Gangnam-gu to Host 'National Barista Competition for the Hearing Impaired' on the 26th

12 Baristas Compete in Skills at Ilwon Eco Park Center

The scene from the National Barista Competition for the Hearing Impaired held last September. Provided by Gangnam-gu.

Gangnam-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong) will host the "National Barista Competition for the Hearing Impaired" at Ilwon Eco Park Center on the 26th from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Now in its 6th year, this competition was first held in 2013 to dispel social prejudices against hearing-impaired baristas and to promote their professionalism. Since 2019, it has expanded to a nationwide event. The competition is organized by the Cheong-eum Welfare Center and sponsored by Gangnam-gu.

On September 28th, 40 contestants from across the country participated in the preliminary round, engaging in fierce competition. Twelve finalists advanced to the final stage. The finals consist of three rounds where participants compete in latte art and etching art skills.

The first and second rounds are conducted in a tournament format, while the third round is scored by professional judges to determine the final winners. The total prize money is 5.3 million KRW, with 3 million KRW awarded to first place, 1.5 million KRW to second place, 500,000 KRW to third place, and 100,000 KRW each to those placing fourth through sixth.

At the event, three speakers who have overcome challenges will give 15-minute mini-lectures. At 12:00 PM, Yerin Kwak, the 2022 competition winner and silver medalist at the Global Coffee Championship, will deliver the first lecture. At 2:30 PM, Kim Dong-jun, a member of the idol group "Jekuk-ui Aideul," will take the stage. At 3:00 PM, Ji-yeon Kim, a hearing-impaired musical artistic director, will give a lecture.

Additionally, 21 experience booths will be operated, involving hearing-impaired self-help groups, related organizations, and the Cheong-eum Welfare Center. The booths will offer various interactive programs such as instant photo shoots, drip coffee tasting, and caricature drawing, providing enjoyment for visitors.

District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong stated, "I hope this competition becomes a meaningful occasion where hearing-impaired baristas can fully demonstrate their skills and gain recognition for their professionalism." He added, "We will continue to expand support so that people with disabilities can realize their dreams and potential in more diverse fields."