Nina Jobst
Research expert covering South Korea
Coffee market in South Korea - statistics & facts
Coffee is a big deal in South Korea. Despite tea culture in the country dating back over one thousand years, nowadays coffee in its various forms is sold by a wide range of cafes and stores and is arguably the most popular drink in Korea. Coffee penetrated offices, restaurants, and homes in the 1970s with Dong Suh Foods Corporation’s innovation, instant coffee, which was easy to make and consume. Later in the 2000s, Koreans started to appreciate brewed coffees as well, with increased coffee product sales, and in two decades the industry has now reached saturation.
Among the most popular mega coffee franchises were Starbucks, Mega Coffee, and Paik's Coffee. However, apart from Starbucks, Ediya had the most cafes in South Korea as of 2023. All of these franchise rivals compete vigorously across different domains such as dessert menus, discount policies, and user-friendly services. Many offer rooms where visitors can study or work, some even with video projectors and whiteboards. Independent cafés on the other hand, tend to specialize in their menu or offer unique concepts in their interior.
Korean Love for Coffee
The average adult over 19 years old consumed around one to two cups a day. Coffee has become the go-to beverage for a majority of South Koreans, still growing in popularity. This leads to continuously increasing coffee consumption in the country.Among the most popular mega coffee franchises were Starbucks, Mega Coffee, and Paik's Coffee. However, apart from Starbucks, Ediya had the most cafes in South Korea as of 2023. All of these franchise rivals compete vigorously across different domains such as dessert menus, discount policies, and user-friendly services. Many offer rooms where visitors can study or work, some even with video projectors and whiteboards. Independent cafés on the other hand, tend to specialize in their menu or offer unique concepts in their interior.
New Trends for Coffee in Korea
Coffee drinkers have presented a polarization in consumption, from choosing budget options in convenience stores to exploring specialty flavors in local roasteries. Coffee merchants have strived to diversify the origin of coffee beans, enhance their own roasting skills, and develop coffee machines for households. Furthermore, South Koreans are keen to experience new ways of enjoying coffee, which has been responsible for fads, like nitro cold brew, uniquely blended coffees, and even the Dalgona Coffee trend. It appears that South Koreans’ taste for coffee remains strong and the cafe industry is bound to benefit from further innovations in this market.
