The Most Popular Cafe in South Korea, Ranked

Choose the cafe you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:32
In bustling cities and quiet corners across South Korea, cafes not only serve as places to enjoy a good cup of coffee but also as spaces where culture and coziness meet. Determining which cafe stands out in popularity helps guide both locals and tourists to places where they might find their new favorite coffee or a unique ambiance. This kind of ranking can also spark interest in lesser-known spots, encouraging a broader exploration of what Korean cafes have to offer. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a living, community-driven guide that highlights the top cafes as decided by public opinion. This dynamic list not only assists newcomers in identifying highly recommended establishments but also allows patrons to see how their personal favorites are appreciated by others. Your votes matter in shaping this list, providing a fun and interactive way for everyone to engage with the cafe culture in South Korea.

What Is the Most Popular Cafe in South Korea?

  1. 1
    45
    votes
    Starbucks is a popular coffee chain in South Korea, with over 1,000 locations across the country. It is known for its consistent quality and comfortable atmosphere.
    Starbucks is a popular drive-thru restaurant known for its specialty coffee and beverages. It offers a wide range of hot and cold drinks, including various types of coffees, teas, iced beverages, and blended drinks. In addition to beverages, Starbucks also provides a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and snacks.
    • Locations: Over 30,000 worldwide
    • Drive-thru availability: Yes
    • Mobile ordering: Available
    • Rewards program: Starbucks Rewards
    • Menu variety: Extensive
  2. 2
    26
    votes

    Cafe Bene

    Kim Sun-Kwon
    Cafe Bene is a Korean coffee chain known for its signature honey bread and Belgian waffles. It has over 1,000 locations in South Korea and is a popular spot for students and young professionals.
    Cafe Bene is a well-known cafe chain in South Korea that offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for customers to relax and enjoy their coffee. With its warm and rustic interior design, Cafe Bene aims to create a comfortable setting for people to socialize or work in. The cafe provides a wide range of beverages, including coffee, tea, and smoothies, as well as a variety of menu options such as sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.
    • Established in: 2008
    • Number of locations: Over 1,000
    • Signature drink: Injeolmi Latte
    • Wi-Fi availability: Yes
    • Outdoor seating: Available
  3. 3
    29
    votes

    Hollys Coffee

    Lee Hwa-yeon
    Hollys Coffee is a Korean coffee chain with over 500 locations in South Korea. It is known for its high-quality coffee and trendy atmosphere.
    Hollys Coffee is a popular cafe chain in South Korea known for its cozy and modern ambiance, accompanied by a wide range of high-quality coffee beverages and delectable food offerings. It aims to provide a comfortable space for customers to relax, work, or socialize.
    • Number of outlets: Over 400
    • Founded: 1998
    • Signature drink: Hollys Cafe Latte
    • Menu variety: Coffee, tea, desserts, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more
    • Store concept: Cozy and modern aesthetic with a touch of nature
  4. 4
    20
    votes

    Angel-in-us Coffee

    CJ Foodville
    Angel-in-us Coffee is a Korean coffee chain with over 400 locations in South Korea. It is known for its high-quality coffee and comfortable atmosphere.
    Angel-in-us Coffee is a popular cafe chain in South Korea. It is known for its cozy ambiance, high-quality coffee, and a wide range of menu options. The cafe provides a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere where customers can enjoy their coffee and socialize with friends or work in a peaceful environment.
    • Branches: Over 380 locations in South Korea.
    • Menu: Offers a variety of coffee beverages, including espresso, americano, cappuccino, latte, and flavored options.
    • Food Options: Serves sandwiches, pastries, salads, and snacks.
    • Seasonal Specials: Introduces limited-edition drinks and desserts based on the season.
    • Distinctive Drinks: Features signature drinks like Angel's Recipe, Snow Chocolate, and Sweet Angel.
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    Tom n Toms Coffee
    HanSangYoon · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Tom n Toms Coffee

    Kim Sun-kwon
    Tom n Toms Coffee is a Korean coffee chain with over 300 locations in South Korea. It is known for its specialty brews and trendy atmosphere.
    Tom n Toms Coffee is a well-known cafe chain in South Korea that offers a cozy and modern ambiance for coffee enthusiasts. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, providing a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The chain was established in 1999, and since then, it has become a prominent part of South Korea's coffee culture.
    • Number of locations: Over 600
    • Menu variety: Wide range of coffees, teas, desserts, and savory options
    • Signature drink: Green Tea Latte
    • Famous for: High-quality, freshly brewed coffee
    • Innovative concepts: Self-roasting coffee beans at selected stores
  6. 6
    5
    votes
    Ediya Coffee
    Choi Kwang-mo · CC0

    Ediya Coffee

    Lee Woo-dae
    Ediya Coffee is a Korean coffee chain with over 2,000 locations in South Korea. It is known for its affordable prices and high-quality coffee.
    Ediya Coffee is a well-known cafe chain in South Korea, offering a diverse menu of high-quality coffees and beverages. It is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
    • Coffee Quality: high
    • Established: 2001
    • Number of Locations: over 2,000
    • Menu Variety: extensive
    • Popular Products: iced caramel macchiato, americano, blended coffee
  7. 7
    8
    votes

    A Twosome Place

    Twosome Co., Ltd.
    A Twosome Place is a Korean coffee chain with over 400 locations in South Korea. It is known for its high-quality coffee and stylish atmosphere.
    A Twosome Place is a popular cafe chain in South Korea known for its stylish and cozy atmosphere, high-quality coffee and desserts, and a wide variety of menu options. It is a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, socialize, or work while enjoying delicious food and beverages.
    • Number of locations: Over 400
    • Menu options: Coffee, tea, bakery items, sandwiches, salads, desserts
    • Seating capacity: Varies by location, typically ranges from 20 to 100+
    • Store hours: Usually opens around 7:30 AM and closes around 11:00 PM
    • Free Wi-Fi availability: Yes
  8. 8
    6
    votes

