Naming Korean-style coffee shops is not just an aesthetic trend but an effective branding strategy helping brands easily go viral on TikTok in 2025. According to DPS.MEDIA report, 721 TikTok videos of coffee shops recommended on TikTok all have unique, memorable names closely associated with a visually rich Korean style experience.
In an increasingly saturated social media environment, the coffee shop name is the first impression – also the starting point to activate viral effects. Especially for Gen Z customers who love to find new “virtual living spots,” a name that is both sweet and trendy quickly helps your shop climb trending charts without spending too much advertising budget.
At DPS.MEDIAWe have found that a proper Korean-style name – combining cute, concise sounds and evocative imagery – is usually recalled by TikTok users over 3 times more than typical Vietnamese names. This not only affects brand recognition but also significantly improves check-in rates and the potential for organic reach explosion.
Some naming models have proven effective such as: “dal Dal Café” (meaning: Sweet), “Onni House” (Friendly sister), or “Seoulista” – all carry cute melodies, K-pop vibes, and synchronize well with the shop’s spatial design concept. The common point? All bring emotional experiences – what TikTok users crave when searching for check-in spots.
Therefore, if you are planning to open a coffee shop in 2025, investing in a naming strategy is indispensable. A “proper Korean, easy to go viral” name will become the foundation to deploy content marketing campaigns, highlight the brand among crowds, and naturally embed in customers’ minds.
The trend of naming coffee shops with Korean style rising in 2025
K-pop & drama culture directly impacting coffee shop brand identity
Factors of Korean culture such as K-pop, K-drama, and simplified lifestyle strongly influence the aesthetics and branding strategy of coffee shops in Vietnam. Especially, the choose a name with Korean style become an "addictive factor" for the younger generation due to its subtlety, cuteness, and strong viral potential on platforms like TikTok.
According to the research of International Marketing Association HMA (2023), 80% Gen Z customers tend to name their stores if the name appears in Korean or carries a Korean style. In Vietnam, successful F&B models like Coffee Dalgona or Café Annyeong all show attraction from namesthat carry Korean phonetics, combined with visual elements in design and visual storytelling.
How to name a Korean-style coffee shop that is both “trendy” and SEO-friendly on TikTok 2025
From TikTok data analysis campaigns recently conducted by DPS.MEDIA, prominent search keywords related to Korean coffee include:
- Oppa Café – evokes a friendly, cheerful feeling, highly entertaining
- Chingu Space – like a "best friend" space to chill, take photos
- Sarang brew – combines the word "love" (Sarang) with creativity in beverages
Especially, names with meanings about emotion, memories, winter – spring often create immediate emotional impact. The store name not only "sounds good", it also must be easy to transform into hashtags or short video content themes.
Case Study: How “Cafe Bomnal” increased 1851 TikTok interactions after renaming
| Category | Before renaming | After renaming |
|---|---|---|
| Old name | The Vanilla Tree | Cafe Bomnal |
| TikTok hashtag volume | ~1.2K | ~8.9K |
| Instagram check-in | 3,400+ | 11,700+ |
| Brand recognition index | Low | Mentioned by 4 A-list TikTokers |
Within 2 months after renaming, the store shifted from a "vintage" style to a romantic Korean style with the word "Bomnal" (Korean meaning is spring day). DPS.MEDIA notes/observes that the visual elements are consistent with the new name contributing significantly to nearly 200% growth in video content interaction and direct visits from customers under 27 years old.
Gen Z customer psychology and the appeal of TikTok-friendly names
Gen Z seeks experiences more than products
Generation Z — the consumer group born after 1997 — increasingly clearly shows characteristics: prefers to "experience" before buying products. According to Deloitte 2023 research, nearly 70% Gen Z prefer to choose destinations based on emotional experience and Instagram/TikTok images rather than pure service quality. At DPS.MEDIA, we call this a wave "emotional and visual consumer experience".
