Tea in South Korea includes a mix of traditional teas, green tea, herbal infusions, and modern ready-to-drink products, shaped by both historical practices and contemporary consumer trends. In cities such as Seoul and Busan, tea is visible through cafés, tea houses, convenience stores, and supermarkets offering a wide range of products, including bottled teas and specialty loose-leaf options. In other areas, tea consumption often centers on home use and convenience store purchases, with strong demand for packaged and ready-to-drink formats. The tea market is influenced by traditional Korean tea culture, wellness trends, and highly developed retail and distribution systems. Compared with coffee, which dominates the beverage landscape, tea occupies a secondary but stable position, often associated with health, tradition, and casual consumption. Visibility is driven by both cultural heritage and modern product innovation. As a result, tea in South Korea reflects a blend of traditional practices and highly commercialized beverage markets.
