GITNUXREPORT 2026

South Korea Cafe Industry Statistics

South Korea's cafe industry is thriving on premium coffee trends and strong consumer demand.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Starbucks holds 32% market share with 1,900 outlets in South Korea as of 2023.

Statistic 2

Ediya Coffee operated 3,200 branches nationwide in 2023, leading domestic chains.

Statistic 3

Total independent cafes numbered 85,000 in South Korea end of 2023.

Statistic 4

Mega Coffee chain expanded to 1,500 stores in 2023, focusing on low-price strategy.

Statistic 5

Cafe openings in Seoul reached 12,500 new outlets in 2023 alone.

Statistic 6

Paul Bassett cafes totaled 450 locations across 2023, emphasizing premium espresso.

Statistic 7

Franchise cafe closures dropped to 4.2% in 2023 from 8% in 2022.

Statistic 8

Compose Coffee hit 2,100 branches by Q4 2023, fastest-growing chain.

Statistic 9

Angel-in-us maintained 1,800 outlets in 2023, strong in provincial areas.

Statistic 10

Boutique cafes under 50 sqm accounted for 62% of new openings in 2023.

Statistic 11

Top 10 chains controlled 55% of total cafe outlets in 2023.

Statistic 12

Drive-thru cafes increased to 15% of total outlets by 2023.

Statistic 13

Gangnam district hosted 8,200 cafes, densest in South Korea 2023.

Statistic 14

International chains like Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf had 120 stores in 2023.

Statistic 15

Roasting specialty cafes grew to 2,500 outlets nationwide in 2023.

Statistic 16

Average cafe size shrank to 45 sqm for new openings in 2023.

Statistic 17

Busan cafe count reached 15,000 in 2023, up 9% YoY.

Statistic 18

65% of South Korean millennials visit cafes 4+ times weekly, preferring artisanal brews over chains.

Statistic 19

72% of cafe-goers in 2023 chose cafes for social media photo opportunities, especially desserts.

Statistic 20

Female consumers aged 20-39 accounted for 58% of premium cafe visits in Seoul 2023.

Statistic 21

81% of Gen Z in South Korea prefer sustainable cafes with eco-friendly packaging in 2023.

Statistic 22

Average cafe dwell time increased to 75 minutes in 2023 from 55 in 2019, due to work-from-cafe trend.

Statistic 23

44% of consumers switched to low-calorie cafe drinks in 2023 amid health trends.

Statistic 24

Nighttime cafe visits (after 8 PM) rose 22% in 2023, driven by study and dating culture.

Statistic 25

67% of cafe customers in 2023 used mobile ordering, reducing wait times by 30%.

Statistic 26

Dessert pairing with coffee increased to 62% of orders in urban cafes 2023.

Statistic 27

53% of South Koreans aged 18-24 cite cafe ambiance as primary visit reason in 2023.

Statistic 28

Loyalty program participation in cafes reached 76% among frequent visitors in 2023.

Statistic 29

Demand for non-dairy milk options in cafes surged 35% YoY in 2023.

Statistic 30

49% of consumers avoid cafes with plastic straws, per 2023 survey.

Statistic 31

Pet-friendly cafes saw 28% visit increase from pet owners in 2023.

Statistic 32

71% prefer cafes with free Wi-Fi and charging stations in 2023.

Statistic 33

Craft beer-infused cafe drinks gained 19% traction among 25-34 age group in 2023.

Statistic 34

55% of cafe-goers read books or work remotely, up 15% since 2021.

Statistic 35

Solo dining in cafes rose to 41% of visits in urban areas 2023.

Statistic 36

Subscription coffee models adopted by 23% of regular cafe users in 2023.

Statistic 37

Cafe industry employed 450,000 workers directly in 2023.

Statistic 38

Average cafe staff wage was 2.8 million KRW monthly in 2023.

Statistic 39

Part-time workers comprised 72% of cafe workforce in 2023.

Statistic 40

Barista training certifications issued: 120,000 in 2023.