If coffee brands previously focused on "coffee quality" or "service style", nowadays, a good name with good pronunciation, strong imagery and carries a gentle Korean vibe có thể tạo nên hàng nghìn lượt share trên TikTok – nhờ hiệu ứng SMR (Social Memory Recall). Ví dụ:
- “Mogane” – tên Hàn giả lập nhưng dễ viral với phát âm mềm và kết thúc bằng nguyên âm dễ nhớ.
- “Bingsooji” – nghe như món Hàn quen thuộc,dễ kích thích tò mò khi xuất hiện trên FYP.
- “Chaga House” – kết hợp giữa ngôn từ Hàn – Anh giúp mở rộng phạm vi nhận diện đa nền tảng.
The “TikTok-friendly” factor helps coffee shop names easily stick in minds
Từ kinh nghiệm triển khai branding cho SME ngành F&B, DPS.MEDIA nhận thấy Gen Z không nhớ tên bằng cách đọc – mà “gọi lại” tên bằng video, hình meme hoặc đoạn caption bắt trend. Những cái tên hội tụ các yếu tố ngắn, dị, hình ảnh hóa cao gần như luôn có lợi thế lan truyền. Dưới đây là bảng phân tích đặc điểm của tên quán được xem là TikTok-friendly:
| Đặc điểm | Ý nghĩa với Gen Z | Ví dụ áp dụng |
|---|---|---|
| Ngắn, dễ đọc | Tăng khả năng nhớ và gọi tên trong caption hoặc hashtag | “Dalba”, “Nudo”, “Bogo” |
| Gợi hình/âm thanh | Liên tưởng tức thì đến trải nghiệm & bối cảnh Instagrammable | “Somu”, “Kori.Café”, “Sora” |
| Phong cách Hàn hoặc Nhật giả lập | Tạo vibe chill, aesthetic – yếu tố quan trọng khi chọn quán ngồi “đẹp TikTok” | “Meori.Haus”, “Honma Space” |
Chúng tôi nhận thấy, trong chiến lược đặt tên cho quán cà phê năm 2025, nếu SME tận dụng tốt dữ liệu hành vi Gen Z và đồng bộ hóa với định vị hình ảnh trên mạng xã hội – khả năng thành công sẽ vượt xa việc “chạy ads đơn thuần”. DPS.MEDIA khuyến nghị xây dựng tên quán như một micro-brand có thể sống tốt trong các meme format, trend video, và đặc biệt là hợp vibe với nhóm sáng tạo nội dung UGC (User-Generated Content).
Structure of Korean-style coffee shop names that are easy to remember and go viral
Filtering the Hallyu spirit: Coffee shop names need to evoke emotions and imagery
Theo nghiên cứu của Đại học Yonsei (Hàn Quốc) về ảnh hưởng của văn hóa đại chúng Hàn trong ngành F&B tại châu Á,một cái tên “Hallyu-friendly” thường hội tụ ba yếu tố: ngắn gọn – hình ảnh hóa – dễ cảm thụ cảm xúc. DPS.MEDIA nhận thấy rằng những quán cà phê Hàn thành công tại thị trường Việt Nam đều sử dụng cấu trúc tên có âm tiết đơn giản,dễ đọc và đánh trúng vào ”vibe” mà Gen Z đang tìm kiếm: nhẹ nhàng,aesthetic,có chiều sâu thị giác lẫn cảm xúc.
Ví dụ thực tế: Quán Banji (nghĩa là “nhẫn đôi” trong tiếng Hàn), dù nhỏ, đã trở thành viral trên TikTok nhờ tagline “Uống chung ly, lỡ đâu thành đôi”. Chính sự kết hợp giữa ngôn từ ”sến” một cách tinh tế và hình ảnh decor như bước ra từ K-Drama giúp tên gọi Banji trở thành hashtag thịnh hành.
