Guide to Korean Coffee and Latte Art

While traditionally, tea has long been the most common and popular beverage in Korea, coffee has become a strong part of modern Korean culture and is now one of the most popular drinks. Coffee was only introduced to Korea at the end of the 19th century and was only for royalty and high-ranking members of society, to begin with. But in recent years, since it has become available to all, coffee has quickly rivalled tea and other Korean beverages for popularity. In 2015, it was estimated that there were around 50,000 coffee shops in South Korea, with 17,000 of these being located in Seoul, the capital. In fact, Seoul has more Starbucks than any other city in the world.

History of the Korean Coffeeshop

Coffee was first introduced to Korea in 1896, when Antoinette Sontag, a relative of the Russian ambassador, gave a cup to Emperor Gojong. Sontag established Korea’s first coffeeshop, known then as a ‘dabang’ in Seoul in 1902. The dabang was reserved for diplomats and the upper classes, making coffee a drink associated with luxury, wealth and status. By the 1960s, dabangs were opening their doors to middle-class citizens, and the venues were used as meeting places for dates. During the 1970s, dabangs turned to music, inviting DJs to perform and take song requests in the cafes. At this time, instant coffee and coffee vending machines were becoming increasingly common in Korea, making the drink more accessible for all. With coffee and dabangs becoming an increasingly competitive business, the 1980s and 1990s saw the rise of themed cafes and a focus on the importance of aesthetics and atmosphere. Now, the coffee industry is bigger than ever; Korea has more certified baristas than any country in the world, with 350,000 making coffee in 2016. There is a café around every 50 metres in Seoul, and there’s definitely something for everyone, with dog or cat cafes, cafes for online gaming and cosy, atmospheric hang-out spots.

What Kind of Coffee is Enjoyed in South Korea?

Unlike most of the world, many Korean people will forgo the morning sip, instead preferring to drink their coffee in the afternoon or evening with friends. The most popular coffee-based drinks are lattes and Americanos, with a preference for iced coffee over hot.

Latte art and foam art are particularly popular in Korea, allowing a coffeeshop to express their creativity and uniqueness. Many Korean coffee shops will take the artwork further than the typical lead or heart design, turning animals and popular characters into foam form. Latte art is complex, with many variables needing to be taken into account and handled with precision, such as the temperature of the coffee and the foam, the fat content in the milk and the amount of airflow used.

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With the rise of social media, there are now several world-renowned latte artists from South Korea. One of the biggest influences in the latte art community is South Korean-native Lee Kang Bin, who runs the C. Through Café in Seoul. Best known for his rendition of Van Gogh’s Starry Night in latte form, Lee Kang Bin uses vibrant colours to make masterpieces atop coffee.

While you might not be able to find latte art on quite this level in the UK, you can still enjoy a range of delicious drinks, including coffee, from our Korean supermarket.