Statistic 41

Average cafe operating hours: 14 hours daily in urban areas 2023.

Statistic 42

Staff turnover rate in cafes was 28% annually in 2023.

Statistic 43

Cafes used 1.2 million tons of coffee beans yearly in 2023.

Statistic 44

Waste generation per cafe: 150 kg monthly, recycling at 45% in 2023.

Statistic 45

Energy costs averaged 15 million KRW annually per outlet 2023.

Statistic 46

Peak hour staffing: 4-6 employees per shift in chains 2023.

Statistic 47

85% of cafes implemented POS systems by end of 2023.

Statistic 48

Coffee machine maintenance costs: 5 million KRW yearly average 2023.

Statistic 49

Supplier contracts renewed 92% on-time in cafe chains 2023.

Statistic 50

Health inspections passed by 97% of cafes in 2023.

Statistic 51

Average inventory turnover for cafes: 12 days in 2023.

Statistic 52

Delivery partnerships covered 88% of cafe outlets in 2023.

Statistic 53

Barista skill levels: 65% certified intermediate or higher 2023.

Statistic 54

Cafe safety training completed by 78% of staff in 2023.

Statistic 55

Daily cup output per cafe averaged 450 in 2023.

Statistic 56

Ediya Coffee employed 25,000 staff across outlets in 2023.

Statistic 57

In 2023, South Korea's cafe industry generated total revenue of 18.5 trillion KRW, reflecting a 7.2% increase from 2022 driven by premium coffee demand.

Statistic 58

The cafe market in South Korea grew at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2019 to 2023, reaching 4.2 million daily cup sales.

Statistic 59

South Korea's specialty coffee segment within cafes expanded by 12.3% in 2023, accounting for 28% of total cafe sales.

Statistic 60

By 2027, the South Korean cafe market is projected to reach 25.1 trillion KRW, with a CAGR of 6.4% from 2023.

Statistic 61

In 2022, the number of cafes in South Korea contributed to a market volume of 3.8 trillion KRW from franchised chains alone.

Statistic 62

Cafe industry growth in Seoul was 8.1% in 2023, outpacing national average due to urban youth consumption.

Statistic 63

South Korea's cafe sector saw a 15% surge in non-alcoholic beverage sales post-COVID, boosting overall market to 19.2 trillion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 64

The premium cafe market in South Korea valued at 2.1 trillion KRW in 2023, growing 9.5% YoY.

Statistic 65

From 2020-2023, South Korea's cafe industry recovered with 22% cumulative growth after pandemic dip.

Statistic 66

Instant coffee sales decline contributed to brewed cafe market growth of 6.7% CAGR 2018-2023.

Statistic 67

South Korea cafe exports of branded products reached 450 billion KRW in 2023, signaling global expansion.

Statistic 68

Domestic cafe chain market share grew to 45% of total industry in 2023 from 38% in 2020.

Statistic 69

2023 cafe market penetration in South Korea hit 95% of urban households.

Statistic 70

Bubble tea cafes sub-segment grew 18.2% in 2023, adding 1.2 trillion KRW to market.

Statistic 71

South Korea's cafe industry FDI inflows increased 14% to 320 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 72

Vegan and plant-based cafe offerings drove 11% market segment growth in 2023.

Statistic 73

Total cafe outlets exceeded 120,000 in 2023, fueling 5.9% market expansion.

Statistic 74

Craft coffee cafes saw 13.4% YoY growth, contributing 15% to total market in 2023.

Statistic 75

South Korea cafe digital sales via apps reached 2.8 trillion KRW in 2023, up 25%.

Statistic 76

Overall cafe consumption per capita rose to 320 cups annually in 2023 from 290 in 2022.

Statistic 77

Average annual revenue per cafe outlet was 150 million KRW in 2023.

Statistic 78

Starbucks Korea reported 1.2 trillion KRW sales in 2023, up 10%.

Statistic 79

Ediya Coffee franchise average sales hit 320 million KRW per store in 2023.

