Characteristics of Products and Country of Origin
Characteristics of Products and Country of Origin
The current viral trend that has become popular among young people and international tourists is banana milk iced coffee, a mix of ice, ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee, and banana milk from convenience stores in South Korea. By purchasing one cup of ice, mixed with a pack of RTD Americano coffee and banana-flavored milk, costing a total of KRW 1,500 or approximately $1, it has become a common favorite sought after by international tourists. Besides banana milk iced coffee, South Koreans generally enjoy iced Americano regardless of the season, with a growing preference for decaf coffee, enabling them to consume more than one cup a day. In South Korea, coffee is sold through a variety of outlets, including convenience store and supermarket chains like GS, Seven Eleven, CU, and Trader; wholesale stores like Costco; local coffee shops; local roasteries; as well as international coffee chains like Starbucks and Nestlé. In general, coffee sold in the South Korean market is divided into three major categories, resembling a pyramid structure. The largest portion, at the base of the pyramid, consists of affordable coffee priced between KRW 1,500 and KRW 2,500. Brands in this segment include many local names such as MEGA, Compose, and Blue Shak, among others. Typically, the offerings are iced Americano or hot coffee. The second category is the mid-range segment, with prices between KRW 2,500 and KRW 5,000. In this segment, coffee is often Americano but made with specific types of beans (single origin) or house blends created by individual roasteries. Brands in this segment include both international names like Starbucks and local ones such as Ediya. This category also includes small roasteries that operate their own coffee shops. The premium category, at the top of the pyramid, features coffee priced between KRW 5,000 and KRW 50,000. These are typically manually brewed coffees, with a unique touch from each barista. The beans used are of the highest quality, such as Geisha or other premium varieties. Players in this segment include international brands like Blue Bottle and local ones like Shinni Coffee Company. The most popular coffee in South Korea tends to have low acidity but a strong flavor. Meanwhile, cheaper coffee typically has a milder flavor, as it is often served with ice, which dilutes the coffee's taste. Additionally, decaffeinated coffee is experiencing a surge in demand, driven by many workers in South Korea who want coffee for its taste but need to avoid caffeine’s effects to ensure their rest is not disrupted.
#103 Korea Express Building 1211-1 Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea 601-010
(+82) 51 441 1708
(+82) 51 441 1629