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South Korea is home to one of the world's most vibrant cafe scenes, with Koreans drinking an average of 405 cups of coffee per person each year, according to The Korea Herald. The country's beloved cafe chains have grown so popular that many have expanded overseas, each known for a signature interior style and a menu of inventive drinks. The best part is that you do not need a flight to Seoul to enjoy these beverages. Many of the most iconic cafe drinks are surprisingly easy to recreate at home with a few simple ingredients.
A Twosome Place
To many, A Twosome Place might sound like an unusual name for a cafe, but it carries a sweet meaning: "A cup of coffee, two of us, some dessert, place." Founded in 2002 in the Sinchon neighborhood of Seoul, the chain was inspired by European cafes and their pastries. The brand has since grown to roughly 1,700 locations nationwide and introduced premium concept stores called Roastery Cafes, where guests can watch beans roast and pick out their own beans for a custom cup. The goal is not only to serve excellent desserts and coffee but to encourage customers to slow down and savor the moment.
One of the chain's most beloved winter drinks is the White Cream Tiramisu Latte. If you love tiramisu, this is the perfect drink for you. It is easier to make than you might think. The main ingredients are mascarpone cheese, heavy cream, milk, espresso, and a splash of rum if you like. It tastes the best paired with ladyfinger biscuits on the side.
Craving something sweet and creamy but a little different? The Sweet Potato Latte has you covered. Sweet Potato Latte is a winter staple in South Korea. You can use any variety of sweet potato you prefer, though Korean cafes often use purple sweet potatoes for the signature lavender color. Combine roasted sweet potato, warm milk, and a touch of sugar in a blender, then top the mug with milk froth or a swirl of whipped cream.
Angel-In-Us Coffee
Angel-In-Us Coffee was established in 2006 by Lotte Group and has expanded to China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The name implies that coffee is a gift delivered by angels. The Korea Times notes that the chain has run promotions where guests received discounts simply for using a kind greeting, in keeping with the brand's friendly identity. The stores are usually spacious and popular with students looking for a place to study.
Need a refreshing summer drink? Mojito Ade is here to save the day. It is a non-alcoholic, sparkling alternative to the classic cocktail and perfect for a warm afternoon. Main ingredients include peppermint tea, lemons and limes, and sparkling water. Add a little lime zest for brightness, but go easy on the pith so the drink stays sweet rather than bitter.
Want a cozy winter drink? Angel-In-Us' Eggnog Latte is the perfect beverage to warm you up. You only need coffee, brown sugar, eggnog, and whipped cream. Pour a shot of espresso (or strong brewed coffee) into warm eggnog, then crown the cup with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
Tom N Toms Coffee
Tom N Toms Coffee started in 2001 in Apgujeong, originally selling pretzels and baked goods before pivoting to a full cafe concept. The brand now operates more than 400 branches across roughly nine countries, including locations in the United States. Pretzels remain a specialty, but the chain is also known for inventive beverages designed for sharing.
Tom N Toms' Mint Mocha settles the great chocolate-and-mint debate firmly in favor of "more, please." Combine milk, brewed coffee, cocoa powder, and a few drops of mint extract or peppermint syrup. For a richer, creamier cup, swap the cocoa powder for melted dark chocolate.
Cinnamon Choco is the go-to drink when you need a chocolatey hug in a mug. The main ingredients are milk, cinnamon, a dash of vanilla, and cocoa powder. For a richer pour, use actual chocolate. Depending on your taste, you can use white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate.
Paris Baguette
As the name suggests, Paris Baguette is a bakery cafe chain offering French-inspired pastries, cakes, and drinks. The brand has been around since 1988 and now operates over 3,400 stores in South Korea plus roughly 700 international outlets, including locations in China, Singapore, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The brand is famous for its breads and cakes, but the cafe menu also shines.
Almond Velvet Iced Tea is a summer favorite. You might think iced tea is nothing new, but this one is special. A swirl of sweet almond-flavored cream sits on top of the chilled tea, giving it a flavor reminiscent of butterbeer from Harry Potter. The recipe is easy: brewed iced tea, lightly sweetened heavy whipped cream, and almond extract. Do not stir the layers together. Just pile the cream on top of the iced tea and sip through the cream layer.
Strawberry Matcha Latte combines two of the best things: strawberries and matcha. The main ingredients are fresh strawberries, milk, and matcha powder. Coconut milk works well as a dairy-free swap. If you prefer this drink hot, use strawberry syrup instead of fresh berries so the temperature stays even.
Caffe Bene
Caffe Bene is a coffeehouse chain that focuses on coffee and draws inspiration from European open-air cafes. The brand was founded in 2008 by CEO Kim Sun-Kwon, who was inspired by the coffee shops he visited while traveling in Canada. Caffe Bene has operated one of the largest coffee bean roasting plants in Korea and follows a farm-to-table model, sourcing beans directly from farmers, roasting them in-house, and distributing them to stores.
Misugaru Latte is a Korean multigrain drink made with misugaru powder, milk, and honey. Misugaru is a roasted multigrain powder traditionally made from grains like sweet rice, brown rice, barley, black beans, and Job's tears. You can find it at most Korean grocery stores. The drink gives a satisfying energy boost and can be enjoyed warm or cold. Caffe Bene serves their version under the name Ogok Latte, which translates to "five-grain latte."
EDIYA Coffee
EDIYA Coffee, founded in 2001, pioneered Korea's affordable cafe segment and remains the country's largest coffee brand by store count, with more than 3,900 locations. The chain is known for compact stores in subprime locations and for offering premium beans at value prices. According to The Korea Herald, EDIYA has invested heavily in roasting technology and recently opened its first overseas store in Toronto, Canada.
EDIYA's signature drinks include the dalgona latte, strawberry latte, and the iced tea-based "A-mang-chu" (mango). For a homemade dalgona latte, whip equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water until thick and glossy, then spoon the airy whip over a glass of cold milk. It is the same recipe that went viral worldwide during 2020 and remains a Korean cafe staple.
Be Your Own Barista
What makes Korean cafe chains special is not just the coffee, but the experience: thoughtful interiors, inventive seasonal menus, and drinks that turn an ordinary afternoon into a small ritual. With a blender, a milk frother, and a few pantry ingredients, you can recreate that ritual at home. Which Korean cafe drink will you try first?
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