Statistic 80

Independent cafes' profit margin averaged 12.5% in 2023.

Statistic 81

Total franchise cafe royalties collected 450 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 82

Premium cafes achieved 18% gross margins vs 11% for standard in 2023.

Statistic 83

Coffee sales accounted for 68% of total cafe revenue in 2023.

Statistic 84

Delivery revenue share in cafes rose to 25% of total in 2023.

Statistic 85

Operating costs for cafes averaged 65% of revenue, rent at 15% in 2023.

Statistic 86

Top chains' EBITDA margins hit 22% in 2023 amid efficiency gains.

Statistic 87

Dessert sales contributed 22% to cafe revenues in urban areas 2023.

Statistic 88

Loyalty app redemptions saved customers 180 billion KRW in 2023.

Statistic 89

Franchise initial investment averaged 200 million KRW per cafe in 2023.

Statistic 90

Net profit per employee in cafe chains was 45 million KRW in 2023.

Statistic 91

Bubble tea cafes generated 1.8 trillion KRW total revenue in 2023.

Statistic 92

Rent inflation reduced cafe profitability by 3.2% in prime locations 2023.

Statistic 93

Digital payment transactions in cafes totaled 12 trillion KRW in 2023.

1/93

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Forget coffee as a simple beverage—South Korea’s 18.5 trillion KRW cafe industry is a dynamic social ecosystem, driven by premium cravings and digital trends that are brewing a remarkable 6.4% annual growth toward a projected 25.1 trillion KRW market by 2027.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, South Korea's cafe industry generated total revenue of 18.5 trillion KRW, reflecting a 7.2% increase from 2022 driven by premium coffee demand.
The cafe market in South Korea grew at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2019 to 2023, reaching 4.2 million daily cup sales.
South Korea's specialty coffee segment within cafes expanded by 12.3% in 2023, accounting for 28% of total cafe sales.
65% of South Korean millennials visit cafes 4+ times weekly, preferring artisanal brews over chains.
72% of cafe-goers in 2023 chose cafes for social media photo opportunities, especially desserts.
Female consumers aged 20-39 accounted for 58% of premium cafe visits in Seoul 2023.
Starbucks holds 32% market share with 1,900 outlets in South Korea as of 2023.
Ediya Coffee operated 3,200 branches nationwide in 2023, leading domestic chains.
Total independent cafes numbered 85,000 in South Korea end of 2023.
Average annual revenue per cafe outlet was 150 million KRW in 2023.
Starbucks Korea reported 1.2 trillion KRW sales in 2023, up 10%.
Ediya Coffee franchise average sales hit 320 million KRW per store in 2023.
Cafe industry employed 450,000 workers directly in 2023.
Average cafe staff wage was 2.8 million KRW monthly in 2023.
Part-time workers comprised 72% of cafe workforce in 2023.

South Korea's cafe industry is thriving on premium coffee trends and strong consumer demand.

Cafe Outlets and Chains

Starbucks holds 32% market share with 1,900 outlets in South Korea as of 2023.
Ediya Coffee operated 3,200 branches nationwide in 2023, leading domestic chains.
Total independent cafes numbered 85,000 in South Korea end of 2023.
Mega Coffee chain expanded to 1,500 stores in 2023, focusing on low-price strategy.
Cafe openings in Seoul reached 12,500 new outlets in 2023 alone.
Paul Bassett cafes totaled 450 locations across 2023, emphasizing premium espresso.
Franchise cafe closures dropped to 4.2% in 2023 from 8% in 2022.
Compose Coffee hit 2,100 branches by Q4 2023, fastest-growing chain.
Angel-in-us maintained 1,800 outlets in 2023, strong in provincial areas.
Boutique cafes under 50 sqm accounted for 62% of new openings in 2023.
Top 10 chains controlled 55% of total cafe outlets in 2023.
Drive-thru cafes increased to 15% of total outlets by 2023.
Gangnam district hosted 8,200 cafes, densest in South Korea 2023.
International chains like Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf had 120 stores in 2023.
Roasting specialty cafes grew to 2,500 outlets nationwide in 2023.
Average cafe size shrank to 45 sqm for new openings in 2023.
Busan cafe count reached 15,000 in 2023, up 9% YoY.

