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Daily Busan

Busan gives coffee lovers grounds for happiness

About 96% of imported coffee beans enter via Busan, the nation's no.1 coffee city.

(Top to Bottom, 1. Momos Coffee 　2. The 2023 Korea National Barista Championship in BEXCO　3. Global Yeongdo Coffee Festival in 2022)

World of Coffee and World Barista Championship 2024

This month, Busan is the mecca of global coffee culture. World of Coffee, the premier specialty coffee trade show, and the World Barista Championship 2024 take place at BEXCO from May 1 to 4.

This is the first World of Coffee trade show held in Asia. Busan and the Specialty Coffee Association are hosting the annual conference, bringing together thousands of industry professionals and enthusiasts to celebrate specialty coffee craft, technology, research, cultivation,  business and culture. 

The coffee exhibition showcases the latest espresso machines and brewing techniques used in the quest for the perfect cup of joe. Around 280 domestic and international roasteries at the Roaster Village offer their beans and brands to discerning palates. In addition, the SCA gives lectures and educational presentations to help audience members expand their coffee knowledge and strengthen their businesses.

Visitors attending the WOC event can also witness top-tier coffee making during the World Barista Championship. The annual competition pits award-winning baristas against one another in a showcase of technical skill and brewing precision. 

During the contest, national champion baristas from 60 countries must prepare four espressos, four milk beverages and four signature drinks during a 15-minute performance. A panel of sensory judges score each performance on the taste and balance of each beverage, the barista's presentation and technique and the cleanliness displayed during the performance. The coffeemaker with the highest score in the final round is crowned the best barista in the world. Since the first competition in 2000, winners have become active leaders in the global coffee industry.

Past winners include Jeon Joo-yeon, co-head of Busan-based Momos Coffee, and Paul Bassett, the barista behind the international coffeehouse chain that bears his name.

Approximately 12,000 java lovers from around 70 countries are in town to attend the events. Participants include figures from famous coffee producing countries like Panama, Ethiopia and Italy.

For more information, visit the official website of the events (asia.worldofcoffee.org). 

Global Yeongdo Coffee Festival

The 2024 Global Yeongdo Coffee Festival will occur from May 24 to 26 at Amir Park on Yeongdo Island. The six-year-old festival showcases a variety of coffee content in one spot.

This year, the promotion zone will allow festivalgoers to enjoy different coffee varieties and desserts. The coffee-tasting competition, Yeongdo Pentagon Cup Tasting Championship (YCC), will take place, and there will be hands-on activities, including coffee bean roasting and brewing hand-drip coffee. Follow the QR code for more information.

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sensory: 감각적인