South Korea is renowned as one of the top coffee-consuming nations per capita, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. With over 100,000 coffee shops across the country—and numbers growing each year—coffee culture is deeply ingrained in Korean daily life. While coffee shops continue to thrive, recent years have also seen a significant shift toward at-home coffee consumption. As consumer preferences evolve, imported coffee products are shaping the market, bringing global flavors directly to Korean consumers.
Top Imported Coffee Products in South Korea
According to recent import data provided by KOBDi, Korean consumers’ tastes for imported coffee span multiple product categories and brands. The top imported products, primarily tailored for B2C, are widely available across popular retail channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and department stores.
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 imported coffee products in the last five years:
- STARBUCKS ESPRESSO ROAST (Italy)
- STARBUCKS BLONDE ESPRESSO ROAST (Germany)
- STARBUCKS HOUSE BLEND (Italy)
- STARBUCKS SINGLE ORIGIN COFFEE COLOMBIA (Belgium)
- ESPRESSO (United States)
- ITALIAN ROAST (Italy)
- STARBUCKS PIKE PLACE ROAST (United States)
- CLASSIC ROAST (Germany)
- STARBUCKS DECAF ESPRESSO ROAST (Belgium)
- COLOMBIAN COFFEE (Colombia)
The list is dominated by globally recognized brands, especially Starbucks, which has successfully appealed to Korean consumers’ diverse tastes with its range of roasts and blends.
Variety in Product Types and International Influence
While roasted coffee beans are the most popular, the demand for specialty options like single-origin coffee is also on the rise. Consumers’ interest in single-origin offerings reflects a preference for unique flavor profiles, often sourced from renowned coffee-producing regions.
Italy, Germany, the United States, and Belgium are the leading exporters, each bringing distinct flavors and preparation styles to the market. This variety speaks to the open-mindedness of Korean coffee consumers, who are eager to explore new tastes from trusted coffee regions.
Looking Ahead: Korea's Coffee Market
The coffee landscape in South Korea is vibrant and ever-evolving. As consumers continue to seek both quality and variety, the import of premium coffee products is likely to increase, including organic and sustainably sourced options. With both global brands and artisanal choices available, Korea’s coffee culture is set to deepen, making it one of the most dynamic coffee markets in the world.
