felt watching this video, but it just brought complete joy to my heart. Also, you were inspired by Studio Ghibli and Your Lie In April and I just wanna say that it definitely pulled through! The feelings those two brought to my heart as I watched them is the same as what I felt watching your video. So, thank you so much for this! P.S. The music was fireee!! I really liked how it transitioned from fun to a soft, mellow tune then to an intense climax then calm again. Like ah! And I definitely loved how it fits the vibe of the owner at certain times throughout the day. Another P.S. but you can ignore this one lol. But I recommend you to watch the anime, "Forest of Piano" or "Piano in the Forest". It is one of the few animes that I think is similar to the vibe of Studio Ghibli and this video.

[@spiritspride46]

I love that someone other than me recommends Forest Piano... what a moving piece of art. There's such an emotional presence of it, it's wonderful

[@swiftcrayon]

Thank you, Alvin. From the bottom of my heart. For a brief, but wonderfully magical escape from the busy world we live in.

[@adialif820]

Haii❤

[@CHEFPKR]

Honestly, better than most food docs on Netflix. Thanks for this Alvin.

[@wang6838]

honestly everytime i watch one of alvin's videos, i feel like crying because I'm so moved by EVERYTHING. the content, video quality, music.. thank you to the whole team!

[@bloodfireow7380]

This is such a nice lady and her cafe looks beautiful. Your videos make me respect these people so much more, which I am really grateful for.

[@ToenVu]

This video felt so magical, Alvin you have this special power like you imbue things you make with a magical spell. This feels like ghibli film, they feel similar in the magical sense, but you have your own individuality. This wasn’t like a Miyazaki film, it was an Alvin film.

[@ILLogical436]

This video has caused me to post my first ever KZbin comment after years of using this platform. It was transcendent. The cinematography and music choice was on point. My soul left my body as I watched this video, and I can only wish to see the world through Alvin's camera lens. I love this man and his videos. Koreeaaa!

[@jacksondavisTV]

Your minimalist style beautifully complements their modern rustic aesthetic. Take a bow, Alvin!

[@nr1877]

she's living a ghibli life i always dream of. she's a ghibli lady. and this cinematography is also as magical as ghibli. eonnie, please take care of your body :") i hope you can do small stretch or exercise in your free time and it's okay if you can't do it everyday 🤗💗

[@peiitea]

I decided to watch this during my work break at my desk....but now I'm crying uncontrollably because someone was icing cake??? (My coworkers are side-eying me lol) I don't comment often or at all, I needed to let you know the impact of your work. It really feels like I'm watching the live-action version of a Studio Ghibli film because life around me seemed to slow and I felt like my worries disappeared when the cafe owner started icing her cakes. Thank you for creating this masterpiece!

[@stormie6173]

Love the Sad Machine edit. So special ✨

[@cr5000]

What I absolutely love about these videos is Alvin's ability to turn something so ordinary like the shot at 12:30 into something really beautiful. I look forward to those frames and especially the transition from the day to evening/night. The way the light changes and it's captured makes me very happy and calm.

[@GreenMonkeySam]

Yoon Dahee is such a beautiful person. Inside and out. She finds peace and happiness in everyday things around her, and it's contagious. Her warmth brought me to tears right about here 19:13. Out of all the desserts and drinks, the sweetest thing you'll find there is her. I wish Yoon and her adorable little café the best.

[@waylonrust6787]

The shot of her window in the kitchen with the dialogue about the seasons with the music was probably the best 45 seconds of youtube and film in general I have ever seen

[@hailznn]

YOUR SHOT COMPOSITON.... chefs kiss honestly, i appreciate so much how u don't shy away from showing us the landscape, how u linger on frames, the mood it sets... incredible. Its gotten so much better over the course of each of your short stories. I hope you keep making these, they are so heartwarming and heartfelt. But u already had that nailed with the food vids as well, SOOOO GOOD :3

[@exploring_with_dounia5921]

I don't usually comment on KZbin vids but this one is just so comforting and warm and so well executed 😭 the storytelling was amazing, the music fit so well with the vibe and the scenery was just gorgeous 😍 I would definitely visit this Cafe when I go back to Korea 🥹💜 thank you Alvin for this absolutely magnificent video it's brought comfort and warmth to this chilly fall day here🥹 and thank you to the café staff too yall are so cute and hardworking 💜 hwaiting!!

