How do Koreans drink their coffee? Exploring a diverse coffee culture

January 5, 2026 •

2 min read

South Koreans consume an average of 353 cups of coffee per year, more than double the global average. This staggering consumption rate is fueled by a unique and dynamic coffee culture where speed, health-consciousness, and convenience influence how do Koreans drink their coffee.

Quick Summary

A look into South Korea's multifaceted coffee scene, dominated by the wildly popular Iced Americano, convenient instant coffee mix sticks, and a vibrant, aesthetic-driven café culture that blends global trends with local tastes.

Key Points

Iced Americano (Ah-Ah): The most popular coffee order in Korea, favored for its low-calorie content, strong caffeine kick, and quick service.
Instant Coffee Mix Sticks: A convenient and ubiquitous option, with brands like Maxim being the most popular for home and office consumption, especially among older generations.
Café Culture Experience: Cafés in Korea are social spaces valued for their unique aesthetics and creative, often social media-friendly, drink menus.
Dalgona Coffee: This whipped instant coffee drink became a global sensation after originating from a viral trend during the pandemic in South Korea.
Eoljukah Phenomenon: The phrase meaning 'iced coffee even if I freeze to death' highlights the intense cultural preference for iced coffee year-round, regardless of the temperature.

The Reign of the Iced Americano

For many Koreans, the simple Iced Americano, or ah-ah (아-아) as it's affectionately known, is the undisputed king of coffee. Its popularity is so immense that a special phrase, Eoljukah (얼죽아), translates to "iced coffee even if I freeze to death". This preference is linked to its low-calorie content, refreshing taste, and quick preparation, fitting the country's health-conscious and fast-paced lifestyle.

The Ubiquitous Instant Coffee Stick

Instant coffee remains popular, especially with older generations. Brands like Maxim and its yellow Mocha Gold Mild sticks are prominent. These sticks, containing coffee, creamer, and sugar, offer a convenient, consistent, sweet, and creamy cup with just hot water.

Instant Coffee Sticks vs. Café-Brewed Coffee


Feature	Instant Coffee (Maxim)	Café-Brewed Coffee (Americano)
Preparation	Mix with hot water; takes seconds.	Requires espresso machine and barista; takes a few minutes.
Cost	Very low per serving. A box of 100 sticks is affordable.	Moderately priced, but significantly more expensive than instant coffee per cup.
Flavor Profile	Consistently sweet, creamy, and mild. Lacks complexity.	Varies by café and bean origin. Typically more complex, with distinct flavors.
Convenience	Highly convenient for home, office, and travel.	Requires visiting a café, but often offers a more social experience.
Popularity	Dominant with older generations and for in-home/office consumption.	Beloved by young adults and students for its affordability and refreshing quality.

The Rise of Specialty Café Culture

Korean cities boast a vibrant café scene that serves as social hubs and reflects aesthetic trends, driven partly by social media.

Dalgona Coffee: This whipped coffee trend, which went global, originated in South Korea. It's made by whisking instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a foam for milk.
Seasonal and Innovative Drinks: Cafés offer creative drinks beyond classic lattes, like Strawberry Lattes or Black Sesame Lattes.
Aesthetic Atmosphere: Cafés are often designed with unique themes to be visually appealing, or 'Instagrammable'.

Generational Divide in Coffee Habits

Coffee habits differ by generation. Older Koreans often favor instant coffee, while younger Koreans prefer café Americanos and the social aspect of coffee shops. Social media influences younger generations towards trendy drinks.

Conclusion: A Culture of Convenience and Cool

Korean coffee culture is a blend of traditional convenience and modern trends. The popularity of both instant coffee and the Iced Americano, along with a dynamic café scene, highlights coffee's deep integration into daily life, reflecting a culture that values both efficiency and style.

Here is a look at a Korean cafe menu, showing the wide variety available.

Keypoints

Iced Americano Dominance: The Iced Americano is the most popular coffee, with the term Eoljukah indicating a strong preference.
Instant Coffee Popularity: Maxim instant coffee sticks are a convenient staple, particularly for older generations.
Vibrant Café Culture: Korean cafés are social spaces known for their aesthetics and creative menus.
Generational Divide: Younger Koreans favor café Americanos and trendy drinks, while older Koreans prefer instant coffee.
Health and Efficiency: The Iced Americano's popularity reflects a health-conscious and fast-paced lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

The preference for iced coffee, known as the 'Eoljukah' (얼죽아) phenomenon, stems from a blend of cultural habits. It's partly a fashion statement, a sign of resilience, and a matter of efficiency, as the drink can be sipped for longer without cooling down.

Maxim is a brand of instant coffee mix that comes in individual sticks. It is popular for its convenience, consistency, and a flavor profile that includes a non-dairy creamer and sugar, making it a quick and sweet cup of coffee.

Dalgona coffee is a whipped coffee drink that became a viral trend during the pandemic. It consists of a fluffy, caramel-colored foam made from instant coffee, sugar, and hot water, which is then spooned over a glass of milk.

Not all Koreans have the same habits, but health consciousness is a significant factor. The popularity of the low-calorie Americano among young adults is partly driven by a focus on health and appearance.

Social media plays a huge role in shaping coffee trends, especially among Gen Z. The 'Instagrammable' aesthetic of cafés and trendy drinks like Dalgona coffee have been spread rapidly through platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

While both cultures love coffee, Koreans often prefer it in a more diluted form like an Americano, and their café culture places a greater emphasis on aesthetics and ambiance. Instant coffee sticks are also far more integrated into Korean daily life than in the US.

Yes, many Korean cafés offer a wide range of beverages to cater to non-coffee drinkers. These can include fruit-based ades, various types of tea, milk drinks like banana milk, and seasonal specialties.