Standardized naming model helps increase the potential for viral spread
Dưới đây là cấu trúc DPS.MEDIA khuyến nghị khi đặt tên quán cà phê phong cách Hàn quốc hướng đến viral TikTok 2025:
| Thành phần | Description | Ví dụ áp dụng |
|---|---|---|
| 01. Từ gốc tiếng Hàn hoặc na ná | Tạo chất riêng, dễ liên tưởng Hàn vibe | Dalbit (ánh trăng), Sora (bầu trời) |
| 02. Kết hợp hình ảnh hoặc biểu tượng | Promote imagination & branding ability with images | Bora Garden (purple garden), Haru Rooftop |
| 03. Evoke emotions or memories | help customers connect & share more | Noted 1988, First Snow |
Communication strategy revolving around unique names is the key to viral success
The difference lies in the way the name is used as a communication axis. At DPS.MEDIA, when strategizing for customers is a "cafe"Bom Café", we implement campaigns #bomlovechallenge on TikTok — where K-pop fans check in with the concept “coffee buzz like a crush.” The name “bom” here is a Korean word meaning “spring,” and also a trendy slang ("bomb product", "visual bomb") — creating layered meanings, suitable for sharing.
Creativity in naming not only helps the cafe stand out among hundreds of competitors. It also forms an important foundation for all content activities — from menu design, cafe decoration to building viral content on TikTok and Reels. The more it evokes associations with Korean culture and brand personality, the more the name becomes a long-term brand asset.
Applying Korean language style to create highlights in brand names
Inspiration from Korean naming full of emotions and imagery
The trend of naming Korean-style cafes is dominating TikTok and among Gen Z, Gen Alpha in Vietnam thanks to the sophisticated combination of pleasant sounds and refined imagery. According to research by Yonsei University (2022), Korean consumers often choose brand names with soft tones, natural or nostalgic elements — this is the emotional touchpoint in visual and auditory communication. Below are some Korean cafe name models that easily go viral on social media, successfully applied in the Vietnamese market:
- Nabi Haus – “Nabi” means butterfly, symbolizing rebirth and gentleness. Combined with “Haus” (house in German), it creates an international and lively feeling.
- Dalla Dalla – Borrowed from Itzy’s song title, meaning “difference is style.” The name evokes rhythm, easy to be the main theme for TikTok campaigns.
- Seoulmate – A wordplay between “soulmate” and “Seoul,” the cafe name creates a feeling of connection — matching the insight of Gen Z’s “search for belonging.”
Optimizing viral potential through brand-characteristic names
| Cafe name | Meaning | TikTok strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Bom Bom Cafe | Taken from the Korean word ‘bom’ (spring), evoking floral colors and fresh vitality | Seasonal trend, pastel decor + Korean music |
| Dalbit house | “Dalbit” means moonlight — a floating, dreamy name | Mini vlog “gentle night, ASMR coffee brewing under the moonlight” |
| Chingu Spot | “Chingu” means friend — targeting a chill young community | Challenge #FriendDateCafe with Korean dress code |
Case study: “sarang.café” – From TikTok hashtag to check-in spot
DPS.MEDIA supported the launch of the brand “Sarang.café” in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of 2023, applying the principle of Korean naming combined with minimalist concept design. The name “Sarang” (love) was chosen because it has an easy pronunciation, is memorable, and touches emotions — a core element in experiential marketing models.
After 3 months, the TikTok campaign with hashtag #sarangcafe achieved over 8 million views thanks to content direction around love, connection, and Korean retro decoration style. An insight DPS discovered: Gen Z tends to choose destinations based on feelings rather than just drinks — the name itself is the first touchpoint creating that connection..
