SEOUL – The World Coffee Festival Organizing Committee (Chairman Choi Geum-jeong) and the Korea Importers Association (Chairman Kim Young-chae) announced on Thursday, April 17th, the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at ensuring the successful hosting of the World Coffee Festival and strengthening mutual development and organic cooperation between the two organizations.
The signing ceremony, held at the conference room of the Korea-Africa Foundation, was attended by key figures from both sides, including Choi Geum-jeong, Chairman of the World Coffee Festival Organizing Committee; Yeo Woon-ki, Co-Chairman of the Organizing Committee (former Ambassador to Ireland and Ghana, and Chairman of the Korea-Africa Foundation); and Kim Young-chae, Chairman of the Korea-Africa Foundation. The attendees engaged in discussions regarding the significance of the agreement and future collaborative strategies.
The primary objectives outlined in the MOU include: ▲ Organic cooperation for the successful hosting of the World Coffee Festival ▲ Promoting a successful festival through the efficient division of roles between the two organizations ▲ Active cooperation in festival preparations, including public participation and event promotion, and smooth execution ▲ Mutual consultation on areas requiring cooperation between the two organizations.
Chairman Choi Geum-jeong emphasized that the World Coffee Festival was conceived with diverse planning, experiential, and healing programs to align with the recent global trend of internationalized festivals. She highlighted Gangneung City's robust infrastructure, encompassing Anmok Coffee Street and various coffee culture and related industries, making it an ideal host city. Chairman Choi further elaborated that the festival serves as a platform for various coffee-related tourism, cultural arts, and other associations and businesses to participate, promoting Gangneung's coffee industry and local tourism and cultural arts resources, while also fostering international cultural exchange.
The festival is set to unfold in Gangneung, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, centered around the Coffee Cupper Museum and Okgye Beach in Gangmun-dong, extending to the Sun Cruise Hotel and the Korea Women's Leadership Center. It aims to present a vision for the future of the coffee industry and provide a forum for global coffee enthusiasts and professionals to connect and exchange ideas. Numerous forums are planned to propel Gangneung, the "Coffee City," towards global recognition.
The inaugural festival, themed "Go together with coffee in Gangneung," will focus on the beautiful journey of sharing and consideration through coffee. It will feature experiential programs, competitions, global healing initiatives, and wellness tourism programs, creating a space for communication, harmony, and integration among coffee producers and professionals from around the world. In "Coffee City Gangneung," tourists can anticipate a rich array of attractions and activities, including the Coffee Cupper Museum, a global coffee artifact exhibition space; the Wangsan Gangneung Coffee Museum; coffee farm exhibition cultural spaces and rest areas; experience lounges; and hands-on experiences with hand drip and drip bag coffee.
During the festival, attendees can look forward to coffee experiences from coffee-producing countries, the Tamok opening ceremony, a Hanbok fashion show, and promotions of cafe industry infrastructure and local specialty products. The event also aims to stimulate the coffee and food and beverage industries through marketing and market development. Chairman Choi expressed hope that the World Coffee Festival will transcend a simple food festival, laying the groundwork for local economic revitalization and the development of the wellness tourism industry, and serve as a significant opportunity for Gangneung, the "Coffee City," to strengthen its global competitiveness and build international networks.
Chairman Choi Geum-jeong stated, "I am delighted that this agreement will provide an opportunity for mutual growth between the two organizations. It will greatly contribute to the participation in the World Coffee Festival, which will be held in Gangneung from May 2nd to 6th, and promote the tourism, cultural, and artistic growth related to coffee."
Chairman Kim Young-chae remarked, "Through this agreement, both organizations will actively participate in and show interest in the World Coffee Festival programs, and we will strive for its successful hosting. The Korea-Africa Foundation plans to actively support the World Coffee Festival held in 'Coffee City Gangneung' every year."
Through this collaboration, both organizations plan to share their resources and contribute to the development of cultural exchange between the local community and various countries around the world through the festival programs.
About Gangneung and its Coffee Culture:
Gangneung has firmly established itself as the "Coffee City" of South Korea, largely due to the popularity of Anmok Coffee Street. This picturesque coastal strip is lined with numerous cafes, each offering unique brews and ocean views, attracting millions of visitors annually. The city's coffee culture extends beyond Anmok, encompassing specialty coffee shops, roasteries, and coffee farms nestled in the surrounding mountains. Gangneung is also home to several significant coffee museums, including the Coffee Cupper Museum, which houses a vast collection of coffee-related artifacts, and the Wangsan Gangneung Coffee Museum, dedicated to the history and art of coffee making. The region's favorable climate and dedicated local producers have also fostered a burgeoning domestic coffee bean cultivation industry, further solidifying Gangneung's coffee credentials. The city actively promotes its coffee heritage through various events and initiatives, aiming to become a global coffee destination.
