A dabang (Korean: 다방) is a Korean-language term for any establishment that primarily serves non-alcoholic drinks.
As modern Korea became more exposed to Western culture during the late Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire, dabang-like establishments began to emerge.
The cafés affiliated with Daebul and Steward hotels established by foreigners in Incheon became pioneering dabang.
In 1929, Jongno 2-ga opened the "Mexican Cafe" near the YMCA Hall of the Joseon Dynasty, and its owners were actors Kim Yong-gyu[3] and Simyeong.
As a result of the chaos of the 8/15 liberation and the 6/25 war, the former style of dabang gradually disappeared and transformed into a commercial café.
Right after the Korean War in 1953, when cultural facilities became scarce, the dabang played a role of space for synthetic art, as well.
Since the so-called 'Ticket dabang', which run prostitutes, flourished around the province, negative images of the tea ceremony has permeated.
After the IMF crisis, the number of dabang increased slightly, but it did not return to its former form nor retain its previous presence in the South Korean teahouse market.
Since the onset of the 21st-century, the number of coffee shops throughout contemporary South Korea has sharply decreased, and cafés and specialty stores, such as domestic and overseas brand franchises, have taken their place.