The Inha Times interviewed the owner of the 'Soblig Cafe', the most famous cafe in Inha University's back gate. The Sobling cafe is gaining popularity among Inha university students because this cafe is holding many 'free sharing events' for Inha university students and is providing cheap and delicious coffee. Lee Seok-hyun, the owner of the cafe, was currently an undergraduate student in the Department of Physics 08. I had a short interview with Lee Seok-hyun.

The Inha Times (IT) : What founded you to start the Sobling Cafe?

Lee Seok-hyun : When I was young, I originally wanted to do business, not employment after graduating from university. So, I have saved money for my business by tutoring since the first grade. During my time in the army, I designed a business start-up and started a business after I left the military in January 2015. In fact, I made the "Sobling" as shop name when I was in the military. At first, I started my business as a Gimbap restaurant, and in May 2016, I started my business again with a Sobling Cafe. Actually, I don't like to learn from other people, so I wanted to start a business. Eventually, this is the beginning of the Sobling Cafe.

IT : What's the difference between Sobling Café and other Cafes?
Lee : We value cleanliness. Even when educating part-timers, I always ask them to make coffee clean, even if it takes more time. So, when our part-timers come to work, they have to cut their nails and wear gloves and masks, as well as do alcohol disinfection. We also increased the speed to help busy students to take out their coffee quickly. Five espresso machines are installed in the cafe to brew coffee faster. In fact, most other cafes have two espresso machines.

IT : I know that you plan for 'sharing’ projects. Please introduce the projects for Inha University students.

Lee : 'Sharing at the week of school begin’ event is held in every semester. This year, we will give free one shot americano at 8 to 11 a.m. during the week of school begin. During the test period, there are two projects. First, 'Sharing event at test period' is held for giving free americano in the store. In addition, we help a "Giving snack at Test-Period Snack" event that is held by student council of department. We provide americano coffee with some drinks and snacks to the student council of department that plans to do the event. In 2018, the project was proceeded in physics, business school, electronics, information and communication engineering, and computer engineering.

IT : Do you have any other plans about the ‘sharing event’? Tell us about the plan, please.
Lee : Last year, we had 'cup Sharing' event of small scale that we gave students ‘free cups’. I'm planning to expand the 'cup sharing' event this year. I want to provide free cups for students in OT and MT. I wish that students can use disposable cups that I gave more conveniently and comfortably. I had to write my name on the disposable cup and recycle the cup to save money in OT and MT, I felt pathetic for the situation. Since I buy a large amount of disposable cups, I can buy cups cheap so I can share those cups without economic burden. Thus, I will expand this event.

IT : What made you do the ‘Sharing’ business?

Lee : I worked various activities at the Natural Science College student council and the Department of Physics student council, so naturally I knew that the budget is too tight and hard to run the programs that help students. But I didn't want to decrease the quality of the activities and program only for saving a little money. Then I talked with juniors about their life, I discovered that it's not easy for them to live well as only with their economic power without helpers. So I thought, "If I have anything that can help my juniors of university, I'll support them." Eventually I started ‘Sharing’ event.

IT : What would you like to say something to Inha University students?
Lee : When I see junior who are sad and discouraged by their employment, I always feel heartbreak and want to tell them that employment is not everything. After I talked with my friends who got a job around me, I think that late start of about a year and two year not affect in our life. I want to continue the 'sharing' event and give the best help as much as I can for Inha University students who have stress about test and employment

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