치유 관광콘텐츠로서의 카페에 관한 연구

A Study on Cafes as Healing Tourism Content

The purpose of this study is to reveal the significant role that cafe spaces play in shaping people’s daily lives, providing meaning and offering value as comforting spaces for those fatigued by life, viewed through the lens of healing tourism. Historically, cafes have served as spaces for healing—not only as places for people to connect but also as companions in the processes of thinking, exploring and discussing life. In this way, cafes have acted as “powerhouses,” maintaining relationships and fostering social development by stimulating and expanding people’s thoughts. More recently, cafes have emerged as cultural bridges, enhancing social communication and significantly contributing to the reinforcement and maintenance of human relationships. This study focuses on cafes as healing tourism content due to their inherent potential as healing spaces, aiming to deepen understanding of cafe spaces. This approach will not only help expand the cultural scope of cafes but will also contribute to diversifying content within the coffee industry. This study emphasizes the importance of cafe spaces from a healing tourism perspective for three main reasons. First, it aligns with the importance of cultural exchange. Second, it highlights the symbolic meaning and cultural value of coffee. Third, it contributes to the study of human psychology and lifestyle. Thus, through an analysis of cafe spaces within healing tourism, this study suggests the followings: first, cafes are spaces that provide healing through conversation, akin to European coffee houses; second, they contribute to mental and psychological well-being; third, they promote ecotourism and sustainability; and fourth, they offer experiences of cultural and healing tourism. Given the recent implementation of laws related to healing tourism, the development of cafes as healing tourism spaces is prioritized. This includes, first, positioning cafes as healing tourism content and utilizing their potential value; second, expanding knowledge of “third spaces” through cafes as healing tourism; and third, validating the ideas presented in this study. These findings provide a theoretical basis for ongoing research into the evolving role of cafes as healing tourism spaces.