Why Koreans Drink More Coffee Than Eat Kimchi

Koreans now drink coffee more often than they eat kimchi or even rice—but why? With over 20,000 coffee shops in Seoul alone, the country’s love affair with coffee isn’t just a trend. It’s a daily ritual backed by hard numbers—and maybe even a surprising flavor connection.

Koreans drink coffee an average of 12.3 times per week, according to a recent report from South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. That’s more frequent than kimchi (11.8 times) and rice (9.6 times)—the nation’s culinary staples.

The Coffee Boom in South Korea

Once dominated by a handful of global chains, South Korea’s coffee scene has exploded. In 2012, Seoul had around 11,000 coffee shops. Today, that number has more than doubled to over 20,000. This rapid growth reflects how deeply coffee has become embedded in the daily lives of Koreans, far beyond a simple imported beverage.

Why Coffee Outpaces Traditional Foods

The report highlights coffee as the single most frequently consumed food or drink item among Koreans. While rice and kimchi remain dietary pillars, their weekly intake doesn’t match the sheer repetition of coffee drinking. This suggests a cultural shift where coffee is not just a luxury or occasional treat, but a daily necessity for many.

The Unexpected Flavor Link to Korean Cuisine

Some food experts offer an unusual explanation: the taste of coffee may resemble traditional Korean “pot-bottom soup,” made from the crispy rice crust (or nurungji) left at the bottom of a cooked pot. Mothers would traditionally add water to this crust and boil it into a comforting soup. According to food critics, the roasted, slightly bitter notes of coffee evoke similar flavors, creating an unexpected sensory familiarity that may contribute to its widespread appeal.

High Prices Don’t Deter Consumption

Despite the nation’s caffeine obsession, coffee in South Korea remains expensive. Yet neither cost nor availability seems to have curbed its popularity. Whether in high-end cafés or quick convenience-store cups, Koreans continue to make coffee their go-to choice throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a week do Koreans drink coffee on average?

Koreans drink coffee 12.3 times per week on average, according to a government report by South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation.

What food do Koreans consume more often than coffee?

Koreans consume rice 9.6 times per week and kimchi 11.8 times per week—both less frequently than coffee, which is consumed 12.3 times per week.

How many coffee shops are there in Seoul now?

There are now over 20,000 coffee shops in Seoul, up from around 11,000 in 2012.

Why might coffee taste familiar to Koreans?

Some food critics suggest coffee’s flavor resembles traditional Korean pot-bottom soup, made from the crispy rice crust (nurungji) at the bottom of cookware, which is boiled into a soup. The roasted, slightly bitter profile of coffee may echo that taste.

Is coffee expensive in South Korea?

Yes, coffee is considered expensive in South Korea, but high prices have not reduced its frequent consumption among Koreans.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Korean Coffee Lovers

For those exploring Korea’s coffee culture, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for its bright citrus and floral notes, or Yirgacheffe for a juicy, berry-forward cup. Both single origins highlight the clarity and complexity that pair well with the nuanced palates of frequent coffee drinkers. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.