[@Chris_Tofu]

Yet another beautiful production that captures the wonder of the location, atmosphere, people, and efforts involved in these places being documented (I could especially sense your love for the entire aesthetic here), all complemented perfectly by the music choices throughout. I'm already looking forward to seeing what experiences you have at the next spot on your adventures! (...though as a Brit, I couldn't help but wince at the way you dug into that scone at 15:20) 😆

[@ScramblesTheDeathGod]

I was completely enamoured throughout the whole video - Yuang Chen's emotive music, the natural flow of the camera shots, Yoon Dahee's incredible introspection, and the beauty of the whole cafe. Truely spectacular, and I can't overstate how much your care and passion really shine in these videos Alvin!

[@TheBlackmask85]

Alvin, I just wanted to say that this is the channel that I'm most anticipated for when waiting for a new video. I love how you portray the owners and your song choice is relaxing. Great work!

[@harry_sii]

I just felt the need to watch one of your videos again and was pleasantly surprised to see another uploaded. The ambience of your production and the amount of care you put into getting to know the people you're documenting, is so genuinely heart warming. In the current state of the world, there is disarray and injustice. Your videos show that there is also beauty and peace in other places. Thank you for taking the time to create something so meaningful.

[@Azzam0122]

This video has got to be the most calming and charming piece of media I’ve seen on this site. It’s sort of an escape from reality to this beautiful cafe. Thank you for making this sincerely. 😊

[@udm1736]

The cafe is soo beautiful and the cakes looks really delicious. Would be a treat in itself to go there once

[@ds930]

The ghibli-ness themes permeates everywhere in your videos and they are all great. This one though fills me with a euphoric nostalgia for a past I ain't ever lived in a way people tell me about their feelings especially towards ghibli that I didn't really get. Fuck this one hits.

[@quiltrn]

I got so emotional watching all these passionate people and their work on screen, amazed from hearing her describing how making a cake affect her mood everyday, and humbled knowing how much time she spends at her coffee shop. Thank you Alvin for an incredible film!

[@Exceliear]

Alvin, I always love the "Day in a Life" video. It gives me so much more appreciation for food and how hard these people are working to provide a good service/atmosphere.

[@JasTavares]

The time and effort they take to make this food, which looks so tasty and adorable, is just amazing. This was shot beautifully as well.

[@nervfps]

As a fan of Your Lie in April, this was an extremely good representation of that cinematography and overall feel. As well, I love the fonts you choose. They're always so aesthetically pleasing.

[@dreadherod]

I'm always super impressed by the production quality on these videos. Keep up the awesome work, Alvin!

[@helenngo5766]

I hope you're doing well Alvin! Your work is masterful and it's like a breath of fresh air, a warm hug, and a soup for the soul for the weary and fatigued. Your videos calm my mind and make me see the world with more joy and hope. Thanks for crafting a beautiful lens of the colors, smells, tastes, sounds and people around you, and thanks for letting us share that with you! Keep up your work of passion and grace and the spread of artful warmth.

[@gkeuler]

This makes me feel like I'm watching a studio Ghibli film, how could you possibly do that!?!

[@andi_dior]

This cinematography really makes me feel like i am in a fantasy world

[@matthewftw3265]

The music in this video was on point

[@Seycara]

❤

[@SniperShot168]

Beautiful, idyliic, keep up the good work Alvin and owner Yoon. Also, the OST does not need to go as hard as it did, amazing work again Seycara!

[@yrandy]

As a lover of Korean food culture, I really enjoy watching this documentary. I just came back from Seoul and can’t wait for my next trip to explore South Korea again. I have been to Seoul 4 times and I still have tons of food to be tried and hidden gems to be discovered.

[@sophiadvorak5399]

Cinematography is gorgeous with the music to match it, love your videos!

[@jimmykimtv]

This video was heartbreakingly beautiful 😢 Thank you for your amazing work!

[@kelliott1333]

No words do justice to the beauty of the cafe, the food, the owner…your respect for her was evident as was your talent at creating this beautiful work of art. Many thanks for sharing your masterpiece with us. And the music was absolutely perfect.

