How Many Cups of Coffee Do North Koreans Drink a Year?

When you picture daily coffee culture, Pyongyang probably isn’t the first city that comes to mind. But a closer look at official trade and industry data reveals that coffee is slowly finding its way into North Korean life—even if just a few drops at a time. So, how much coffee are North Koreans really drinking? The answer might surprise you, and it’s backed by hard numbers from international monitors.

The short answer: North Korea’s average resident drinks the equivalent of just 7 cups of coffee per year, based on an annual per capita consumption of 50 grams of green coffee beans, according to a report from the International Coffee Organization (ICO) cited by South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo.

Coffee Imports: From Almost Nothing to Steady Growth

Between 2000 and 2012, North Korea imported an average of 19,000 60-kilogram bags of green coffee beans every year. That may sound modest by global standards, but it marks a huge leap from the 1990s. In the period from 1990 to 1999, annual imports totaled fewer than 1,000 bags. The shift began in the 2000s, with a notable spike in 2000 when imports jumped to 25,000 bags—the highest single-year figure reported in the period.

What Changed? The Rise of Urban Coffee Shops

Analysts attribute the increase in coffee imports to the gradual emergence of coffee shops, primarily in Pyongyang and other major cities. While still far from widespread, these cafes represent a growing urban demand for coffee, especially among more affluent or internationally exposed residents. The presence of coffee shops indicates a slow cultural shift, even if large-scale consumption remains limited.

How Much Is 50 Grams Really?

To put the 50-gram figure into perspective, it takes roughly that amount of roasted coffee to brew one standard cup using common home or café brew methods. That means the average North Korean drinks about 7 such cups per year. For comparison, the average American consumes over 300 cups annually, while global averages vary widely but often surpass 100 cups per person per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cups of coffee does the average North Korean drink per year?

Based on 50 grams of green coffee beans consumed per capita annually, the average North Korean drinks the equivalent of around 7 standard cups of coffee per year. This is calculated using typical brew ratios where 50 grams yields roughly that many cups depending on preparation method.

Did North Korea import any coffee before 2000?

Yes, but in very small quantities. Between 1990 and 1999, North Korea imported fewer than 1,000 60-kilogram bags of green coffee beans per year. Imports began to rise significantly after 2000.

How much coffee did North Korea import in 2000?

In 2000, North Korea imported 25,000 60-kilogram bags of green coffee beans, the highest amount reported for a single year during the covered period and a major spike compared to previous years.

Why has coffee consumption in North Korea increased since 2000?

The increase is attributed to the growth of coffee shops, mainly in Pyongyang and other major cities. These establishments have created a small but noticeable urban demand for coffee, leading to higher import volumes.

What does 50 grams of coffee beans represent in practical terms?

Approximately 50 grams of roasted coffee is enough to brew one standard cup. Therefore, 50 grams per person per year equates to about 7 cups annually for the average North Korean.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Curious Coffee Explorers

If you’re intrigued by how coffee culture develops in unexpected places, try exploring single origins that tell their own origin stories. FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui offers vibrant berry and floral notes, a great example of coffee with distinct regional character. For something earthy and balanced, their Yunnan Arabica highlights fruity and nutty tones with a smooth mouthfeel. And if you prefer a classic profile with chocolatey depth, the Black Cocoa Blend delivers a rich, dessert-like cup. All three showcase how coffee varies by origin—and why even small amounts make an impact. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.