How Much Coffee Did South Korea Import in 2014?

When you’re trying to understand how seriously South Korea takes its coffee, look past the cafés and into the shipping containers. In the midst of a sluggish economy and shrinking consumer spending, one thing kept growing steadily: the country’s appetite for imported coffee. What does the data from 2014 tell us about how big Korea’s coffee habit really was?

In 2014, South Korea imported a record-breaking 139,764 tonnes of coffee — up 14.8% from the year before. The total value of those imports hit $595.415 million, also a high not seen since 2011. That’s not just growth — that’s a national trend in motion.

Korea’s Coffee Import Record in 2014

According to data from the Korea Customs Service released on February 29, 2014 coffee imports reached 139,764 tonnes — the highest level ever recorded. The import value was $595.415 million, marking an 18.2% increase over 2013. This broke previous records, especially in value, since the last peak of $718.93 million in 2011.

To put it in perspective, here’s how the numbers trended:

• 2010: 117,721 tonnes, $418.142 million
• 2011: 130,733 tonnes, $718.93 million
• 2012: 115,374 tonnes, $598.54 million
• 2013: 121,707 tonnes
• 2014: 139,764 tonnes

Why Did Imports Surge Despite Economic Challenges?

Despite a weak economy and overall consumer cutbacks, coffee imports kept climbing. Why? Domestic demand. The number of coffee shops in South Korea exploded during these years, making post-meal coffee a daily ritual for professionals. The trend wasn’t just urban — it was nationwide.

Another factor? The U.S.–Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which reduced tariffs and brought down the price of American-sourced coffee beans, making imports more attractive.

Koreans’ Coffee Consumption Habits

Data from South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), published on January 16, revealed that coffee is the most frequently consumed single food item in Korea — 12.3 times per week. That’s more than kimchi (11.8 times), the country’s so-called “national food.”

This obsession translated into production too. In 2013, Korea produced 650,000 tonnes of coffee products using imported beans — a 63% jump from 2009. The production value hit 1.6545 trillion KRW (about $95.2 million USD), up 92% in five years. While 2014 production stats weren’t officially released, the continued rise in coffee bean imports strongly suggests both output and value kept climbing.

The Bigger Coffee Market Picture

Beyond cafés, other food service segments got in on the act. Bakeries and fast-food chains began adopting both premium and mass-market coffee strategies to attract customers. This diversification helped embed coffee even deeper into daily life.

Industry insiders suggest this upward trajectory isn’t stopping. With coffee shops still spreading and new channels emerging, Korea’s coffee market shows every sign of sustained growth in the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee did South Korea import in 2014?

South Korea imported 139,764 tonnes of coffee in 2014, the highest annual volume on record. This represented a 14.8% increase compared to 2013.

What was the value of South Korea’s coffee imports in 2014?

The total value of South Korea’s coffee imports in 2014 was $595.415 million, up 18.2% year-on-year. It was the highest import value since 2011, when it reached $718.93 million.

Why did South Korea’s coffee imports grow in 2014 despite a weak economy?

Even with economic challenges, domestic coffee demand surged. The rapid growth of coffee shops made drinking coffee after meals a daily habit for many professionals. Additionally, the U.S.–Korea FTA lowered prices on American coffee beans, boosting imports.

How often do Koreans consume coffee?

Koreans consume coffee 12.3 times per week on average, according to government data — more frequently than kimchi, which is consumed 11.8 times weekly. This high consumption supports strong domestic coffee production.

Did South Korea produce coffee products from imported beans in 2013?

Yes. In 2013, Korea produced 650,000 tonnes of coffee products using imported beans, a 63% increase from 2009. The production value was 1.6545 trillion KRW (approx. $95.2 million), up 92% in five years.

What other sectors besides cafés contributed to coffee’s growth in Korea?

Bakeries and fast-food chains began offering more coffee options, using both premium and mass-market strategies. This expansion helped integrate coffee into more everyday dining and snacking occasions beyond traditional cafés.

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