28-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Why Busan is Korea's coffee capital with its award-winning baristas and variety of beans
'Take a sip of water first, then a shot of espresso. You'll experience the aroma more vividly as it spreads through your mouth.'
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That is the advice of barista Lim Jung-hwan at Aery Coffee, one of the most talked-about cafes in Busan, South Korea, these days.
Lim's espresso, made with competition-grade beans, bursts with fruity aromas and sweetness that challenge the stereotype of
espresso as a bitter drink.
Originally from Busan, Lim won the 2024 Korea National Barista Championship and placed fifth in the World Barista Championship. Coffee lovers now travel from across the country just to sample his creations.
Lim Jung-hwan placed fifth at the 2024 World Barista Championship. Photo: Instagram/@lim__junghwan
Busan is quickly earning its title as Korea's newest coffee hotspot. Local baristas have made names for themselves in national and global competitions, and word of mouth has spread.
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