Is coffee popular in North Korea? | NK News
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September 17, 2026Sep 17, 2026

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Ask A North Korean

Is coffee popular in North Korea?

Coffee was once a luxury item in the capital Pyongyang – and even rarer everywhere else in the country

Every week we ask a North Korean your questions, giving you the chance to learn more about the country we know so little about.

This week’s question is:

Cafes are overflowing in South Korea. Are there many cafes in North Korea? Do North Koreans enjoy coffee as often as South Koreans do?

To the best of my knowledge there are some people who drink coffee in Pyongyang. But in the other parts of North Korea it is very uncommon to see someone who drinks coffee. When I was in North Korea, Coke and Fanta were more popular. However, since it