Why Are There So Many Cafés in Korea? The History, Characteristics, and Key Factors Behind the Growth of Café Culture

Korean Café Culture

Korea's café culture is unique and diverse, evolving beyond a place to simply drink coffee into an integral part of modern lifestyles.
Cafés offer a special experience in everyday life.
While traditional dabangs (old-style Korean tea rooms) were spaces for conversation over coffee, today’s cafés have become platforms that reflect personal taste and lifestyle through stylish interiors and creative menus.
 
Nowadays, cafés in Korea serve multiple purposes—they are places to meet friends, enjoy solitude, work or study, take photos, and host gatherings.
The rise of experience-driven consumption among the MZ generation and the influence of social media have further elevated cafés as spaces for self-expression and social interaction.
 

 

Korean cafés constantly evolve, introducing seasonal signature drinks, locally inspired desserts, and globally trending specialty coffees, offering fresh and exciting experiences.
From trendy industrial-style cafés in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, to stunning ocean-view cafés in Haeundae, Busan, and nature-infused cafés with Jeju’s signature basalt rock aesthetics, the café scene in Korea continues to push creative boundaries.

Space design that reflects regional characteristics transforms cafés from mere consumption spaces into cultural and experiential hubs.

 

Characteristics of Korean Cafés

1. Diverse Concepts and Themed Cafés

• Aesthetic Cafés: Designed with warm lighting and charming interiors to create an emotional and cozy atmosphere (e.g., café streets in Yeonnam-dong and Seongsu-dong).
• Pet Cafés: Spaces where visitors can spend time with dogs or cats.
• Book Cafés / Study Cafés: Provide a quiet environment for reading or studying.
• Garden Cafés: Incorporate flowers and plants into the interior, creating a nature-friendly ambiance.
• Dessert Cafés: Focus on a variety of desserts rather than just coffee, offering treats like macarons, croffles, and Basque cheesecake.
• Retro Cafés: Recreate the nostalgic vibes of the 1980s and 1990s, appealing to both older generations and the MZ generation.

2. Unique Signature Menus and a Wide Range of Drinks

• Traditional-Inspired Lattes: Black sesame latte, mugwort latte, and injeolmi (rice cake) cream latte, combining traditional Korean ingredients with modern coffee trends.
• Matcha Beverages: Drinks made with premium matcha from Jeju Island are particularly popular.
• Visually Stunning Drinks: Beverages garnished with flowers, fruits, and whipped cream to create Instagrammable aesthetics.
• Dessert Pairings: Signature combinations such as Einspänner with handmade desserts or croffles served with ice cream.

3. Instagrammable Interiors and Photo Zones

• Café interiors are designed to be optimized for Instagram uploads.
• Key features include rooftops, floor-to-ceiling windows, and aesthetic decorations.
• Seongsu-dong, Yeonnam-dong, and Hannam-dong are well-known café tour hotspots.

4. Study-Friendly Environment for ‘Kagongjok’ (People Who Study in Cafés)

• An increasing number of cafés now provide Wi-Fi and power outlets as essential features.
• The demand for quiet cafés has surged.
• Some cafés even offer study-room-level concentration spaces for visitors.

 

<  Why Are There So Many Cafés in Korea? >

 

🔍 1) Surge in Coffee Consumption

• As of 2023, Korea ranks among the top countries in annual coffee consumption per capita, with an average of 367 cups per person.
• Coffee has become a daily necessity, and café culture is deeply ingrained in everyday life.
  📖 Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, 2023 Coffee Industry Survey

🛠️ 2) Low Barriers to Entry for Café Startups

• Cafés can be launched on a small scale, making them an attractive option for first-time entrepreneurs.
• The rise of franchise cafés has made it easier to start a business.
• Business owners can choose various themes and concepts depending on the local market.
  📖 Source: Small Enterprise and Market Service, 2022 Startup Trend Report

🌐 3) Evolution into a Social Space

• Cafés have shifted from simply serving beverages to becoming places for social interaction and relaxation.
• The rise of 'Kagongjok' (people who study in cafés) has transformed cafés into study and business spaces.
• The trend of ‘aesthetic cafés’ designed for Instagram uploads has rapidly spread.
  📖 Source: Korea Culture & Tourism Institute, 2023 Tourism Trend Report

🎯 4) Experience-Driven Consumption Among the MZ Generation

• The MZ generation values experiences over simple consumption.
• Many enjoy ‘café tours’ as a hobby, sharing photos on social media, which naturally boosts marketing.
• Unique themed cafés, such as flower cafés, pet cafés, and book cafés, continue to emerge.
  📖 Source: Samsung Economic Research Institute, 2023 Consumer Trend Analysis

💡 5) Expansion of Café Culture Through Desserts and Merchandise

• Many cafés diversify revenue streams by selling desserts, brunch menus, and branded merchandise.
• Starbucks MD (merchandise) items often create long lines of customers eager to purchase exclusive goods.
• Cafés have solidified their position as lifestyle spaces, fostering strong brand loyalty.
  📖 Source: Korea Consumer Agency, 2022 Consumer Trend Report

Today, we explored Korea’s vibrant café culture.

Come and experience it for yourself at a Korean café! ☕✨