Cafe Outlets and Chains Interpretation

While Starbucks reigns as the king of coffee by value, South Korea's cafe scene is a delightfully chaotic democracy where giants like Ediya win by sheer store count, boutique micro-cafes multiply like rabbits, and every alleyway seems to hold a new, shrinkingly small hope for a perfect cup.

Consumer Trends and Behavior

65% of South Korean millennials visit cafes 4+ times weekly, preferring artisanal brews over chains.
72% of cafe-goers in 2023 chose cafes for social media photo opportunities, especially desserts.
Female consumers aged 20-39 accounted for 58% of premium cafe visits in Seoul 2023.
81% of Gen Z in South Korea prefer sustainable cafes with eco-friendly packaging in 2023.
Average cafe dwell time increased to 75 minutes in 2023 from 55 in 2019, due to work-from-cafe trend.
44% of consumers switched to low-calorie cafe drinks in 2023 amid health trends.
Nighttime cafe visits (after 8 PM) rose 22% in 2023, driven by study and dating culture.
67% of cafe customers in 2023 used mobile ordering, reducing wait times by 30%.
Dessert pairing with coffee increased to 62% of orders in urban cafes 2023.
53% of South Koreans aged 18-24 cite cafe ambiance as primary visit reason in 2023.
Loyalty program participation in cafes reached 76% among frequent visitors in 2023.
Demand for non-dairy milk options in cafes surged 35% YoY in 2023.
49% of consumers avoid cafes with plastic straws, per 2023 survey.
Pet-friendly cafes saw 28% visit increase from pet owners in 2023.
71% prefer cafes with free Wi-Fi and charging stations in 2023.
Craft beer-infused cafe drinks gained 19% traction among 25-34 age group in 2023.
55% of cafe-goers read books or work remotely, up 15% since 2021.
Solo dining in cafes rose to 41% of visits in urban areas 2023.
Subscription coffee models adopted by 23% of regular cafe users in 2023.

Consumer Trends and Behavior Interpretation

The modern South Korean cafe has evolved into a meticulously curated, multi-purpose social sanctuary where artisanal coffee is just the prop in a lifestyle performance of wellness, work, sustainability, and Instagrammable desserts, all enjoyed for over an hour on a single latte.

Employment and Operations

Cafe industry employed 450,000 workers directly in 2023.
Average cafe staff wage was 2.8 million KRW monthly in 2023.
Part-time workers comprised 72% of cafe workforce in 2023.
Barista training certifications issued: 120,000 in 2023.
Average cafe operating hours: 14 hours daily in urban areas 2023.
Staff turnover rate in cafes was 28% annually in 2023.
Cafes used 1.2 million tons of coffee beans yearly in 2023.
Waste generation per cafe: 150 kg monthly, recycling at 45% in 2023.
Energy costs averaged 15 million KRW annually per outlet 2023.
Peak hour staffing: 4-6 employees per shift in chains 2023.
85% of cafes implemented POS systems by end of 2023.
Coffee machine maintenance costs: 5 million KRW yearly average 2023.
Supplier contracts renewed 92% on-time in cafe chains 2023.
Health inspections passed by 97% of cafes in 2023.
Average inventory turnover for cafes: 12 days in 2023.
Delivery partnerships covered 88% of cafe outlets in 2023.
Barista skill levels: 65% certified intermediate or higher 2023.
Cafe safety training completed by 78% of staff in 2023.
Daily cup output per cafe averaged 450 in 2023.
Ediya Coffee employed 25,000 staff across outlets in 2023.

Employment and Operations Interpretation

South Korea’s cafe industry is a high-turnover, high-volume machine where a predominantly part-time, certified workforce fuels the nation’s caffeine addiction, but the real grind isn’t just in the beans—it’s in managing relentless hours, waste, and energy bills just to keep pouring those 450 daily cups per shop.

