Korea’s Largest Coffee Chain Caffebene Enters China

Korean coffee drinkers have long favored a single dominant player in the retail café space—but what happens when that brand sets its sights on global expansion? For years, South Korea’s most widespread coffee chain quietly built a franchise empire. Now, that same brand is expanding into one of the world’s most competitive coffee markets: China.

In 2014, Caffebene officially entered the Chinese market, forming a joint venture with Chinese investment group Zhongqi Investment. Together, they established Caffebene Management Co., Ltd., headquartered in Beijing’s Chaoyang District. The move brought Korea’s largest café chain to China with plans to rapidly scale.

What Is Caffebene?

Caffebene is South Korea’s largest homegrown coffee chain. Founded in 2008, it quickly grew to include more than 800 locations worldwide. The brand operates in South Korea, the United States, China, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Its rapid rise is largely attributed to a strong franchise model and celebrity endorsements from actors like Jung Yong-hwa and actress Han Ye-seul.

How Did Caffebene Enter China?

In early 2014, Caffebene partnered with Zhongqi Investment Group, a multinational conglomerate with over 60 subsidiaries across real estate, finance, agriculture, tourism, and services. Zhongqi is known for creating global retail brands such as “Chinatown” and “Silk Market.” The collaboration aimed to bring Caffebene’s proven franchise system to China. The joint venture set up its China headquarters in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, at Ketai Building.

What Were Caffebene’s First Moves in China?

Caffebene launched its China operations with the opening of two flagship stores in April 2014: one in Beijing’s Olympic Sports Center area and another in Wangjing’s Fuma area. These openings marked the brand’s official entry. By that time, the company had already signed leases for over 30 locations across major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Dandong, Yanji, Shenyang, and Ningbo. The goal was to rapidly expand into both large and small urban centers across China.

Why Did Caffebene Choose China?

The decision to enter China was driven by the sheer size of the market and the existing success of Caffebene’s franchise model in Korea. Zhongqi Investment was attracted to Caffebene’s operational strength and the star power of its Korean ambassadors, notably actor Jung Yong-hwa (also known as Jang Keun-suk) and actress Han Ye-seul. Both factors contributed to confidence in replicating Caffebene’s brand success internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Caffebene?

Caffebene is South Korea’s largest domestic coffee chain, founded in 2008. It has expanded internationally with over 800 stores in countries including South Korea, the United States, China, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

When did Caffebene enter China?

Caffebene officially entered the Chinese market in early 2014, launching its first two stores in April of that year in Beijing.

Who is Caffebene’s partner in China?

Caffebene partnered with Zhongqi Investment Group, a Chinese multinational conglomerate with investments in real estate, finance, tourism, and services. Together, they formed Caffebene Management Co., Ltd.

Where are Caffebene’s first Chinese stores located?

The first two Caffebene stores in China opened in April 2014—one in Beijing’s Olympic Sports Center area and another in Wangjing’s Fuma area.

How many Caffebene stores were planned for China initially?

By mid-2014, Caffebene had signed agreements for over 30 stores across major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao, Dandong, Yanji, Shenyang, and Ningbo.

Why did Caffebene choose to expand into China?

Caffebene targeted China due to its massive market potential and the proven success of its franchise model in Korea, supported by celebrity endorsements and backing from a major Chinese investor.