A cartoon apple welcomes visitors to Apple Changko Cafe in Pocheon, South Korea. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)
A roadside cafe just minutes from the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex near the North Korean border offers troops a sweet alternative to standard military rations.
Apple Changko Cafe, nestled near the base, transforms apples from a nearby orchard into fresh pies, tarts and turnovers. This cozy spot provides an affordable break for visitors, with pastries costing the equivalent of $2.50 and coffee or juice priced between $4 and $5.
The cafe’s name is derived from chang-ko, an affectionate way of saying chang-go, meaning “warehouse” in Korean. Though its entrance is easy to miss, visitors will find ample parking and a welcoming atmosphere. A large cartoon apple figure greets guests, with benches and decorative apple sculptures providing the perfect backdrop for group photos.
Despite its small exterior, the cafe has a spacious interior filled with tables, chairs, colorful wallpaper, and the aroma of fresh coffee. R&B music plays in the background as customers browse the menu, which includes signature apple pies, turnovers, and fresh-pressed apple juice.
Black coffee and an apple pie from Apple Changko Cafe in Pocheon, South Korea. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)
The apple pies are sweet, while the turnovers have a tart flavor. A black coffee and apple pie make for a well-balanced pairing, with the flaky, gooey pastry complementing the rich brew.
For those who prefer a refreshing drink, the cafe offers fresh apple juice served in a unique way. A canning machine seals the juice in a plastic cup with an aluminum lid, allowing customers to take it on the go.
The apples used in the cafe’s treats come from a 16-acre farm adjacent to the shop, according to owner Kim Juho. The farm has been in operation for a decade, and the cafe opened its doors in May 2023.
Pocheon’s temperate climate makes it ideal for apple farming, Kim said.
Beyond baked goods and juice, the cafe also sells fresh apples, apple jelly, and vinegar made from the farm’s produce.
While most restaurants in Pocheon cater to traditional Korean cuisine, Apple Changko Cafe provides a convenient and satisfying escape for those training at Rodriguez Range.
Apple Changko Cafe, near the Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in Pocheon, South Korea, transforms apples from a nearby orchard into fresh pies, tarts and turnovers. (David Choi/Stars and Stripes)
Apple Changko Cafe
Location: 2676 Hoguk-ro, Yeongjung-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Prices: Most items cost between $2 and $5.
Dress: Casual
Directions: A 10-minute drive from the front gate of Rodriguez Live Fire Complex.
Information: Phone: 010-9171-1143; instagram.com/sagwaggangpae
