COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Starbucks Coffee Korea Co Ltd enjoys leading position
Starbucks Coffee Korea Co Ltd maintained its leading position in the South Korean coffee market in 2025, in terms of foodservice value share, by enhancing its Rewards member benefits and introducing new menu items. In 2025, Starbucks launched a new Rewards benefit called “One More Coffee.
Explosive growth of Mega MGC Coffee franchise stores
The number of Mega MGC Coffee franchise stores has grown dynamically in a short period of time. As consumers increasingly turn to affordable coffee options amid persistent inflation, the brand has achieved rapid growth by emphasising value-for-money pricing and trendy new menu offerings.
Independents struggle compared to chained players
Chained foodservice held the largest share in terms of foodservice value sales of cafés/bars in 2025. The chained sector has proved resilient in the challenging economic climate, with sales rising steadily during 2025.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Cafés/Bars industry in South Korea with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
If you're in the Cafés/Bars industry in South Korea, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Cafés/Bars in South Korea report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Cafés/Bars in South Korea?
- Which are the leading brands in Cafés/Bars in South Korea?
- How are multinational and local operators competing and expanding in South Korea?
- How are consumer lifestyle trends and eating habits shaping Cafés/Bars in South Korea?
- How is the Cafés/Bars industry adapting to a post-COVID-19 market environment? Where are the opportunities amidst the challenges?
- How significant are health considerations in shaping the future of Cafés/Bars in South Korea? Which of these trends hold the greatest potential demand?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Cafés/Bars in South Korea - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Cafés/bars faces difficult trading period
Changing drinking culture and financial squeeze is felt by cafés/bars
Polarisation in coffee consumption behaviours
Local Bingsu is key driver as new formats emerge
Cafés face the implications of reaching saturation
Unmanned robot cafés are set to emerge in South Korea
Speciality coffee brand launches personalised roasting service
Starbucks Coffee Korea Co Ltd enjoys leading position
Explosive growth of Mega MGC Coffee franchise stores
Independents struggle compared to chained players
Consumer Foodservice in South Korea - Industry Overview
Lacklustre performance reflects weak purchasing power
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Economic headwinds eat into revenue performance
Restaurants roll out direct to consumer initiatives
Experiential offerings and loyalty programmes gain traction
Modest outlook for consumer foodservice
Automation and AI are embraced to enhance efficiency and reduce labour costs
Sustainability and focus on Gen Z/Alpha
Starbucks Coffee Korea maintains its lead
Ashley’s family restaurant strikes chord with price sensitive consumers
International foodservice brands enter South Korea
Chained foodservice operators strengthen position
Cost pressures drive roll-out of compact store formats
DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Cafés/Bars
- Chained Cafés/Bars
- Independent Cafés/Bars
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- Chained Bars/Pubs
- Independent Bars/Pubs
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- Chained Cafés
- Independent Cafés
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- Chained Juice/Smoothie Bars
- Independent Juice/Smoothie Bars
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- Chained Specialist Coffee and Tea Shops
- Independent Specialist Coffee and Tea Shops
Cafés/Bars
This category encompasses all establishments where the focus is on drinking (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages). While a wide variety of snacks and full meals are offered, it is not uncommon for consumers to only order a drink. As a general rule, establishments deriving 50% of their income or more from the sale of drinks are included here.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions
This report originates from Passport, our Cafés/Bars research and analysis database.
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