Annyeonghaseyo! (안녕하세요)
Americano juseyo
ah-MER-ee-kah-no joo-say-yo
An Americano, please
Eolma yeyo?
eol-mah yeh-yo
How much is it?
Iced juseyo
eye-sd joo-say-yo
Iced, please (mixed Korean-English)
Mashisseoyo!
mah-SHISS-eo-yo
It's delicious!
The most popular coffee in Korea — espresso diluted with water; often iced
Whipped instant coffee over milk — went viral globally in 2020; invented in Korea
Espresso topped with whipped cream — the Austrian drink adopted as a Seoul specialty
Very popular; often served in large cups with intricate latte art
Dutch coffee — slow-drip cold brew in elegant glass towers; widely available
Cafes are social spaces — Koreans spend hours in them studying, working, or meeting friends
Concept cafes are serious — some are themed around cats, plants, desserts, or specific aesthetics
Ordering at a kiosk is normal in many Korean cafes — look for the touchscreen
Taking photos of your drink before drinking is expected — latte art is designed for it
Many cafes have a minimum order policy (1 drink per person) during peak hours
Koreans often prefer iced drinks year-round — even in winter
Not done in South Korea. Tipping is not part of Korean culture and would likely cause confusion.
₩5,000–₩7,000 for espresso drinks; specialty pour-overs ₩7,000–₩12,000
Did you know? South Korea has the world's highest cafe density — Seoul alone has more than 17,000 cafes. The Americano is by far the most popular order, accounting for roughly 30% of all coffee orders.