Why Koreans Drink So Much Americano Coffee

Walk down any street in Seoul or Busan and you’ll stumble upon a line of people waiting outside cafés—not for lattes or seasonal drinks, but mostly for a simple cup of black coffee. For international students and expats, Korean cafés function as hybrid workspaces, libraries, and social hubs. But beneath the surface of this café boom lies an unexpected truth: the country’s most beloved coffee isn’t a fancy latte or a seasonal special, but the humble Americano.

Koreans overwhelmingly choose Americano as their go-to coffee. Surveys and café orders consistently show it as the top-selling drink nationwide. Its popularity stems from its low-calorie count, strong flavor, and suitability for both takeout and sit-down drinking. Most Koreans drink it black, often from chain cafés, and many cite weight-consciousness as a key reason.

The Accidental Birth of the Korean Café

Coffee arrived in Korea less than 150 years ago, during the late Joseon Dynasty. Its introduction is tied to political history: in the late 19th century, King Gojong sought refuge from Japanese influence at the German legation in Seoul. There, he developed a taste for coffee, and it quickly became a symbol of elite status. The very first “tea booths” —the precursor to modern cafés—were established on land gifted by the king to a German servant, who began selling coffee-based drinks to the royal court and high-ranking officials.

These early tea booths were not public hangouts. They were exclusive spaces for bureaucrats and intellectuals, located in areas like Myeongdong and Chungmuro. Visiting one meant affording a luxury few could manage. That exclusivity set the tone for coffee as a high-class novelty for decades.

From Royal Drink to National Obsession

Coffee remained a rare commodity through much of the 20th century, but by the late 1990s, global chains began transforming Korean coffee culture. In 1999, Starbucks opened its first branch in Seoul’s Sinchon area, near Ewha Womans University—the first major global chain in the country. With it, the term “tea booth” faded, replaced by the modern “café.”

Since then, Korea’s café scene has exploded. Today, cafés are everywhere: on street corners, inside subway stations, and even inside schools and offices. Every few steps, you’ll find another franchise or independent shop serving espresso-based drinks—including, most commonly, the Americano.

Why Americans Love Americano (in Korea)

Koreans didn’t invent the Americano, but they’ve made it their own. The drink—espresso diluted with hot water—is valued for its simplicity and low calorie count. While other coffee drinks on café menus often list alarmingly high calorie numbers, Americanos are nearly calorie-free. That makes them especially appealing to health-conscious consumers, particularly women.

When asked why they choose Americano, many Koreans cite its light, clean taste and lack of milk or sugar. Others simply prefer the no-frills ritual. Whatever the reason, it dominates the market. Cafés don’t just serve it—they sell it by the millions daily.

Cafés as Multi-Functional Spaces

For many Koreans, cafés aren’t just places to drink coffee. They’re essential infrastructure for daily life. University students, for example, often study in cafés because campus dorms are scarce and library seats are limited and highly competitive. A café offers free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a socially acceptable environment for group study sessions—something most libraries discourage.

Professionals, too, favor cafés for informal business meetings. Unlike China’s famed drinking culture, Korean business discussions often happen over coffee instead of alcohol. The casual atmosphere, comfortable seating, and reliable internet make cafés ideal for both focused work and networking.

Coffee as Lifestyle Accessory

Even those who don’t drink coffee often carry branded cups as fashion statements. In Korean pop culture—like in scenes from the drama Goblin (《》)—characters are seen holding coffees not necessarily to drink, but to signal a leisurely, cosmopolitan lifestyle. A coffee cup, especially from a well-known chain, functions almost like jewelry or a designer handbag.

Takeaway coffee culture is huge. Dedicated shops sell nothing but grab-and-go cups, often at lower prices than sit-down chains. Even when bought for takeaway, the brand on the cup matters. Some customers prefer the ambiance of a chain café but take their drink elsewhere—paying not just for the coffee, but for the logo and experience.

What Makes a Good Americano?

Though simple, a great Americano depends heavily on the espresso used to make it. Most cafés pull a double shot (about 20g of coffee yielding 40g of espresso), then dilute it with roughly 180g of hot water for a 1:4.5 brew ratio. For iced versions, the same espresso is poured over ice and mixed with cold water to balance strength and temperature.

The quality of the espresso relies on the beans. Most Korean cafés use medium to medium-dark roasts, which produce a balanced, crema-rich shot that holds up when diluted. Acidity is muted, body remains present, and sweetness can shine through if the blend is well constructed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Americano the most popular coffee in Korea?

Americano is the top choice in Korea primarily due to its low calorie count, strong and clean flavor, and suitability for both hot and iced preparation. It is also widely available and affordable, making it a practical everyday drink for students, office workers, and casual drinkers alike.

Are there any historical reasons behind Korea’s coffee culture?

Yes. Coffee was first introduced to Korea in the late 19th century during the Joseon Dynasty when King Gojong developed a taste for it while taking refuge at the German legation. This royal endorsement helped shape coffee as an elite drink, initially served in exclusive “tea booths” that later evolved into modern cafés.

Do Koreans really drink more Americano than other types of coffee?

Yes. Market data and anecdotal reports from café chains consistently show that Americano is the best-selling coffee drink in Korea. Its popularity spans all age groups and demographics, outperforming lattes, cappuccinos, and seasonal beverages year-round.

Why do students and workers favor cafés over other spaces?

Cafés in Korea offer free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, power outlets, and a socially acceptable environment for both studying and informal meetings. With limited dormitory space and competitive library seating, cafés function as essential alternatives for students and remote workers.

What makes a good Americano according to Korean café standards?

A good Americano in Korea is typically made with a double shot of espresso (around 20g coffee to 40g espresso) diluted with about 180g of hot water for a balanced 1:4.5 ratio. The espresso is usually medium to medium-dark roasted to ensure a smooth, crema-rich base that remains flavorful when diluted.

Is take-away coffee popular in Korea?

Yes. Take-away coffee is a major trend, with dedicated shops offering low-cost, no-seat options. Even when bought from premium chains, many customers prefer to take their coffee out, often valuing the brand image and convenience over sitting in the café itself.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Americano

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