June 7-8: From Gongneung Station to Dongbu Apartment Intersection and Gyeongchun Line Gongneung Forest Trail
Taste coffees from over 20 countries, with renowned cafes nationwide and local Gongneung-dong brands all in one place
Nowon-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok), announced that it will host the 3rd Gyeongchun Line Gongneung Forest Trail Coffee Festival (COFFEE trip) from Saturday, June 7 to Sunday, June 8.
The Nowon-gu Coffee Festival, which began in 2023 based on the self-sustaining coffee culture of the Gongneung-dong area, has grown rapidly. With its unique format that allows visitors to experience both the local commercial district and global coffee culture, the festival has received enthusiastic responses from residents and tourists alike, establishing itself as a signature cultural event of the district. Starting this year, the festival period has been extended from one day to two days.
The event will take place in the area stretching from Gongneung Station on Subway Line 7 to the Dongbu Apartment Intersection and along the Gyeongchun Line Gongneung Forest Trail. During the festival, this section will be operated as a "car-free street."
This year's theme is "Coffee Journey (COFFEE trip)." The festival will showcase a celebration of coffee culture, featuring coffees from around the world, local brands from Gongneung-dong, and a variety of cultural content and performances.
First, over 20 coffee-producing countries will participate. Visitors will be able to taste beans from renowned coffee regions such as Kenya, Guatemala, and El Salvador, and experience their unique coffee cultures.
In addition to local cafes and dessert shops from Gongneung-dong, famous cafes from other regions, including "Bohemian" from Gangneung, "Hite Roastery" from Busan, "Migok Warehouse" from Gunsan, "Essentia" from Gimhae, and "Cafe Biya" from Uiseong, will also take part.
On the main stage in front of Gongneung Station, demonstrations and an awards ceremony by winners of the World Coffee Championship (WCC) will be held. Participants in various fields such as barista, latte art, and roasting will demonstrate their coffee-making skills on site, creating opportunities for interaction with the audience.
A local coffee competition, in which general visitors can participate directly, will also be held. Attendees can taste coffee and join a blind test, with outstanding participants being awarded on the main stage.
The impressive performance lineup is also drawing attention. On June 7, Ahn Ye-eun, known for her unique musical style, and Choi Baek-ho, renowned for his deep emotional resonance, will perform. On June 8, Lee Seok-hoon, recognized for his delicate vocals, and the iconic Korean rock band Jaurim will take the stage.
Additionally, a variety of artists, including Dongmi Jazz Band, Kidari Band, violinist Kim Bitnal Yunmi, accordionist Joo Yeon, and cellist Chae Song-a, will fill the festival grounds with busking performances over the two days, enriching the experience for visitors.
A range of hands-on programs for families will also be available. Activities include making coffee drip bags, coffee bean soap and room spray, and natural coffee slime, offering content in which people of all ages can participate.
There will also be an eco-friendly brand fair and a flea market featuring young creators, where visitors can browse and purchase handmade crafts and creative products.
Throughout the festival, photo zones filled with atmosphere will be set up, allowing visitors to capture memories of their coffee journey in photos.
The district plans to operate this year's coffee festival as an eco-friendly event. Booths at the venue will use reusable and eco-friendly tableware, and the use of single-use items, except for forks, spoons, and chopsticks, will be restricted. Visitors who bring their own tumblers will receive a 500-won discount on coffee, leading the way in establishing a sustainable festival culture.
Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, stated, "The Gyeongchun Line Gongneung Forest Trail Coffee Festival is a celebration that has grown based on the unique character and coffee culture of the region. This year, with an even richer program, I hope both residents and visitors will enjoy a special journey through coffee, art, and culture."
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