[@bibiuwun]

I am convinced to come here when i visit Korea :). great film!!

[@alvinzhoufilms]

o7

[@AntsBBQCookout]

i love the patience and confidence in the edit style. it's really inspiring! wish you would make more of these more often but i know it takes time

[@mahk777]

Dude this is freaking WILD. I can't even describe the joy and emotion I get from your shots and edits. It's pure bliss and insane how talented you are. I was sad when it had been so long since you uploaded a cooking film on your main channel but this is serving as fantastic substitute. Beautiful.

[@RedditStorytime]

Tip for cinematic aspect ratio, the file on your editing software actually needs to be that size, instead of just adding black bars because for the people who do have ultrawide screens, we now just have massive black gaps from the edge of our screen to the video on all sides, if the file was actually 21:9 it would fill the screen like a movie would. As for everyone else it would look the exact same as youtube in full screen would just have those black bars at the top and bottom by default.

[@rhaegartargaryen9315]

Alvin’s uploads are rare, but deserve every bit of attention and appreciation.

[@iuhjg4tsx]

25:41 The story behind how she and her boyfriend met at the cafe made my heart melt...

[@mlpb]

Hyojin as just "TRAITOR" 😆 What a lovely cafe and staff.

[@SeveralOnions]

It's always such a great day when you release a video. This one was an incredibly sweet watch with some beautiful music behind it. Much love, and thank you for sharing this wonderful cafe with the world!

[@theShadeslayer]

Alvin, you did it again. This is truly beautiful. The way you highlight the lives of people is just so unique, I love it. Thank you.

[@Phoebetheboss]

It's the storytelling and the way you paced things and built it that really stands out. Cinematography and broll can only get you so far, but storytelling is what makes such a difference. Really enjoyed this film!!

[@augl2702]

I look forward to all of your videos, Alvin. It's always a treat when you post!

[@ceegee1706]

Your eye and heart for your subject is so intimate and respectful. Truly art, Alvin, thank you.

[@alexandreberneche1303]

I can feel the happiness and the love coming from her, it's an amazing short film !

[@Syrkyth]

What the hell sur!? This is incredible! Not just the cafe either but the shots and lighting, the cuts are great! Well done.

[@rebekahgrady6182]

Your videos are always pure works of art and so beautiful to watch. Thank you for your work. I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@beccathiemann965]

I was so excited to see this video pop up - I've rewatched your baking videos many times and your films are so beautiful! I love watching you on the BCU, but these are such incredible videos.

[@prisonedlotus1113]

Been waiting on the Next video! IT's finally HERE! Alvin, I LOVE your films. Truly amazing!

[@AbelKleinblatt]

This could be on Netflix, but I'm glad it's here on KZbin! Another amazing piece, Alvin!

[@thalialamerson505]

absolute masterpeice alvin!!! please don't stop making these, they're probably my favorite youtube series on this platform. while watching this, i got a ton of your lie in april vibes, so i was super happy to read that you took inspiration from that.

[@tresefrankovich7625]

Gorgeous film as always!! I am always excited to see when you've released an episode. This made me yearn for my old life working in cafes. Great work!

[@ctbwx]

Bro, I've been watching your videos for about 3 years now, and the production quality over the last year or so has gone through the roof. Mad props for the effort you put into these Alvin.

[@Ace-zj4jk]

Fantastic work as usual when it comes to your videos. I always get so excited when I see a new upload. You paint the world as a beautiful place with your videos.

[@strawberrymelon8527]

This was so so so lovely Alvin! The way you captured the peaceful, daily life of this cafe made me want to fly over to experience it myself! I've always wanted to open a cafe, and this just put the nail in on why i want to and how I want my future cafe to look like. This was such a calming, peaceful, and heartwarming video to start my week! I love your videos and look foward to them always. thank you!

[@IvanT4]

Beautiful cinematography and editing! The music brings it all together. Truly a work of art

[@BorderlineBald]

This was absolutely amazing, I got goosebumps during the part where she was icing cakes, the filming, the music and her talking about being totally present and in the moment was just beautiful. You should be very proud of this one.

