2026 Seongnam-dong Coffee Festival: A Celebration of Coffee Culture
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
Hello, this is the official blog reporter group of Ulsan Metropolitan City.
We visited the '2026 Seongnam-dong Coffee Festival' held in the Cultural Street area of Jung-gu, Ulsan, from Friday, October 30 to Sunday, November 1.
This year marked the fourth iteration of the event, and visiting it made me confident that it has perfectly established itself as a representative autumn festival of Ulsan.
The variety of attractions made me feel that it rivals coffee-related exhibitions held in Seoul or Busan, and it has become an event I look forward to every year.
The '2026 Seongnam-dong Coffee Festival' connects the old coffee shop culture of Seongnam-dong with today's coffee culture, aiming to revitalize the downtown area.
It holds special significance as a merchant-led urban regeneration program, planned and executed by coffee shop owners and workers who have maintained the alleyways.
I visited the festival on its last day, where everything related to coffee was on display. Despite the forecast of rain that afternoon, the festival was bustling with people eager to enjoy it from early in the day.
It is said that the average annual coffee consumption per person in Korea is 416 cups, which is 2.7 times the global average. This remarkable love for coffee was palpable at the event, surpassing the Asia-Pacific region average of 57 cups by more than seven times.
This year, the dress code event, which I found enjoyable last year, was also held. Attendees wearing T-shirts or hats with at least 70% mint color received a complimentary Americano or a chance to win a prize.
Pregnant attendees and their companions received a free decaf coffee, exemption from waiting in line at experience booths, and one instant photo print among various benefits.
Visitors who made purchases over 10,000 won at the booths participated in a stamp tour, receiving a drip bag set after visiting six landmarks in Seongnam-dong and collecting stamps.
On the event day, attendees who presented receipts for purchases over 20,000 won at stores in Seongnam-dong received either an Americano or a raffle ticket.
Various events encouraged active participation, such as giving away coffee saplings to those who brought and used personal tumblers for purchases over 10,000 won.
Finding and taking photos at the photo zones set up throughout the venue was also a fun experience. The character introduced for the first time this year at the 'Seongnam-dong Coffee Festival' caught many eyes.
This character was inspired by the history of Seongnam-dong, which was home to Ulsan's first train station in 1921, the landmark clock tower that has long been a meeting place for Ulsan citizens, and the beginning of Ulsan's coffee culture.
There was even a naming event for the character, but it seems the name has yet to be finalized. It will be exciting to see what creative and fun name it receives.
The festival featured various music performances and activities related to coffee, including hand-drip and latte art experiences, bean roasting, and making drip bags, all enriched by the active participation of merchants and interest from residents.
This year, 70 businesses participated, offering coffee tastings and sales, providing a great opportunity for them to promote their brands.
Visitors could taste and choose coffees and desserts that matched their preferences, enhancing their satisfaction.
With over 70 famous cafes from Ulsan and across the country showcasing a variety of coffees, along with various experiences and events, it’s no wonder that autumn in Ulsan is highly anticipated.
Notably, this year included participation from overseas coffee businesses from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Ethiopia, allowing attendees to enjoy a diverse array of coffee cultures from around the world.
Booths selling merchandise featuring the festival's character were also very popular. Children visiting with their parents enjoyed face painting, adding to the fun of the event.
Watching their chosen designs come to life on their faces or arms by professionals brought smiles to their faces.
Additionally, family-friendly experiences like a coffee bean kids' zone, balloon art, and instant photo printing were also available.
On the special stage, a 'Brewing Coffee and Latte Art Competition' was held, featuring 64 coffee experts and enthusiasts from across the country showcasing their skills.
During my visit, the latte art competition was in full swing, with many spectators cheering on the participants and eagerly awaiting the final winner.
Seongnam-dong, a special area where Korea's first 'coffee shop street' was formed, has a rich history intertwined with the growth of coffee culture alongside Ulsan's industrialization.
Once a gathering place for youth and artists, the coffee shops have evolved into cafes, but the culture of finding relaxation and sharing moments over a cup of coffee continues.
Experiencing everything about coffee in Seongnam-dong, which holds this history, provides coffee lovers with an opportunity to broaden their tastes and offers businesses a chance to connect with customers and forge new relationships.
The festival provided an opportunity to discover new joys and savor small happiness through a simple cup of coffee, naturally attracting many attendees.
The energy of the 'Seongnam-dong Coffee Festival,' which acted as a large cafe for many in Seongnam-dong over three days, was truly immense. I am glad I attended and look forward to a festival that will be even more impressive next year.
※ This content reflects the views of the 'Ulsan Metropolitan City Blog Reporter Group' and may differ from the official stance of Ulsan Metropolitan City Hall.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/ulsan_nuri/224470127414
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