Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

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I used to think waking up at 7 AM on a Saturday was strictly for hiking or catching an early flight. But living in South Korea has introduced me to another highly competitive morning sport: the dessert "open-run."

For those who don't know, an open-run means lining up before a store even opens to guarantee you get what you want. And here, it isn't just for luxury bags—it’s for bagels, viral chocolates, and aesthetic pastries. Recently, a wildly popular bakery opened near my neighborhood. Deciding to join the local culture, I found myself standing in a massive line wrapping around the block in the early morning chill.

Standing there, surrounded by people eagerly chatting and updating their social media, I realized this is about so much more than just sugar and carbs. In Korea's fast-paced society, participating in an open-run is almost like a shared social event. It is about the thrill of the hunt, experiencing a fleeting cultural trend together, and the deep satisfaction of securing something limited.

When the doors finally opened and I sat down with my hard-earned, perfectly baked pastry and the mandatory Iced Americano, I have to admit—it tasted like victory. The open-run might seem crazy to outsiders, but it is undeniably one of the sweetest and most dedicated food cultures you will ever experience.