[Instagram Walk] "Flight to Paris is Taking Off" Overseas Trip Starting at a Cafe

Blocked Skyway Airport Concept Cafe
Relive Overseas Travel Experiences
Former Airline Staff CEO
Created Unique Airport-Themed Cafe
Souvenirs and Runway Atmosphere Full of Airport Vibes
Vicarious Satisfaction... This Alone Is Comfort
5% Discount for Airline Employees

Cafe 'Ground Time' by the airport road in Gangseo-gu, Seoul / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] It has been well over a year since COVID-19 began shaking our once ‘ordinary’ daily lives. Now, wearing masks, filling out entry logs, and QR code verification have become familiar behaviors and solemn rituals for us. On the other hand, some things have become unfamiliar. Overseas travel, which was blocked after the pandemic reached global proportions, is a prime example. International airports, once bustling with passengers boarding international flights on weekends or holidays, are now desolate. Those longing to experience 'in-flight meals' feel a great sense of loss. Many dream about the day they can freely visit resorts or tourist spots around the world again.

With the skies closed, overseas travelers are seeking alternatives. One option is experiencing passenger planes and in-flight meals through non-landing flights while also using duty-free shops. However, even this is not easy. Competition for tickets is fierce, and enhanced quarantine procedures inevitably add to the burden. Is there a simpler, less burdensome way? The airport concept cafe 'Groundtime,' located near Gimpo Airport along Gonghang-daero in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, might help revive the overseas travel experience.

'Groundtime' is an aviation term that can be interpreted as 'time on the ground.' It refers to the short period when a passenger plane waits near the runway before takeoff at the airport. During this time, the complex machinery of the aircraft undergoes thorough checks of the engines and systems for any abnormalities before departure. The aviation industry workers call this time spent handling various pre-flight tasks 'Groundtime.'

Decorations reminiscent of an airport are placed throughout the interior of the cafe. / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

Son Jiseon, CEO of Groundtime, said she named the cafe with the meaning of giving visitors a brief rest period, like the waiting time before a plane takes off. While Groundtime is a hectic time for those inspecting the aircraft, she chose the name considering the perspective of the plane and travelers.

Until August last year, Son was an airline employee. Then, the COVID-19 crisis hit the aviation industry, and she eventually had to quit her job. Despite this, she leveraged her work experience to establish a unique airport-themed cafe. She said, "I always wanted to open a cafe someday while working, but I never imagined I would leave my job and start something new so soon. COVID-19 pushed me to take that step."

Groundtime opened in December last year. Although the cafe is only four months old, it is frequently visited by people who miss airports and passenger planes.

Son personally designed the interior. Small frames resembling airplane windows, floors depicting airport runways, and counters similar to airport check-in desks?all the objects inside Groundtime reflect Son’s memories from her time in the airline industry. The unique airport concept is also reflected in the social media she manages.

Order counter resembling an airport check-in desk. / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

Notices posted on Groundtime’s blog and Instagram closely resemble announcements airlines make to customers. "Dear customers, hello. Thank you for visiting Magok Groundtime today." Even the posts on the blog exude the scent of an airport. Referring to herself as the captain or purser of Groundtime allows visitors to experience a virtual flight. She often says, "I will serve you with the mindset of a purser responsible for your journey." Calling the interior the 'cabin' is similar. It reflects the determination to serve customers with the same commitment as a plane captain ensuring passengers’ safety and comfort from takeoff to landing.

Customer satisfaction is relatively high. One visitor said, "I usually traveled to Japan around this time of year, but since last year, I haven’t even thought about it. However, when I come to this cafe, I at least get the feeling of waiting for a plane at the airport. That alone brings me comfort." Similar sentiments are frequently posted on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. Netizens praise the cafe as "a fascinating airport-themed cafe," "not an actual flight, but at least a vicarious satisfaction," and "I think I will keep coming here until I can fly again."

Son has prepared a small benefit for airline workers who are still enduring difficult times due to COVID-19. Showing proof of being an airline employee grants about a 5% discount. This reflects her affectionate regard for those still involved in the industry she was part of before starting the cafe.

Floor design resembling an airport runway. / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

Although she left the familiar aviation industry and moved into the new field of running a cafe, Son says she feels she is doing similar work in terms of gaining fulfillment by providing the best service to visitors. She said, "I worked for an airline for 11 years starting in 2009. Flying, visiting unfamiliar places, and seeing the joyful expressions of travelers were all meaningful experiences. Now, running a cafe, I feel the same satisfaction when I hear that customers are happy with the service I provide."

She added, "Although the skies are currently closed, someday infectious diseases will be controlled, and airplanes and airports will be bustling again. It just requires a little time for recovery. I hope Groundtime can be a temporary, relaxing refuge for those dreaming of takeoff in the near future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.