Korean Office Workers Drink 3.2 Cups of Coffee Daily Amid High Dependency

Koreans working in offices aren't just typing away at their desks—they’re sipping, scrolling, and searching nonstop. A recent employment site survey reveals just how dependent white-collar workers have become on caffeine, the internet, and their phones, and how those habits are affecting their focus and health.

In a survey of 1,159 Korean professionals, 79.4% said they had some kind of workplace dependency—with coffee and other caffeinated drinks topping the list at 38.5%. That dependency translates to an average of 3.2 cups of coffee per person per day, costing an extra 10,000 KRW (roughly $7.50 USD) weekly. After coffee, internet searching came in second (35.2%), followed by smoking (26.4%) and drinking alcohol (25.4%).

Why Korean Office Workers Rely on Coffee—and How Much They Really Drink

For many Korean professionals, coffee isn’t just a morning pick-me-up—it’s a daily necessity. Among those who reported a dependency on caffeinated drinks, the average consumption is 3.2 cups per day. That routine adds up: respondents estimated they spend an additional 10,000 KRW weekly just on coffee. The reliance isn’t surprising—coffee provides a quick jolt to push through long hours and tight deadlines, especially in high-pressure office environments.

The Internet and Smartphone Habits That Follow

Beyond caffeine, digital distractions are also a major workplace crutch. On average, workers spend 2.6 extra hours per day online for non-work-related browsing. Their top searches include news, random curiosity, social media trends, shopping, and aimless web surfing. When it comes to smartphones, usage averages 4 hours per day—with 22% of that time spent on social networking apps. Other common phone distractions include casual browsing (unspecified), gaming, texting, and using various apps.

What Are the Real Costs of These Dependencies?

These habits come with consequences. When asked about negative side effects, 26.7% of respondents said their ability to concentrate on work had decreased—the most commonly reported issue. Other reported downsides included reduced physical strength and immunity (likely from poor sleep or nutrition), memory problems, increased emotional sensitivity, and general fatigue. In short, while coffee, the internet, and smartphones help workers get through the day, they may also be quietly eroding focus and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cups of coffee do Korean office workers drink per day on average?

Korean professionals who are dependent on caffeinated drinks consume an average of 3.2 cups of coffee per day. This habit is most common among those reporting a reliance on caffeine, with 38.5% of surveyed workers citing coffee and similar beverages as their main dependency.

What do Korean office workers spend the most time doing online?

Outside of work tasks, Korean office workers spend an average of 2.6 hours per day online. Their most common non-work internet activities include checking news, browsing out of curiosity, scrolling social feeds, looking at trending topics, and shopping.

How much time do Korean professionals spend on their smartphones daily?

Korean office workers spend an average of 4 hours per day on their smartphones. The majority of that time—22%—is spent on social networking services (SNS), followed by general web browsing, gaming, messaging, and using various apps.

What are the most reported negative effects of these workplace dependencies?

The most commonly reported downside is reduced concentration at work, cited by 26.7% of respondents. Other negative impacts include lower physical stamina and immunity, memory issues, increased emotional sensitivity, and general feelings of tiredness or lethargy.

Are there financial costs associated with coffee dependency in the workplace?

Yes. Korean professionals who rely on coffee and other caffeinated drinks spend an additional 10,000 KRW (approximately $7.50 USD) per week on average. Smokers reported spending even more—an extra 87,000 KRW monthly (about $65 USD) on cigarettes.

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