[@bertol97]

It's amazing to see how your style evolved over the years. How each video becomes more polished and refined. I'm utterly thrilled with this work, it's amazing to see. I'm touched by it and it's incredible that you can contain all these feelings, this anxiety, this rewarding feeling, everything into 30 min video. It's beautiful!

[@oks5689]

I'm in love with this video the atmosphere, the people, the cinematography... and I only just realised that you're also behind the most relaxing cooking videos i have ever seen. You are truly incredible, thank you so much for the beautiful work you do and put out in the world

[@SikfanKitchen]

What a beautifully made documentary! This place is so serene and the cakes look delicious. I now appreciate cafe owners so much more now with all the work that goes into running a business.

[@mikep1212]

Beautiful. Another wonderful film showing wonderful people.

[@kiansahafi]

this is one of the best films i have watched since so long... BTW the fact that she called the customers guests shows how much she cares about her "Guests"

[@jimoran5265]

This is such a beautiful video! It's so serene and relaxing to watch the cafe daily routine.

[@zeroThreeSixHD]

What a beautifully cozy, quiet, and peaceful cafe. Great production.

[@nathanwilson4951]

Hell yeah keep them coming. Outstanding work

[@Cosbi]

So calming and beautiful. Love your work!

[@xuano4141]

I’ve been waiting for this series for so long omggg

[@ginociarimboli4841]

Absolutely love your style of cinematography in these videos and your storytelling ability is captivating. Can’t wait to see what your next project is!

[@misostori]

YAY!! At long last - thank you for another beautiful film, Mr. Alvin! 너무나 아름다운 영상이네요 - 많은 축하드립니다 ^^~

[@SunShine-qp7ol]

Soooo dreamy 🍃🌼🍃love how you always preserve the authenticity of the stories you capture

[@theecube1]

this might be your most beautiful one yet - evey shot is lovingly framed, legitimately had to rewatch parts because i would just get lost staring at the compositions!!

[@kimibimi7532]

Another masterpiece in my eyes Alvin and team!! Blessings to all from my family to you and yours! I pray for health strength success and happiness for her as she brings such a peaceful oasis to the world ❤❤❤

[@FishRFrenzNotFood]

Wow this video has made me feel all kinds of ways, inspired, joyful, jealous, excited, this gave me such an appreciation to small cafe owners who do it all

[@daisyzill]

Beautiful film! Enjoyed seeing the owners day and routine

[@croustilletotale6940]

Wonderful video, just feel paused now and so satisfied, thanks for this quality and all this work, and special shout out to this lady !!

[@ginkoxi]

The music was phenomenal (and of course the content of the video… really everything about this video) and brought so many emotions especially a nostalgic feeling. Seeing what the inspirations were for Alvin while editing made so much sense :,). Thanks for sharing such an amazing piece of art!

[@getgood9840]

This video is one of the most beautiful that I have ever seen on KZbin. Keep up the good work Alvin.

[@Dexter26958]

3:15 I love how it actually says "Traitor"

[@c.h.a.z]

So excited! Just saw the new vid. Been checking every few days for awhile now expecting something new. Thanks Alvin!!

[@mrxudune1815]

As usual, a wonderful look at someone's life with excellent cinematography and great ideas. Thanks again, Alvin

[@KillerTacos54]

Absolutely amazing!

[@TiaChii]

This was so well done! I love that it's also long, many of these well shot videos tend to be short, less then 10 min. I love how there is a story from the owner as well as just different views feom through the day.

[@aechean]

The cafe looks incredible, and the video is amazing. Amazing skill on both sides!

[@meisoon6480]

Very magical and heartwarming to watch especially with the songs accompanying the video. Able to feel the love and sincerity of her genuine interest in baking

[@DL-1]

You're video work and your music choices completely compliment the story and the store. This was a beautiful work. Well done.

[@gesarenyandusi5517]

This film is so beautiful I could cry! I teared up at some moments ngl cause the music and the videography and her dedication captures amd moves your soul. Alvin you did it again! 💯

[@Sovietmire]

The cinematography is fantastic and the shot's are absolutely beautiful, wonderful production and makes me think about my dreams, watching every single one of your videos is a beautiful experience thank you and good luck for the future!