Does Korea Have Decaf Coffee? Your Guide to Caffeine-Free Sips

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Korea Customs Service, imports of decaffeinated coffee beans have soared in recent years, proving that yes, Korea does have decaf coffee and the demand for it is significantly increasing. This shift reflects a global 'healthy pleasure' trend, where consumers seek healthier lifestyle options without sacrificing enjoyment.

Quick Summary

Decaffeinated coffee is widely available in South Korea, driven by growing consumer health consciousness. Options are readily found at major coffee chains, some independent cafes, and even convenience stores. High-quality decaf products and beans are increasingly common for both on-the-go and at-home enjoyment.

Key Points

Widespread Availability: Major coffee chains in South Korea reliably offer decaffeinated options, particularly espresso-based drinks.
Growing Market: Decaf coffee sales and imports have seen significant growth, driven by a national trend toward health and wellness.
Convenience Store Options: Grab-and-go decaf coffee pouches and instant mixes are readily available at Korean convenience stores like 7-Eleven and CU.
Improved Quality: As demand has increased, the quality of decaf beans has improved, with roasters using better decaffeination methods.
Online Purchasing: A wide variety of decaf beans can be purchased from online marketplaces like Coupang for home brewing.
Decaf Espresso: The most common type of decaf will be espresso, not drip coffee, at most cafes.

Decaf is a Growing Market in South Korea

For a long time, finding decaf coffee in South Korea, particularly outside of international chains, was a challenge. However, a significant shift has occurred in the past few years, largely influenced by a rising health-conscious movement and an expanding coffee culture. Major chains, recognizing this growing demand, have invested in offering reliable decaf options, while specialized roasters and retailers have made high-quality decaf beans more accessible.

Where to Find Decaf Coffee in Cafes

Your best bet for finding a decaf beverage is at one of Korea's major coffee chains. These establishments have standardized menus and operational procedures that include a decaffeinated espresso option. When you order, specify "decaf" (디카페인, di-ka-pe-in) for any espresso-based drink. Remember that decaf drip coffee is extremely rare; almost all decaf options will be espresso shots for lattes, Americanos, etc.

Starbucks: One of the most reliable options, Starbucks Korea has seen immense success with its decaf menu since introducing it in 2017. As of 2024, decaf sales made up nearly 10% of their total beverage sales.
Mega MGC Coffee: This popular and affordable chain explicitly lists decaf options on its menu, including lattes and Americanos.
Ediya Coffee: Offering decaf espresso since 2022, Ediya has seen steady sales growth for its caffeine-free drinks.
A Twosome Place: Another major chain, Twosome Place offers decaf cold brew options and has seen a substantial increase in decaf beverage sales.
Compose Coffee: This value-focused chain introduced decaf Americanos in 2022 to meet rising demand.

Purchasing Decaf Beans and Instant Coffee

If you prefer brewing your own coffee, the options for purchasing decaffeinated beans or instant mixes have also expanded dramatically. The import market for decaf beans has quadrupled in recent years, with a noticeable increase in quality.

Online Marketplaces: Sites like Coupang are excellent for finding a wide variety of decaf beans from both local and international roasters. Just search for "디카페인 원두" (di-ka-pe-in won-du).
Specialty Roasters: Some smaller, independent cafes may carry their own decaf beans, often higher quality. Look for roasteries like Namusairo Coffee, though smaller shops' decaf stock can vary.
Grocery Stores and Convenience Stores: Major supermarkets like E-Mart or Lotte Mart will have an assortment of decaf options, including instant coffee packets (mixes) and ground coffee. 7-Eleven also offers its own brand of decaf coffee, a testament to its mainstream popularity.
Instant Coffee: For a quick fix, brands like Maxim offer decaf instant coffee mixes that are widely available.

The Quality of Korean Decaf

In the past, decaf sometimes suffered from poor quality, but this has improved significantly. The increased demand has led to better sourcing and decaffeination methods, often using processes like the Swiss Water Method or carbon dioxide method, which help preserve flavor. Industry insiders note a rise in the use of high-quality, single-origin beans for decaf, which appeals to a more discerning coffee market.

Comparison: Finding Decaf in Different Settings


Feature	Major Coffee Chains	Small Independent Cafes	Convenience Stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, CU)
Availability	Very reliable; almost always have a decaf espresso option.	Hit or miss; availability depends on the individual shop's owner and focus.	Good for quick, cheap options like iced coffee pouches or instant mixes.
Variety	Standard menu with decaf variants for espresso drinks (Americano, latte, etc.), sometimes cold brew.	Limited; if available, it might be a single type of decaf bean.	Pre-packaged iced coffee, instant mixes, and sometimes machine-brewed options.
Quality	Generally consistent and good, with some using quality decaffeination methods.	Can be excellent if they focus on it, or average otherwise.	Typically lower quality, focused on convenience and affordability.
Price	Standard cafe pricing, often with a small surcharge for decaf.	Varies widely.	Very low cost, making it highly accessible.

Conclusion

For travelers and residents wondering, "Does Korea have decaf coffee?" the answer is a resounding yes. The landscape for decaffeinated options has expanded exponentially over the last few years, moving from a niche product to a mainstream offering driven by the 'healthy pleasure' trend. You can confidently find decaf at any major coffee chain, and increasingly at smaller cafes. Furthermore, buying decaf beans or instant mixes for at-home consumption is more convenient and higher quality than ever before, thanks to a robust online and retail market. The days of struggling to find a caffeine-free brew in South Korea are largely over, replaced by a rich variety of options to suit any taste or need.

Reference link

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Starbucks in South Korea has offered a consistent decaffeinated option since 2017. You can request any espresso-based drink to be made with decaf shots.

It can be hit or miss. While major chains are reliable, smaller, independent cafes may not always carry decaf beans. It's best to ask before ordering.

The word for 'decaf' is 디카페인 (di-ka-pe-in). You can use this term when ordering your coffee.

Yes, decaf cold brew is available at some major chains. A Twosome Place, for example, has reported significant sales of its decaf cold brew drinks.

Decaf coffee beans are available at large online marketplaces like Coupang, major supermarkets, and some specialized coffee roasteries.

Yes, convenience stores like 7-Eleven and CU offer a range of decaf options, including ready-to-drink coffee pouches and instant coffee mixes.

The increase in decaf's popularity is linked to the growing 'healthy pleasure' trend, with more consumers prioritizing wellness and seeking to reduce their caffeine intake for reasons like insomnia or general health.