A Korean friend says to me on a picnic mat by the Han River. "Want some ramen?" Then they walk off toward the convenience store. I heard the foreign student was startled as he followed along. Because people were lined up in front of the machines inside the shop. ## Three lines you hear in a convenience store "How do I do this?" "Pour in water up to the water line, then put it in the cooker." "It makes a sound when it's done. It's hot, so be careful!" The 'water line' is the line drawn on the inside of a cup noodle container. You have to add exactly the right amount of water for it to taste right. The "cooker" is a machine that cooks ramyeon noodles just right. All you have to do is press the button and wait. The last words aren't from the machine; they're more like a greeting from the store staff or the person next to you. ## Why Did Convenience Stores Become Kitchens? There aren't many restaurants in Hangang Park. If you boil the noodles at home and bring them, they get soggy. So Korean convenience stores took on that job. Korean convenience stores aren't just places that sell goods; they're also simple restaurants that sell lunch boxes and cup noodles. That's why they've got hot water, chopsticks, and even a place to sit. Koreans also love eating outdoors, so eating ramen in the river breeze has become a kind of fun activity. ## Try This Go to a convenience store near the Han River. However, not every store has a cooking machine. It's a good idea to check on a map app before you go. The broth spills easily, so close the lid tightly and walk slowly. Please dispose of your trash according to the instructions.