Mapo Nuguna Cafe With Monthly Sales Over 10 Million Won...Now Opens at Health Center

People with disabilities serve as co-representatives, supporting self-reliance and employment or start-up opportunities

The Mapo Nuguna Cafe, where people with disabilities take the lead as managers, has opened its second branch, expanding its role as a model for self-reliance and employment or start-up opportunities for people with disabilities. The Mapo District Office in Seoul (Mayor Park Kangsu) opened the second branch of the Mapo Nuguna Cafe on the first floor of the Mapo District Health Center on February 24 and began full-scale operations. It is operated by the Mapo District Association of People with Disabilities and is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Park Kangsu, mayor of Mapo District, attended the opening ceremony of the second branch of the Mapo Nuguna Cafe and posed for a commemorative photo with co-representatives with disabilities and other officials. Provided by Mapo District Office.

The key feature of this cafe is its structure, in which people with disabilities participate not just as employees but as “co-representatives.” Two co-representatives with disabilities, selected regardless of disability type, complete a probationary period and then work in an official capacity. They gain hands-on experience in all aspects of store operations, including beverage preparation, customer service, inventory and sales settlement, and accounting management, and they receive a share of the profits. One dedicated manager is stationed on-site to provide job training and support operations.

The first branch, which opened earlier in the basement level one of the Mapo District Office building in August last year, has established itself stably with average monthly sales of more than 10 million won. It is operated under a rotating work system by seven co-representatives and two managers.

One of the first-branch co-representatives, identified by the surname Park, said, “The moment a customer tells me that the coffee I made tastes good is when I feel happiest,” adding, “I feel proud as a barista, regardless of my disability.” The guardian of a co-representative with a severe brain lesion disability also said, “There are not many opportunities for people with severe disabilities to work, so I am very grateful that they can work through the Mapo Nuguna Cafe.”

Taking the opening of the second branch as a starting point, the district plans to continue expanding its “Nuguna” series, including the Nuguna Sports Center, Nuguna Store, and Nuguna Cultural Creation Studio.

Park Kangsu, Mayor of Mapo District, said, “The Mapo Nuguna Cafe is an employment and start-up support model that helps people with disabilities demonstrate their capabilities as key members of the local community, rather than as subjects of protection,” adding, “I hope the newly opened second branch will create more opportunities for challenges and serve as a catalyst for spreading positive change throughout the community.”