The 14th World Coffee Leaders Forum, taking place in Seoul from November 19 to 22 alongside the 24th Seoul Coffee Show, is a must-visit for coffee lovers. With around 5,000 attendees from over 75 countries, it is Asia’s largest coffee forum. The forum offers an opportunity to meet world-class baristas, taste coffee from different countries, and gain expertise in the field. English and Korean interpretation will be available, making it easier for visitors to follow the event.

What to expect!
With the theme “The Architects of Gastronomic Experience,” the forum serves as a platform that connects taste, space, culture, and philosophy, while presenting a new vision. From flavor design to cultural storytelling and digital experiences of the new age, visitors can gain diverse insights from those who are regarded as “Architects of joy in every sip and bite.”

Programs
• Plenary session: Global coffee leaders come together to share their expertise, offering an innovative culinary experience.
Keynote speaker: Morgan Eckroth
A world-renowned coffee storyteller and 2022 US Barista Champion. A collaborative experience that connects Gen Z with the coffee brand.
- Discover fresh coffee trends and evolving consumer relationships.
• Professional session: Learn concrete execution strategies from industry experts through a two-track session.
• Origin adventure session: Experience specialty coffee brought directly from its origin by buyers and retailers.
Partners: IWCA & Falcon Coffees
Session with IWCA, a network of women coffee producers, and Falcon, a sustainability-focused organization.
- Connect directly with producers and buyers, while enjoying specialty coffee beans from their origin.
• Champion session: World Coffee champions come together to share their experience and expertise for an insightful session, featuring a sampling of their signature menus.
George Jinyang Peng – 2025 WBrC champion and founder of Captain George Coffee
Georgius Audrey Teja – 2025 WCiGS champion and R&D expert at So So Good Company & Omakafé
- Experience signature coffee created by the world champion baristas and gain unique insights from their journey.
• SCA education program: A chance to elevate barista and sensory skills through the official SCA education program.

Special program: K-dessert pairing and K-cafe culture tour

Discover K-cafe culture: complimentary tour for foreign attendees
International visitors to the forum can join a free tour that highlights representative cafes of Seoul along with major tourist attractions. Organized in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization, the tour offers a chance to dive deep into Korean coffee culture while discovering hidden gems of the city.

Coffee experience at COEX
From the latest coffee equipment to a wide variety of coffee beans and products, the Seoul Coffee Show, held in conjunction with the forum, brings everything together under one roof. Held alongside these two events, the Seoul Coffee Festival will take place at Starfield Library in COEX, perfect for those who enjoy both coffee and books.