If you have ever visited South Korea, you will have noticed a coffee shop on virtually every corner of the street, and if there isn't then each convenience store is highly stocked with various coffees. So why is coffee so popular in Korea?
As a proud Brit, I have always been raised with a "cup of tea" and like most Brits, after a long day, or when you feel stressed a cup of tea is a way to take some time out and gather your thoughts. However, in the UK, coffee culture is slowly growing. When I moved to Korea, I was really surprised how many coffee shops there were.
I recently read that there is over 100,000 coffee shops in Korea, from big chains like Starbucks, to smaller local chains or one off stores. Whenever I am in downtown, I tend to be only a couple of meters away from a coffee shop. Most of the coffee shops also offer a very competitive price, typically around 1,500 KRW (USD 1.09) for a take out, or for a bigger chain around 5,000 KRW (USD 3.60) . Which for me is a really good price.
Let's check out why coffee culture is so big in Korea!
Most Koreans that I have met, always love to drink coffee, even in the evening or with food. Every time I have experienced this, I have been left with questions, like, "Surley it's too late to drink coffee?" "Why are you drinking coffee with food?" But, I always get told the same answer, that its a "sociable drink", as well as remaining a trend.
I have also noticed, and I am sure that you have too, that coffee shops in Korea, tend to offer a variety of items on their menu, but even more than that, the coffee shops also offer different levels of seating, from study zones, to "no kids zones", or even private booths. In my time in Korea, I have also visited many pet theme, or character theme coffee shops too which for me, helps boost the trend and coffee culture in Korea.
I for sure recommend if you have not done so already, signing up to many of the coffee shop apps, or rewards cards, as they offer free coffees, exclusive benefits and sometimes event offers on their products. Which of course keep me coming back for more. I am not here to say whether Korean coffee is good or bad – it can be either-or. What I want to look at is the culture itself. What is it all about? How did it happen? Why does it even exist? If you haven't read our article on the history of coffee in South Korea, read it here!
This is why cafés are the "go-to spot"
I must begin this by saying that in Korea, everything passes as a café. While a café is typically a store that primarily sells coffee, this is a bit different in Korea. Rather, the word ‘café’ in Korea refers more to a meeting place. Many "cafés" even seem to serve drinks as an afterthought.
Check out this popular trending celebrity-themed café that Dojeon team member, Jing Ru, went to for a better idea on how creative South Koreans can be with their cafés!
Without a doubt, since I moved to Korea, I consume heaps more coffee than I once did, and it has sneakily added itself into my daily routine. But why not!? Not only do I guess it is apart of the culture in Korea, but its also delicious, and affordable!
What do you think of the coffee culture in Korea? Let us know in the comments below.
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