Contrary to the impression I might create here on the blog, I do in fact drink things other than beer.  My non-alcoholic beverage of choice is Diet Coke, or as is the case in Korea, Coke Zero.  I admit to drinking these in copious amounts, anywhere from 4-6 bottles a day. Other than the potential impact on my health and well-being my biggest problem has been keeping an adequate supply in the fridge.

I have previously ordered them online (or more accurately, Jee Yeun has done so) from HomePlus.  I currently have 60 bottles on back-order there but it is unknown when these might arrive.  I’ve been making do with buying small cans from the GS-25 store downstairs, but at W1200 a pop that is not really a viable long term option.  So this afternoon I made the hike to E-Mart.

Damn, it is warm today!  Even with a stopover at Hyundai department store for lunch I had worked up a pretty fair sweat by the time I entered the cool confines of E-Mart.  Last time I had made this journey three weeks ago or so I cleaned them out of every last bottle in stock.  I felt sure they would have resupplied by now but alas, there was nary a bottle to be found.  So in near despair I walked back to my neighborhood and visited my local grocer, the D.C Mart.  I scored the only six bottles they had on hand and can now only hope that HomePlus comes through in the next day or two.

Is there a shortage of Coke Zero in Korea or are stores just incredibly incompetent at keeping their shelves stocked with fast selling merchandise?  I don’t know and I don’t care.  I just need to have some comfort level in knowing that I’ll be able to feed my addiction.  Otherwise my Holy Grail will become Holy hell!