Details about the World Coffee Festival:
The inaugural World Coffee Festival in Gangneung is envisioned as a comprehensive event that goes beyond mere coffee tasting. The theme, "Go together with coffee in Gangneung," emphasizes unity, sharing, and the communal experience of coffee. The festival program is designed to cater to a wide range of interests, including:
Experiential Programs: Hands-on activities such as hand drip and drip bag coffee brewing demonstrations and workshops, allowing participants to learn about different brewing techniques and coffee origins.
Competitions: Barista competitions and potentially other coffee-related contests to showcase the skills and talents of coffee professionals.
Global Healing and Wellness Tourism Programs: Integrating coffee with relaxation and well-being, possibly including coffee-themed spa treatments or mindfulness sessions in coffee farm settings.
World Coffee Production Country Experiences: Opportunities to taste and learn about coffees from various producing regions around the globe, fostering cultural exchange and understanding of diverse coffee traditions.
Forums and Seminars: Discussions and presentations on the future of the coffee industry, sustainable practices, and the role of coffee in culture and economy.
Exhibitions: Displays of coffee artifacts at the Coffee Cupper Museum and the Wangsan Gangneung Coffee Museum, as well as showcases of coffee farm culture and local products.
Cultural Performances: Events like the Tamok opening ceremony and a Hanbok fashion show to highlight Korean culture and its intersection with the global coffee scene.
Trade and Business Opportunities: Platforms for promoting cafe industry infrastructure, local specialty products, and facilitating marketing and sales channels for coffee and related food and beverage businesses.
Roles of the World Coffee Festival Organizing Committee and the Korea Importers Association:
The World Coffee Festival Organizing Committee, led by Chairman Choi Geum-jeong, is the primary body responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the festival. Its key roles include:
Conceptualizing the festival theme and program.
Securing venues and infrastructure.
Inviting participants, exhibitors, and speakers.
Managing logistics and operations.
Promoting the festival to domestic and international audiences.
Collaborating with various stakeholders, including local businesses, cultural organizations, and government agencies.
The Korea Importers Association (KOIMA), headed by Chairman Kim Young-chae, is a non-profit organization representing the interests of Korean importers across various sectors. Its involvement in the World Coffee Festival signifies the growing importance of coffee within the Korean import market and KOIMA's commitment to supporting related industries. KOIMA's key roles in this collaboration are expected to include:
Facilitating the participation of international coffee producers and businesses.
Providing expertise in import regulations and trade practices.
Assisting with networking and business matching opportunities for festival participants.
Promoting the festival among its member companies and international partners.
Contributing to the overall success and international reach of the event.
The Korea-Africa Foundation, where the MOU signing ceremony took place and whose Chairman, Yeo Woon-ki, is the Co-Chairman of the World Coffee Festival Organizing Committee, plays a crucial role in fostering economic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges between Korea and African nations. Its involvement highlights the potential for collaboration between Korea's coffee industry and African coffee-producing countries, promoting fair trade and mutual understanding.
Expected Outcomes and Significance:
The collaboration between the World Coffee Festival Organizing Committee and the Korea Importers Association, with the support of the Korea-Africa Foundation, is expected to yield significant benefits:
Successful Hosting of the World Coffee Festival: The combined resources and expertise of the three organizations will contribute to a well-organized and impactful inaugural festival.
Enhanced International Participation: KOIMA's extensive network of international partners will attract a diverse range of coffee producers, businesses, and experts from around the world.
Promotion of Gangneung as a Global Coffee Destination: The festival will further elevate Gangneung's profile as a leading center for coffee culture and industry, attracting more tourists and investment.
Stimulation of the Local and National Economy: The event is expected to boost tourism, create business opportunities for local enterprises, and contribute to the growth of the coffee and related industries nationwide.
Cultural Exchange and Understanding: The festival will provide a platform for cultural exchange between Korea and coffee-producing countries, fostering mutual appreciation and understanding.
Strengthened International Networks: The event will facilitate the building of valuable relationships and networks among coffee professionals, businesses, and organizations from different countries.
In conclusion, the MOU between the World Coffee Festival Organizing Committee and the Korea Importers Association marks a significant step towards establishing a successful and globally recognized World Coffee Festival in Gangneung. By leveraging their respective strengths and collaborating with the Korea-Africa Foundation, these organizations are poised to create a landmark event that celebrates coffee, promotes cultural exchange, and strengthens Gangneung's position as a global hub for coffee culture and industry. The inaugural festival in May is highly anticipated to be a vibrant and enriching experience for coffee lovers and industry professionals alike.
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