Korean Adults Drink 341 Cups of Coffee Annually

Koreans’ love affair with coffee isn’t slowing down—in fact, it’s accelerating. Whether you’re wondering why your Korean colleagues seem to live on espresso or how the country became a powerhouse in global coffee imports, the numbers tell a clear story. Last year, coffee wasn’t just a drink in South Korea—it was a daily ritual for millions.

Last year, adults in South Korea aged 20 and over consumed an average of 341 cups of coffee each—up 14.4% from the previous year. Total coffee imports reached 1.39 billion kilograms valued at $594 million, marking a 16% increase in volume and 18.3% rise in value compared to the prior year.

The Explosive Growth of Korean Coffee Consumption

South Korea’s coffee intake has been on a steep upward trajectory for over a decade. Over the past ten years, coffee import volume has expanded by 3.6 times, while the import value has surged by 260%. In 2005, Korea imported just $165 million worth of coffee; by last year, that figure had ballooned to $594 million. This growth isn't just in spending—it reflects a fundamental shift in national consumption habits.

How Coffee Shops Fuel the Habit

The dramatic rise in coffee drinking has gone hand-in-hand with the expansion of Korea’s café culture. Between 2006 and 2013, the number of workers in non-alcoholic beverage shops—primarily coffee shops—soared from 56,020 to 134,686. Their share of the total wholesale and retail workforce jumped from 2.3% to 4.7% in the same period. This boom reflects both increased demand and a growing professional ecosystem built around daily coffee consumption.

Where the Coffee Comes From

Korea’s coffee imports are globally sourced, with significant reliance on specific countries for raw beans and roasted products. Last year, Vietnam was the top supplier of green coffee beans, providing 25.8% of Korea’s total coffee bean imports. For roasted or otherwise processed coffee, the United States led the way, accounting for 40.7% of those imports. These trade patterns underscore Korea’s integration into international coffee supply chains, sourcing both raw materials and ready-to-brew products from key global producers.

Coffee Shops Follow Population Density

The distribution of Korea’s coffee consumption closely mirrors population density. In 2013, 25.5% of non-alcoholic beverage shops were located in Seoul, with another 19.3% in Gyeonggi Province. Employment in the sector followed a similar pattern: 31.2% of workers were based in Seoul and 19.4% in Gyeonggi. This concentration highlights how urban centers drive both the demand for and the supply of coffee culture across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cups of coffee do Koreans drink per year on average?

In 2023, adults in South Korea aged 20 and older drank an average of 341 cups of coffee each, reflecting a 14.4% increase from the previous year.

What is the total value of Korea’s coffee imports?

South Korea’s coffee imports in the last recorded year totaled $594 million, with 1.39 billion kilograms of coffee brought into the country—a 16% increase in volume and 18.3% rise in value from the year before.

Which country supplies the most green coffee beans to Korea?

Vietnam was the largest supplier of green coffee beans to South Korea, providing 25.8% of the country’s total coffee bean imports.

Which country is the top exporter of roasted coffee to Korea?

The United States was the leading exporter of roasted or processed coffee to South Korea, accounting for 40.7% of those imports.

How has coffee shop employment grown in Korea?

Between 2006 and 2013, the number of employees in non-alcoholic beverage shops (mainly coffee shops) grew from 56,020 to 134,686, increasing their share of the wholesale and retail workforce from 2.3% to 4.7%.

Where are most coffee shops located in South Korea?

In 2013, 25.5% of coffee shops were in Seoul and 19.3% in Gyeonggi Province, matching the population distribution and showing how urban areas dominate coffee consumption.

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