[Insta Walk] Thanks Nature - Finding Nature in the City

Two Sheep Greeting Customers at Cafe Entrance
Interior Featuring European Alley Design and Filled with Green Plants Creates Unique Atmosphere
A Space to Enjoy Nature in the City
'William and Bentley' Take Walks in Front of the Store
Already Famous Stars Among Local Residents

Lee Kwang-ho (62), CEO of Thanks Nature, is smiling as he approaches. Photo by Heo Mi-dam damdam@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] The streets around Hongik University in Mapo, Seoul, are brighter at night than during the day, where the noisy honking of car horns mixes with an unusual sound. It is the bleating of sheep, "Mae~." Following the sound, your gaze meets two creatures with round, gentle eyes. They are 'William' and 'Bentley,' fluffy sheep. The space where you can enjoy nature in the city, 'Thanks Nature,' is the subject of this stroll. It is a place famous as a so-called 'sheep cafe,' where those who want to create memories and have a unique experience without going far to the suburbs can easily visit. William and Bentley can be met at this cafe.

A sheep-shaped signboard under a tree about 100 meters across from the main gate of Hongdae catches the eye. Going down the stairs beneath it to the basement level 1, the cafe unfolds. Passing by the two sheep and entering the cafe, guests are greeted by the savory aroma of waffles baking and green plants. Various sheep-themed items are neatly displayed next to the counter, and a large sheep painting hangs on one wall. The affection for sheep is clearly evident. Going further inside, there is a space modeled after a European alley. The walls and interior, each painted in different colors, create a unique atmosphere. The cafe 'Thanks Nature' is a combination of sheep, nature, and an exotic space.

First, greeting the sheep is the order of the day. The sheep, which look quite hefty at a glance, approach new visitors without hesitation. They even lie down quietly, trusting the touch of guests. When a guest holding hay appears, they immediately get up and nuzzle affectionately. It’s hard to tell if this is a cafe or a ranch.

Sheep ornaments displayed next to the checkout counter. Sheep dolls of various sizes catch the eye. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

CEO Lee Kwang-ho (62) has a connection with sheep that goes back 10 years. When he opened the cafe in 2011 with a 'naturalism' concept, he pondered how to differentiate it from franchise cafes. The answer was found at the 'Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch' he had visited with his family before.

"Everyone said it was impossible." Most people shook their heads when CEO Lee said he wanted to bring sheep into the cafe. The ranch owner was the same. However, he proposed to take care of the slow-growing sheep for six months and then return the healthy sheep to the ranch. After continuous persuasion, the ranch owner gave in. Since then, he has received four sheep per year from Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch, and about 40 sheep have passed through his hands.

Watching the sheep eating hay absentmindedly, your gaze is drawn to their cloud-like white wool. Because it is unusually white, there is a joke that CEO Lee washes the sheep with wool shampoo. He smiled and said, "We bathe the sheep once a month at a large dog bathing facility in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province." According to him, the sheep returned to the ranch are especially white compared to other sheep and are popular among tourists there.

Since sheep are familiar animals to children, many young visitors come. Parents bring curious children. Lee Mo (35), who visited with her 8-year-old daughter, said this place is 'her daughter's favorite space.' She said, "My daughter really likes 'Bentley' and 'William.' Every time we come to the cafe, she says 'It's amazing' and 'It's fun' while watching the sheep. I often visit here for my daughter."

However, some guests worry that the sheep might get stressed because they have to be kept indoors for a certain period. CEO Lee, who prioritizes the sheep, turns on the air conditioner in summer for their comfort and asks guests to refrain from continuously feeding them. He also explained that under current law, pet and animal cafes must separate the space where animals roam from where guests drink, and they comply with such regulations.

Inside 'Thanks Nature'. Green plants line up from the cafe entrance. Photo by Heo Midam damdam@asiae.co.kr

The sheep are also 'famous personalities' among residents near Hongdae. CEO Lee takes the sheep for a 30-minute walk once or twice a day. Although he just walks around the cafe area without going far, many passersby are surprised by this somewhat rare sight in the city. Some citizens even take pictures of the sheep and upload them on social networking services (SNS).

As a result, 'Thanks Nature,' which opened an Instagram account in 2016, has over 13,000 followers. Some guests even call themselves the sheep's 'online aunties.' CEO Lee said, "Followers continuously show interest by sending messages asking about the sheep's well-being."

The cafe offers more menu options than most places. Nine kinds of coffee-based drinks, including 'Quattro Waffle' and 'Banana Waffle' made daily from scratch, as well as various teas, smoothies, and shaved ice provide diverse choices to suit guests' tastes.

Most visitors have a positive view of the cafe's concept. Kim Mo (25), a university student, said, "The charm is that you can see sheep, which are hard to find in the city, anytime here. I also like the idea of bringing small sheep and taking care of them, so I often come to see the sheep."

The combination of sheep and a cafe, which might seem unlikely, offers a special feeling. CEO Lee said, "I hope our cafe becomes a 'resting place' that soothes those who are tired. I wish people can relax without burden and create special memories."