Cafe customers sneak in naengmyeon, eat full meal without ordering

Customers at a cafe were caught on camera eating bibim naengmyeon — spicy mixed cold noodles — they had brought from outside, without ordering anything from the establishment.

The incident was featured Monday on JTBC's "Sageon Banjang," a TV consumer affairs program, based on a tip from a cafe owner identified only as A.

According to A, three customers recently visited the cafe, sat down at a table and immediately began drinking bottled beverages they appeared to have brought from outside — without placing any order. One of them then pulled out a food container and started eating. Inside was bibim naengmyeon. The group added seasoning, mixed the noodles and proceeded to eat their meal.

"I heard the sound of noodles being tossed around and looked over, and there was a customer holding up noodles and eating them," A said.

"They hadn't been in the store long, but it seemed like they started eating the moment they arrived," A added. "They had already been drinking bottled drinks — things like soda and energy drinks." The entire scene was captured on the cafe's CCTV footage.

A approached the table and told the customers that outside food was not permitted and that each person was required to order at least one drink. Only then did they place an order, A said. A sign posted in the cafe at the time stated that one drink per customer was mandatory.

"I open and close the place alone, so it's hard to keep track of everything," A said. "I just hope people follow the guidelines."