What is DABANG?

Published by DABANG January 28, 2026

“Dabang” (다방 in Korean) is a term that literally translates to “tea room,” derived from the hanja characters “da” (茶), meaning “tea,” and “bang” (房), meaning “room.

It refers to an establishment primarily serving non-alcoholic beverages, akin to a cafe, coffeehouse, or teahouse in Western contexts.

During the Goryeo Dynasty(918-1392), the “dabang” (tea house) was not similar to a modern coffee shop. Instead, it was a government-affiliated office responsible for managing food and beverage services related to tea ceremonies. This included serving tea, alcohol, fruits, and medicinal herbs, as well as entertaining foreign envoys. The Dabang existed from the early Goryeo period and was an official institution that oversaw royal tea ceremonies and various national events. Its functions continued through the Dabang of the Josun Dynasty.

The concept of dabangs in their more commercial form emerged in the early 20th century during the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945) in Korea, influenced by Western and Japanese cafe culture.

Dabangs have played an important role in Korean social and cultural life, serving as gathering places for artists, writers, students, and professionals to exchange ideas, discuss current events, and escape their daily stresses. During turbulent periods, such as the colonial era and postwar reconstruction, they fostered community and cultural resistance. Iconic dabangs, like Cafe Hakrim in Seoul, which opened in 1956, preserve this nostalgia and evoke a retro atmosphere with their vinyl records and classic decor.

In modern Korea, dabangs have mostly been replaced by contemporary cafes like Starbucks. However, a revival of traditional dabangs highlights a growing cultural appreciation for heritage amid the global tea boom. The term "dabang" now carries a vintage connotation and is often romanticized in media and tourism, symbolizing Korea's evolving beverage culture.