5 July 2024 | 40 mins

Episode 117: Why is Korea so obsessed with coffee?

In today's episode, we’re stepping into one of the world's most vibrant and trendy coffee shop markets to uncover why Korea is so captivated by coffee.

In conversations with Cera Jung, Country Manager, Specialty Coffee Association Korea, Ryan Suh, General Manager, Blue Bottle Coffee Korea and Matt Lee, General Manager, La Marzocco Korea, we'll find out how the Korean coffee market has evolved in the last 10 years and delve into the latest beverage innovations. We'll also discuss opportunities for international brands in Korea and what’s next for this trendsetting market.

Credits music: "Heart Attack" by Se.A in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show

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Image credit: © Blue Bottle Coffee Korea

Guests

Ryan Suh

General Manager, Blue Bottle Coffee Korea

Ryan Suh joined Blue Bottle Coffee in 2015, where he has worked in Operations and Strategy across the US, Japan and Korea. Suh played a pivotal role in launching Blue Bottle Korea in 2019 before returning to Seoul in February 2022 as the General Manager.

Cera Jung

Country Manager, Specialty Coffee Association Korea

Cera Jung is the Country Manager at SCA Korea. Established in 2018 as the SCA's first chapter and branch office in Asia, SCA Korea plays a crucial role in fostering a thriving and sustainable value chain within Korea's specialty coffee market.

Matt Lee

General Manager, La Marzocco Korea

After studying business and law and a career in the entertainment industry, Matt Lee started his coffee journey helping establish La Marzocco Korea in 2012. Since then, Lee has expanded the brand awareness of La Marzocco to a broader audience.