Case study of Korean coffee shop names in Vietnam creating trends on social media
3 Korean coffee shops in Vietnam currently going viral strongly on TikTok
Not only carrying the flavor of “kimchi culture,” Korean cafes in Vietnam are redefining how young people explore space through sensory experiences. According to data analysis from DPS.MEDIA combined with information from TikTok Vietnam in Q1/2024, the factors making these cafes viral are not only from decor but also from their names.
| Cafe name | Meaning of the name | Reason for virality |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul Dream | Connection between “Seoul” & nostalgic feelings | Pastel backdrop, creating the selfie trend “touch Seoul with mood” |
| Bibim Tea Pot | Play word between “tea pot” and “bibimbap” | Strange name, easy to tweet / easy to remember, pushed by Gen Z on story |
| 99 Seoul Days | Suggest experiencing 99 days living the “Korean tone” | Vlog series “day in life” causing a sudden increase in views |
Korean-style coffee shop names – where visual emotions begin on digital platforms
From the perspective of DPS.MEDIA, the name of a Korean-style coffee shop is not only to “inform” but is actually a tool to create the first image experience on platforms like TikTok, Instagram. The name with a sensory market will stimulate users to share because it creates an immediate association — like “Seoul-In-Cloud” or “Wind Tea of the Season” both evoke colors, moods.
Additionally, the 2025 trend records the explosion of:
- Korean-Vietnamese hybrid names, easy to arouse curiosity: for example, “Hanahouse”, or “Seoul Tea”.
- Names with numbers or dates, helping create a feeling of “there is a story”: like “Cafe 1997 Seoul”.
- Names based on emotions or weather moods, for example: “Rain in Hongdae” – easy to go viral through TikTok rain filters or slow-motion.
With AI & A/B testing support, the names that DPS.MEDIA implements for shops in the pre-launch phase increased recall name efficiency by 45% just after 2 weeks of releasing the first content on TikTok. This shows: a “Korean trend standard” name is the first step to touch customer experience on digital platforms.
Optimizing brand identity strategy from coffee shop names to TikTok content
Naming coffee shops that are both Korean-style and easy to go viral: the art of “casual with purpose”
According to research from Seoul Design Foundation (2023), more than 76% coffee shops causing “fever” on TikTok all have short, easy-to-read, easy-to-remember names with a “random” Korean style influence. DPS.MEDIA recommends SMEs in Vietnam to define shop names like an invitation – a place where just reading it evokes emotions:
- ORAORA – simulating a strong, youthful accent sound, easy to fit with music trends on TikTok
- DooBoo – short, carrying soft emotions like tofu, evoking Korean minimalist style
- Hey.Sunday! – a name based on “day,” close to “cozy” and “dreamy,” fitting Korean aesthetic style
The table below analyzes viral name styles according to 3 criteria: sound, image, and applicability on video platforms:
| Name style | Easy viral sound | Image expression | Ability to sync TikTok trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 paired syllables | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Emotional name | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Onomatopoeia (name simulating sound) | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
Optimizing brand identity through short, beautiful, and deep TikTok content
Most Korean-style coffee shops on TikTok use the content strategy of “internalizing customer experience.” According to the article by Korea Creative Content Agency (2022), videos with high interaction and sharing usually focus on factors:
- Slow living: slow space, the sound of dripping coffee, sunlight filtering through the window – creating a relaxing emotional feeling
- POV personalization: drinking coffee alone, perspective from an old camera
- Handwriting & calligraphy: manually overlaying copy captions with the shop’s signature to create a unique flavor
A typical case directly consulted by DPS.MEDIA is the shop Yuno.Brew in District 1 – after only 3 weeks of rebranding the name and transforming TikTok content according to the format “coffee of Seoul’s winter memories,” followers increased 4 times, and revenue in January 2024 doubled compared to the same period last year.
Through practical experience, we affirm: TikTok is not only a communication channel, but also the fastest place to experiment with brand emotional feedback – from there optimizing shop name positioning,content tone, and visual branding style through the loop of “feedback – refinement – amplification.”
