Exploring South Korea’s Vibrant Coffee Culture

The rising culture of coffee consumption in South Korea is young yet remarkable. South Korea was introduced to coffee after its European counterparts, yet with the substantial growth spurt in the last few years, the coffee culture has started to catch up. Today, with a variety of large chain coffee shops and a lot of small boutique cafés, having a cup of coffee has become more than just a daily habit; it’s a cultural experience! Government data shows there were more than 100,000 coffee shops across the East Asian nation at the end of 2023, collectively generating a whopping 15.5 trillion in sales and employing some 270,000 workers. In this blog, let’s understand the coffee culture of South Korea, its brief history, and how sustainable steps like eco-friendly coffee packaging can shape the world of coffee in the nation.

History of Coffee in South Korea

In earlier days, coffee was served in a "dabang" in South Korea, which means "tearoom". The first dabang appeared in the Sontag Hotel in 1923, during the Japanese colonial era. Coffee was first seen as a symbol of modernization, and only the wealthy could afford the new Western beverage. People in South Korea were confused about how to drink coffee when it was first introduced, and because it was bitter, people consumed it like hard liquor. Over time, as instant coffee gained popularity, specifically in the 1970s and 1980s, it became more accessible to the general public. By the early 2000s, South Korea saw a rise in specialty coffee culture, with cafés focusing on high-quality beans and unique café experiences.

Rising South Korean Coffee Culture

Even though Korea does not cultivate coffee, it has become a nation known for its unique coffee culture. Not just the main regions of Seoul and Busan; in fact, there are many exquisite cafes offering different types of specialty coffee all across the country, even in small towns and cities. As per recent data, approximately 70,000 cafés can be found in South Korea. With over 2,200 locations nationwide, Ediya Co. is the biggest chain of coffee shops in Korea. Moreover, Starbucks operates 1,140 locations throughout 75 cities. With more than 18,000 cafés, Seoul is the coffee capital and has more cafés per person than any other nation worldwide.

From exciting menus to a creative ambiance, Korean cafes follow the latest coffee trends like no other. In addition to the usual coffee options, one can find unique recipes such as popcorn latte or Jollypong latte or creative drinks like the selfie latte, where your photo is printed on your coffee. Additionally, one can also find anything from cat, dog, or raccoon cafés to art cafés, board game cafés, virtual reality cafés, and coffee shops in florists and factories. This café experience itself plays a big part in the way South Koreans enjoy their coffee and has led to an increase in coffee consumption. Lately, single-origin coffee is also being loved across the nation.

Ecotact: Preserving Coffee Freshness in South Korea

As South Korea’s coffee culture rises, the need for sustainable and high-barrier packaging has never been greater. Ecotact, with its 9-layered hermetically sealed bags, aims to keep green coffee beans and roasted coffee beans fresh without any use of pesticides and insecticides. Being hydrocarbon-free and having a high level of temperature tolerance, Ecotact bags keep the aroma and flavour maintained. Being extra-clear and transparent for clean visibility, Ecotact bags are also highly resistant to oil and solvents. With eco-friendly practices in place, Ecotact’s coffee packaging bags are 100% recyclable and reusable. Ensure your coffee stays fresh and flavorful with Ecotact - explore now!