[Graphic News] S. Korea emerges as major coffee exporter

South Korea is emerging as a major coffee exporter despite relying entirely on imported beans, with growth driven by an expanding domestic market and an advanced roasting industry.

The country’s coffee industry grew 35.6 percent from 2.75 trillion won ($1.9 billion) in 2018 to 3.74 trillion won in 2024, averaging 5.2 percent annual growth.

The number of coffee shops surged 61.6 percent to 107,055 over the same period.

Coffee-related exports reached $229.6 million in 2024, up 4.6 percent from a y