Seoul vs. Melbourne: A Tale of Two Coffee Cultures

Seoul vs. Melbourne: A Tale of Two Coffee Cultures

Coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a way of life.
Both Seoul and Melbourne have thriving coffee cultures, yet they approach it in very different ways.



Seoul: Coffee as a Daily Luxury  

In Korea, coffee consumption has skyrocketed in recent years.
Seoulites have a deep love for coffee, often grabbing a cup in the morning, another after lunch, and sometimes even more throughout the day. Interestingly, in some cases, the cost of a single cup of specialty coffee can exceed the price of a meal!

Coffee isn’t just about caffeine; it’s about status, lifestyle, and aesthetics.

  • Café Culture & Starbucks Dominance: You can find a café on almost every corner in Seoul, with Starbucks and local chains like A Twosome Place and Mega Coffee dominating the scene. Seoul’s café culture is also deeply intertwined with social life—many cafés offer Instagram-worthy interiors, unique themes, and even study-friendly environments.

  • Specialty Coffee Movement: While chains are everywhere, a growing number of independent specialty coffee shops are emerging, offering high-quality beans and artisanal brews.

Melbourne: The Undisputed Coffee Capital of Australia

Melbourne’s coffee culture is legendary. Unlike Seoul, where global chains like Starbucks are everywhere, Melbourne prides itself on independent cafés and specialty coffee. In fact, you won’t see Starbucks on every corner because Melburnians are fiercely loyal to their local baristas. Yup! It's true! 😄

  • Barista Excellence: Melbourne has produced numerous world champion baristas, and the city’s passion for coffee craftsmanship is unmatched. Every cup is brewed with precision, using high-quality beans and expert techniques.

  • Diverse Coffee Scene: Whether it’s a classic flat white, pour-over, or cold brew, Melbourne’s cafés serve top-tier coffee that’s hard to beat—not just in Australia, but globally.

  • Four Seasons in a Day, but Always Coffee: Melbourne’s unpredictable weather doesn’t stop people from enjoying their coffee. Whether it’s hot or cold, a good cup of coffee is a daily ritual. 😋

Key Differences in Coffee Culture

AspectSeoulMelbourne
Coffee FrequencyMultiple times a day, often after mealsDaily ritual, but more about quality than frequency
Café LandscapeDominated by Starbucks & large chainsMostly independent cafés with strong local following
Coffee as a Status SymbolExpensive coffee is common, sometimes pricier than foodCoffee is about craftsmanship, not just status
Beverage of ChoiceIced Americano is kingFlat white is a Melbourne staple
Barista CultureGrowing, but still developingWorld-class baristas & coffee competitions


Which City Wins?

It depends on what you’re looking for. 😊 
Seoul’s coffee culture is fast-paced, trendy, and highly social, while Melbourne’s is all about quality, expertise, and pride in craft.
One thing is certain—both cities take their coffee seriously, and that’s something worth raising a cup to! 😁

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