I don’t know how you grew up, but for me, cotton candy was always a treat solely available at festivals, carnivals, and other similar local events. To be walking down the metropolitan streets of Seoul, Korea and spot a cotton candy cloud in the shape of a flower was absolutely one of the most unexpected sugary treats to see. Granted we were in the lively and young Hongdae district of Seoul, but still, have you ever seen a vending machine that makes cotton candy in your choice of a flower design? Get ready to if you’re planning to visit Seoul, Korea. (This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.) Hongdae is a neighborhood that pulsates with the energy of youth and creativity, where street artists are busking in one direction, quirky and cute cafes are around every corner, and there are flagship stores and chic boutiques for shopping in the other direction. I called Hondgae my home in Seoul for the first decade in the country and it is fun and always has something that will catch the eye. Head into Hongdae and you can spot the popular Ramyun Library and after that salty treat, turn the corner and you might be able to find a spectacle that would delight even the most jaded traveler: a cotton candy vending machine, and not just any machine, but one that sculpts the cotton candy into the cutest of flower shapes. At first glance, I was skeptical. A machine that churns out candy floss in floral arrangements seemed more like a figment of a carnival impresario’s imagination than a real, operational device. But there it was, its bright colors beckoning passersby, and with a nine year old in tow, of course we had to stop and see what it was all about. I really shouldn’t have scoffed at the idea though. They’re getting robots to deliver food in Korea and there are autonomous buses and taxis, so sure, why not a simple cotton candy vending machine? You simply choose your favorite flower shape, of which there are plenty to choose from and once you’re happy with your choices, the machine whirs to life. Watch through the window as spinning sugar is effortlessly turned from basic cotton candy into a blooming flower right before your eyes. Within minutes, we were holding a stick topped with a delicate but also fairly giant, sugary blossom, almost too pretty to eat. Almost. I did say I was with a nine year old, right? Hongdae is one of the most fun districts in Seoul to stay and being able to find quirky fun treats like this is the reason why. If you ever find yourself wandering the streets and alleys of Hongdae, keep your eyes peeled for this charming contraption. It’s not every day you see a machine that combines technology, art, and confectionery into one delightful experience. Oh and I should mention, you can spot this fun vending machine in other parts of Korea as well. From vending machines to buy bouquets to vending machines to buy meat for dinner, there’s a vending machine for everyone in Korea and this one is for the sugar lovers. Did you like this post? Pin IT! The post Cotton Candy Vending Machine In Korea: Our Sugar Crush appeared first on The Soul of Seoul.

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