Seoul is preparing to become a meeting point for the global coffee industry as international brands, independent specialty coffee shops and industry professionals gather for the 25th Seoul International Cafe Show at COEX.
Scheduled for November 11–14, 2026, the four-day event will bring together businesses from across the coffee and food-and-beverage industries to showcase products, explore new trends and build international partnerships.
This year's exhibition is expected to feature 631 exhibitors and 3,903 brands from 35 countries, covering everything from specialty coffee and tea to bakery products, desserts, brewing equipment and cafe technology.
One of the major attractions will be Coffee Alley, featuring 78 independent specialty coffee brands — 58 from South Korea and 20 from overseas.
The event will also introduce the Asia-Pacific's 100 Best Coffee Shops ranking for the first time, recognising coffee shops based on factors including roasting expertise, coffee quality and the overall experience of their spaces.
The programme will include several industry-focused events:
The United States will also serve as the official guest of honour, with dedicated brand showcases and buyer-matching sessions.
South Korea has become an influential market for specialty coffee and cafe culture. For international companies, Seoul offers an opportunity to understand Korean consumer preferences, introduce new products and connect with potential business partners across Asia.
The Cafe Show also reflects how the coffee industry is expanding beyond the drink itself — bringing together technology, design, hospitality, independent businesses and global consumer trends.
🎙️ In this episode: We explore why global coffee brands and independent specialty chains are converging in Seoul, what visitors can expect from the 2026 Cafe Show, and how South Korea is shaping conversations around the future of coffee culture.
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Our coverage is based on publicly available reporting and official event information. The Korea Times, Seoul International Cafe Show and COEX are credited for their original contributions. We do not claim ownership of third-party material, and the views expressed by the original authors do not necessarily represent the views or endorsements of this podcast.
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🎙️ Voiced by Souha. The audio is not AI-generated.
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