South Korea is Establishing Itself as a Major Exporter of Roasted Coffee – CoffeeTalk

South Korea is establishing itself as a significant player in the coffee export market, despite the fact that the country relies entirely on imported beans. This growth is largely fueled by a burgeoning domestic market and a sophisticated roasting industry. From 2018 to 2024, the coffee sector experienced substantial expansion, with the industry value increasing from 2.75 trillion won (approximately $1.9 billion) to 3.74 trillion won, indicating a remarkable average annual growth rate of 5.2 percent. The number of coffee shops across the country jumped dramatically by 61.6 percent, reaching 107,055 during this period.

In terms of exports, coffee-related products generated $229.6 million in 2024, marking a 4.6 percent increase from the previous year. A significant portion of this revenue—98 percent—came from instant coffee, which accounted for 35,349 metric tons of the total exports. Additionally, the export of roasted coffee surged by 46.8 percent compared to the prior year, with 120,000 bags shipped abroad, reflecting a rising demand for premium coffee products.

Israel emerged as the foremost destination for South Korean coffee exports, purchasing 18.1 percent of total exports, followed closely by China, which imported 15.4 percent. Within the domestic market, roasted coffee remains the largest segment, generating approximately $920 million in sales and experiencing an accelerated growth rate of 15.8 percent annually over the six-year stretch.

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