Market Size and Growth

In 2023, South Korea's cafe industry generated total revenue of 18.5 trillion KRW, reflecting a 7.2% increase from 2022 driven by premium coffee demand.
The cafe market in South Korea grew at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2019 to 2023, reaching 4.2 million daily cup sales.
South Korea's specialty coffee segment within cafes expanded by 12.3% in 2023, accounting for 28% of total cafe sales.
By 2027, the South Korean cafe market is projected to reach 25.1 trillion KRW, with a CAGR of 6.4% from 2023.
In 2022, the number of cafes in South Korea contributed to a market volume of 3.8 trillion KRW from franchised chains alone.
Cafe industry growth in Seoul was 8.1% in 2023, outpacing national average due to urban youth consumption.
South Korea's cafe sector saw a 15% surge in non-alcoholic beverage sales post-COVID, boosting overall market to 19.2 trillion KRW in 2023.
The premium cafe market in South Korea valued at 2.1 trillion KRW in 2023, growing 9.5% YoY.
From 2020-2023, South Korea's cafe industry recovered with 22% cumulative growth after pandemic dip.
Instant coffee sales decline contributed to brewed cafe market growth of 6.7% CAGR 2018-2023.
South Korea cafe exports of branded products reached 450 billion KRW in 2023, signaling global expansion.
Domestic cafe chain market share grew to 45% of total industry in 2023 from 38% in 2020.
2023 cafe market penetration in South Korea hit 95% of urban households.
Bubble tea cafes sub-segment grew 18.2% in 2023, adding 1.2 trillion KRW to market.
South Korea's cafe industry FDI inflows increased 14% to 320 billion KRW in 2023.
Vegan and plant-based cafe offerings drove 11% market segment growth in 2023.
Total cafe outlets exceeded 120,000 in 2023, fueling 5.9% market expansion.
Craft coffee cafes saw 13.4% YoY growth, contributing 15% to total market in 2023.
South Korea cafe digital sales via apps reached 2.8 trillion KRW in 2023, up 25%.
Overall cafe consumption per capita rose to 320 cups annually in 2023 from 290 in 2022.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

South Koreans are trading their instant coffee packets for artisanal lattes at such an unprecedented rate that the nation's 120,000 cafes are basically caffeinated banks, brewing a frothy 18.5 trillion won economy that's expanding faster than a bubble tea bubble.

Revenue and Financial Metrics

Average annual revenue per cafe outlet was 150 million KRW in 2023.
Starbucks Korea reported 1.2 trillion KRW sales in 2023, up 10%.
Ediya Coffee franchise average sales hit 320 million KRW per store in 2023.
Independent cafes' profit margin averaged 12.5% in 2023.
Total franchise cafe royalties collected 450 billion KRW in 2023.
Premium cafes achieved 18% gross margins vs 11% for standard in 2023.
Coffee sales accounted for 68% of total cafe revenue in 2023.
Delivery revenue share in cafes rose to 25% of total in 2023.
Operating costs for cafes averaged 65% of revenue, rent at 15% in 2023.
Top chains' EBITDA margins hit 22% in 2023 amid efficiency gains.
Dessert sales contributed 22% to cafe revenues in urban areas 2023.
Loyalty app redemptions saved customers 180 billion KRW in 2023.
Franchise initial investment averaged 200 million KRW per cafe in 2023.
Net profit per employee in cafe chains was 45 million KRW in 2023.
Bubble tea cafes generated 1.8 trillion KRW total revenue in 2023.
Rent inflation reduced cafe profitability by 3.2% in prime locations 2023.
Digital payment transactions in cafes totaled 12 trillion KRW in 2023.

Revenue and Financial Metrics Interpretation

While the average cafe dreams of 150 million KRW in annual revenue, Starbucks Korea casually sips on 1.2 trillion, proving that in this brew-ha-ha, the real profit is in the premium beans, the franchise royalties, and the loyalty app you're probably not redeeming enough.

Sources & References

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