South Korea’s Coffee Consumption Keeps Climbing

When you think about global coffee markets, countries like the U.S., Brazil, or Japan often come to mind. But South Korea? Its coffee scene has quietly evolved—and fast. By 2013, the average Korean was already drinking nearly 500 cups of coffee a year. That’s not just a trend; it’s a habit. So where is the market headed, and how much more room is there to grow?

Yes, there’s still room. In 2013, South Koreans consumed an estimated 242 billion cups of coffee, averaging 484 cups per person. That’s a 55% increase since 2000, according to Dongseo Food . Though it ranked 35th globally, the country’s per-capita coffee intake suggests significant future potential as its GDP stood 15th worldwide at the time.

How Much Coffee Are South Koreans Really Drinking?

In 2013, South Korea’s total coffee consumption hit 242 billion cups. That works out to 484 cups per person annually—an increase of 55% compared to the year 2000. This level of consumption represented approximately 2.1% of the global coffee market. While that may not sound huge, the sheer volume and consistent growth show a mature and expanding domestic taste for coffee.

Where Is the Money Going? Market Segment Breakdown

The same report projected South Korea’s 2013 coffee market revenue at 23 trillion KRW (around 13.1 billion CNY). Here’s how it broke down:

• Instant coffee: 13.86 trillion KRW (59% of the market)
• Coffee beverages (e.g. canned, bottled): 5940 billion KRW (25.4%)
• Whole bean/specialty coffee: 288 billion KRW (12.3%)

Despite the dominance of instant and ready-to-drink options, whole bean coffee held a notable 12.3% share—pointing to the early stages of specialty interest.

Where Are Koreans Drinking Their Coffee?

Cafés have emerged as the primary destination for coffee consumption. In contrast, other channels showed stagnation or decline: vending machines (-2.3%), home consumption (-3.2%), and offices (flat at 0.1%). This shift highlights the social and experiential role coffee now plays in South Korean daily life. As café culture grows, so does the potential for higher-quality, freshly roasted coffee.

What Does the Future Hold?

Kwang-soo Kim, Executive Director of Marketing at Dongseo Food, pointed out: “South Korea’s GDP ranks 15th in the world, yet its coffee market is only 35th. The current level of consumption shows there’s definitely room to grow.” With per-capita coffee intake already high and shifting preferences toward cafés, the stage is set for continued expansion—especially in fresh, specialty offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cups of coffee do South Koreans drink per year?

In 2013, the average South Korean consumed 484 cups of coffee per year, totaling an estimated 242 billion cups nationwide.

What percentage of the global coffee market does South Korea represent?

South Korea accounted for approximately 2.1% of the global coffee market in 2013.

Which type of coffee is most popular in South Korea?

Instant coffee was the dominant category, making up 59% of the market with 13.86 trillion KRW in sales. Coffee beverages were second at 25.4%, and whole bean coffee third at 12.3%.

Where do most South Koreans drink their coffee?

Cafés are now the primary location for coffee consumption, while home, office, and vending machine usage have either declined or stagnated.

Is there room for growth in South Korea’s coffee market?

Yes. Despite high per-capita consumption, industry leaders note that with South Korea’s GDP ranking 15th globally, its coffee market—currently 35th—has significant upside, especially in specialty coffee.

How has coffee consumption changed since 2000 in South Korea?

Since 2000, coffee consumption in South Korea increased by 55%, reflecting a major shift in consumer habits over the past decade.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Korean Café Culture

If you’re exploring Korea’s evolving coffee tastes, try FrontStreet’s Lintong Mandheling for its bold, spicy profile with notes of herbs, toast, and molasses—ideal for those who enjoy traditional dark roasts. For something more balanced, their 2013 Yunnan Typica offers chocolate, nut, and tea-like sweetness with a smooth mouthfeel, perfect for exploring specialty single origins. Both beans showcase the depth that complements Korea’s strong café culture. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.