The recent opening of a convenience store featuring Korean products in Havana has sparked widespread curiosity among Cubans, with a common question on everyone's mind: What currency is accepted there?
Located at the crossroads of J and 27 Streets in El Vedado, Plaza de la Revolución, this market operates Monday through Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It provides an immersive experience for Cuban fans of South Korean culture, allowing them to purchase items they typically see in their favorite K-dramas.
Contrary to some expectations, the Korean market accepts payments in the national currency (CUP), both in cash and through electronic transfers. This news has sparked various reactions, such as a light-hearted comment from Facebook user "El diario de Tom el gato," who joked, "Soon they'll open an Eskimo market to sell penguins and seals. Surely, we'll have to pay with Korean won, Chinese yuan, or Japanese yen... Oh no, I'm out. Sayonara."
Despite allowing payments in CUP, the product prices are beyond the reach of the average Cuban. Here's a list of some popular items and their prices:
- Fruit-flavored sodas without colorants: 280 CUP
- Flavored waters and aloe vera drinks: 380 CUP
- Soju bottle: 290 CUP
- Instant noodle packs (ramyeon): between 1,000 and 1,500 CUP
- Tea bag: 150 CUP
- Instant coffee: 200 CUP
- Kimbap (rice and seaweed): 800 CUP
These prices have ignited a debate about the affordability of these products, considering that the average salary in the island barely covers some of these items. Nonetheless, the market has drawn many young K-pop and K-drama enthusiasts eager to taste the flavors they've seen on screen.
This phenomenon highlights how cultural globalization affects even a complex economic environment like Cuba, where access to international products remains a luxury for most.
Currency and Accessibility in Havana's Korean Market
What currency is accepted at the Korean market in Havana?
The Korean market in Havana accepts payments in the national currency (CUP), both in cash and through electronic transfers.
Are the products in the Korean market affordable for the average Cuban?
The prices of products in the Korean market are generally beyond the reach of the average Cuban, sparking debate about their accessibility.