    Coffee Smith

    Mr. Park Ki-sung
    Coffee Smith is a Korean coffee chain with over 20 locations in South Korea. It is known for its artisanal coffee and cozy atmosphere.
    Coffee Smith is a highly popular cafe chain in South Korea known for its excellent coffee and cozy atmosphere. The cafes are designed with a modern and minimalist aesthetic, creating a comfortable space for customers to relax and enjoy their drinks. The interior features a combination of wood, metal, and neutral colors, giving it a warm and inviting ambiance. With its friendly staff and quality beverages, Coffee Smith has become a go-to spot for coffee enthusiasts and those looking for a place to work or catch up with friends.
    • Variety of Coffee: Offers a wide range of coffee options including espresso, cappuccino, latte, and pour-over.
    • Premium Beans: Sources high-quality coffee beans from reputable global suppliers.
    • In-house Roasting: Roasts their coffee beans in-house to maintain freshness and ensure optimal flavor.
    • Specialty Drinks: Creates unique and innovative specialty drinks, such as flavored lattes and seasonal beverages.
    • Bakery Selection: Offers a wide variety of freshly baked pastries, cakes, and bread to complement the coffee.
  9. 9
    8
    votes

    Paul Bassett

    Paul Bassett
    Paul Bassett is a Korean coffee chain with over 30 locations in South Korea. It is known for its award-winning baristas and high-quality coffee.
    Paul Bassett is a renowned coffee chain in South Korea that offers a wide range of high-quality coffee and meticulously crafted beverages. Recognized for its focus on excellence, Paul Bassett has gained popularity among coffee enthusiasts seeking optimal taste and an exceptional café experience. The café exudes a cozy and inviting ambiance, making it a favorite spot for individuals to relax, catch up with friends, or simply enjoy a cup of expertly brewed coffee.
    • Established: 2009
    • Locations: Over 30 branches in South Korea and expanding
    • Signature Drink: The Perfect Latte
    • Coffee Selection: Wide variety of single-origin beans and blends
    • Baristas: Highly trained and certified professionals
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Caffe Pascucci
    Riccardo Gambuti · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Caffe Pascucci

    Tommaso Pasqualetti
    Caffe Pascucci is a Korean coffee chain with over 200 locations in South Korea. It is known for its Italian-style coffee and chic atmosphere.
    Caffe Pascucci is a renowned coffee chain in South Korea known for its high-quality coffee and cozy ambiance. It offers a wide range of coffee and non-coffee beverages, as well as delicious pastries and desserts. Caffe Pascucci provides a comfortable and relaxing environment for customers to enjoy their drinks and socialize.
    • Number of outlets: Over 200 locations
    • Coffee menu: Espresso, cappuccino, latte, americano, mocha, and more
    • Non-coffee menu: Tea, smoothies, milkshakes, and hot chocolate
    • Pastries and desserts: Croissants, cakes, muffins, scones, and cookies
    • Seating capacity: Varies by location, typically range from 20 to 100 seats

Missing your favorite cafe?

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Ranking factors for popular cafe

  1. Number of locations
    The number of branches a cafe has in South Korea can be indicative of its popularity and success.
  2. Customer reviews and ratings
    Online ratings and customer reviews on platforms such as Naver, Kakao, and Google can provide insight into the satisfaction levels of customers who have visited the cafe. Higher average ratings and positive reviews will generally mean higher popularity.
  3. Social media presence and engagement
    A strong social media following and high engagement rates on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter can signal higher popularity. It is essential to see how often customers share their experiences at the café and whether the café's social media content is well-received.
  4. Menu variety and quality
    Having a diverse and creative menu that caters to various tastes and preferences can contribute to the cafe's popularity. Additionally, the quality and taste of dishes, desserts, and beverages are major factors in attracting and retaining customers.
  5. Ambiance and atmosphere
    A cafe with a unique and inviting atmosphere or design can attract more customers, further increasing its popularity. This may include outdoor seating, comfortable and well-designed interior spaces, or other unique design elements.
  6. Customer service
    Excellent and friendly customer service can enhance the overall experience at a cafe and make customers more likely to return and recommend the location to others.
  7. Price range and value for money
    Cafes with reasonable prices and good value for money can attract a broader customer base, potentially increasing their popularity.
  8. Special features or unique selling points
    Any unique features, such as themed cafes, live performances, or exclusive menu items, can contribute to the cafe's popularity and set them apart from competitors.
  9. Collaboration with popular brands or celebrities
    Cafes that have collaborations or endorsements with popular brands or celebrities can often attract more customers and gain more popularity.
  10. Sustainability and eco-friendliness
    Cafes that focus on sustainable practices, such as using eco-friendly materials, compostable packaging, or locally sourced ingredients, can appeal to environmentally conscious customers and boost their popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular cafe in South Korea. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or cafe is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1653 views
  • 170 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each cafe once every 24 hours. The rank of each cafe is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most popular cafe in south korea

South Korea is a coffee-crazed nation, with cafes popping up on every street corner. It's no wonder that South Koreans take their coffee seriously, and the competition for the title of most popular cafe is fierce. From cozy, minimalist spaces to quirky themed cafes, there's something for everyone in South Korea's coffee scene. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for your next caffeine fix. That's where StrawPoll comes in - we've collected data from thousands of users to determine the most popular cafes in South Korea. So whether you're a tourist looking for a unique coffee experience or a local searching for your new go-to spot, we've got you covered.

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