Gangwon Provincial College Launches "K-Coffee" Training Program
K-Coffee Tech and Trend Analysis Course Introduced
Aiming to Strengthen Professionalism and Support Local Economic Recovery
Gangwon Provincial College is taking the lead in cultivating professionals for the coffee industry.
According to Yonhap News on October 7, the RISE Project Group at Gangwon Provincial College has launched and begun operating the "K-Coffee Tech and Trend Analysis Training Program" for small business owners and young entrepreneurs in the Gangneung area. The program is being held in the college's barista, baking, and pastry practice rooms.
This training is part of a customized workforce development project linked to the regionally specialized industries of the northeastern Yeongdong area in Gangwon Province. Its aim is to strengthen the expertise of those working in the coffee industry and support the recovery of the local economy. More than 20 participants will receive intensive, hands-on training until January next year.
The curriculum covers not only coffee extraction techniques, but also advanced equipment utilization, analysis of effective coffee components, AI-based marketing analysis, and analysis of the latest consumer trends, encompassing cutting-edge technology and business competencies. In particular, the program focuses on helping local professionals build self-sustaining competitiveness and entrepreneurial skills in a rapidly changing global environment.
Recently, small business owners in the Gangneung area have been facing difficulties due to issues such as drought. There is growing attention on whether this training program will serve as a catalyst for revitalizing the local economy.
Choi Geun-pyo, head of the RISE Project Group at Gangwon Provincial College, stated, "This program is more than just acquiring skills; it is an opportunity to develop practical competitiveness and entrepreneurial capabilities that can be applied directly in the local field," adding, "We aim to nurture key talent who will lead the future of the regional coffee industry."
Since the early 2000s, Gangwon Province has established itself as a nationally recognized "coffee hotspot." At that time, a cluster of independent cafes and small roasteries formed the "Gangneung Coffee Street" around Anmok Beach in Gangneung. Since 2009, Gangneung City has officially hosted the "Gangneung Coffee Festival" to promote the local brand, now attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Subsequently, barista competitions such as the "Gangneung Coffee Cupper's Championship" have been held since 2015, drawing in professional talent and leading to the creation of educational facilities for learning roasting and extraction techniques. Some cafes have enhanced their quality competitiveness through importing overseas coffee beans and developing their own blends.
Since then, coffee specialty shops have expanded into nearby areas such as Sokcho, Yangyang, and Pyeongchang, forming the Gangwon Coffee Belt. The coffee industry in Gangwon Province is regarded as a successful model that links tourism with the local economy.
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