Top Korean Coffee Brands That Came to China

Looking for the Korean coffee chains that took China by storm? Whether you were in Beijing, Shanghai, or Shenzhen a decade ago, you couldn’t miss them—colorful animal-themed cafés, rustic Scandi-style lounges, or bustling self-serve spots. But which Korean coffee brands actually made it big in China, and how did they grow so fast?

Six major Korean coffee chains entered China between 2011 and 2014, with Cafe Bene leading the pack at over 900 stores in Korea and 1,200 globally. Zoo Coffee, Ediya Coffee, and others followed, rapidly expanding to first- and second-tier Chinese cities.

Cafe Bene: Korea’s Largest Coffee Chain

Founded in 2008, Cafe Bene became South Korea’s largest coffee chain with more than 900 locations nationwide. Beyond coffee, the brand served premium tea, various kinds of lattes, juices, waffles, and baked goods. By 2012, it had grown to over 1,200 stores globally. Cafe Bene entered China in March 2012 and quickly expanded across tier-one and tier-two cities.

Zoo Coffee: From 100 to Global Reach

Launched in 2009, Zoo Coffee already operated over 100 stores by 2011, making it one of Korea’s hottest café chains. Founder Kim Gun-woo, a dynamic young Korean entrepreneur, cited China’s untapped market as the reason for expansion: “The Korean coffee market is saturated, but China still has lots of room.”

Ediya Coffee: Early Entrant in China

Although not detailed in depth here, Ediya Coffee was among the early Korean brands entering China alongside Cafe Bene and Zoo Coffee during the 2011–2014 boom, contributing to the rapid spread of Korean-style coffeehouse culture in urban China.

Mangosix: A Popular Youth-Oriented Brand

Mangosix, another well-known Korean coffee chain, gained popularity for its trendy image and dessert-focused menu. While the source does not specify its entry into China, it was part of the broader wave of Korean brands targeting younger consumers with Instagram-friendly spaces and flavored drinks.

Thean Coffee : Beijing-Based, Fast Expansion Model

Thean Coffee (also known as Man Coffee) was founded by a Korean entrepreneur named Xin Ziziang, who started the brand while based in Beijing. Its first location, Thean Coffee Lidu, opened in January 2011. By the end of 2013, it had opened over 60 stores, with the first 36 reportedly profitable. The chain used a hybrid ownership model: Thean Coffee held 25–35% equity per store, while partners owned 65–75%. This approach enabled rapid growth despite limited initial capital or brand heritage.

Hollys Coffee: Korea’s First Branded Chain

Established in 1998, Hollys Coffee holds the distinction of being Korea’s first branded coffee chain. By the time it entered China in 2013, it had grown to match Starbucks in store count within Korea, ranking as one of the country’s top four coffee brands. Its first Chinese outlet opened in March 2013 in Shenzhen Chegongmiao, with a global flagship following later that year in Shenzhen’s Happy Coast. In 2014, badminton champion Lin Dan joined the brand to open its first Beijing location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Korean coffee brand has the most stores in Korea?

Cafe Bene was the largest Korean coffee chain with over 900 stores in Korea as of its peak, and it expanded to 1,200 locations worldwide.

When did Cafe Bene enter the Chinese market?

Cafe Bene entered China in March 2012 and quickly grew in major cities.

What was Zoo Coffee’s reason for expanding to China?

Zoo Coffee founder Kim Gun-woo stated that Korea’s coffee market was saturated, but China still had significant growth potential.

How did Thean Coffee expand so fast in China?

Thean Coffee used a hybrid ownership model, retaining 25–35% of each store while partners owned 65–75%, enabling rapid rollout with limited capital.

What was Hollys Coffee’s status in Korea before entering China?

Hollys Coffee, founded in 1998, was Korea’s first branded coffee chain and ranked among the top four brands in Korea, matching Starbucks in store numbers by 2013.

How many stores did Zoo Coffee have by 2011?

Zoo Coffee had over 100 stores in Korea by 2011, making it one of the country’s most popular café chains.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Korean Café Culture

For a taste of the balanced, approachable profiles often served in Korean coffee shops, try FrontStreet Coffee’s 2013 Yunnan Ironica—a medium-roast, naturally processed coffee with notes of nuts, chocolate, and black tea. Or explore the Lintong Mandheling, a classic Indonesian single origin with bold spice, wood, and caramel tones when roasted medium-dark. Both beans reflect the kind of smooth, low-acid profiles favored in many Korean café blends. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.