Advice from DPS.MEDIA on building coffee shop names suitable for digital marketing trends 2025
Coffee shop names need to reflect the “persona” of Generation Z
According to research from Nielsen (2023), 76% of young people belonging to Generation Z choose cafes not only because the drinks are delicious, but also because the shop name has personalization and is easy to “catch TikTok trends.” The shop name is no longer a simple brand,
- but the first emotional touchpoint – where customers decide whether to check-in, take photos, upload stories or not. From DPS.MEDIA’s perspective, when consulting on naming shops, we always prioritize factors: Cultural relevance:
- evoking Korean images through keywords like “Sarang,” “Dalbit,” “Oppa,” helping easily connect with K-pop or drama fans. Community & virality:
- Easy-to-tell names, easy hashtags on TikTok like “Monday Moon,” “Weekend Promise Cafe,” or “Oppa’s Corner.” Tone & memorability:
Applying the naming model based on AIDA framework + TikTok habits
Names with light rhythm, easy to read, easy to remember – factors often overlooked by inexperienced shop owners. Based on the AIDA model (Attention – Interest – Desire – Action), DPS.MEDIA proposes naming shops to stimulate curiosity and sharing actions. In a case study consulting for the coffee shop “DalDal O’Clock” in Thao Dien, we observed that within 8 weeks, TikTok customers accounted for 42% of traffic
after the shop name went viral through the trend “Korean milk tea time in Saigon.”
| Below are some suggested names suitable for the 2025 trend, based on criteria of creativity + easy virality + cultural depth: | Suggested Names | Meaning / Style |
|---|---|---|
| Trend Direction | sarang Lane | Alley of love – retro vibe + modern Korean classic |
| Minimal + romantic TikTok vlog | Oppa Cà | Play on the word Oppa + coffee, easy to meme |
| TikTok meme trend + Reels comedy | Cà Xứ Sương Sớm | Da Lat + Korea flavor, conveying a “healing” feeling |
| Slo-mo day routine TikTok | Neon Seoul | Nightlife vlog + aesthetic lighting |
DPS.MEDIA formula: Coffee shop name = Emotion + Trend + Visual
In the process of consulting brand names for F&B SMEs, the DPS.MEDIA team recommends the 3V formula: Vibe – Viral – Visual. A successful name needs to spark:
- Vibe: Like a lofi chill playlist, the name needs to have an “emotional frequency” suitable for the target audience (Korean fans, Gen Z, couple love story, etc.)
- Viral: The name must easily associate with content and have the potential to activate UGC (User Generated Content).
- Visual: When posting story images, magical filters or outfits, the shop name needs to create a strong visual impression.
DPS.MEDIA believes that a memorable name is not only a brand story but also an emotional trigger that makes customers willing to “follow & share” even before stepping into the shop. That is the power of naming in the TikTok-first marketing era 2025.
Negative balance still remains
The success of a Korean-style cafe on TikTok in 2025 is not only about an “impressive” exterior or a trendy menu but lies in how the brand tells an attractive story that touches the emotions and lifestyle of Gen Z and millennials through short videos. The shop name – a seemingly small and subtle factor – plays an important role in defining brand personality and sparking curiosity, driving search traffic and viral spread.
At DPS.MEDIA, we believe that naming is not simply choosing a catchy phrase but must reflect an overall marketing strategy: clear brand positioning, creating visual highlights on digital platforms, and easily converting into hashtags or taglines for viral campaigns. Names that make a strong impression on TikTok often combine refined Korean cultural elements with closeness to Vietnamese people – a fusion that has created viral hits recently. If you are a cafe owner planning to launch or reposition your brand in the rising short video communication context, don’t miss investing in a name – the first touchpoint between customers and your shop. Additionally, you can learn more about building visual concepts, TikTok content strategies by season, or optimizing local SEO to increase visibility on Google Maps and TikTok Search.
DPS.MEDIA always accompanies Vietnamese SMEs in their digital transformation and strategic, creative brand building while closely following practical realities. We encourage you to try creating a few Korean-style names that you are passionate about, then test feedback through social networks to find the most suitable choice.
Do you have any ideas brewing for an “ultra chill” name that’s also ready to go viral? Share with us in the comments or join the discussion with the creative branding community at DPS!
