"Coffee Philosophy Learned from Filial Piety"... Master Ian A Embraces People with Warmth and Skill

2,000 Disciples, Specialty Coffee Research, and Quiet Service
A "Master of Everyday Life" Recognized by the Community

'First Impressions' When I sat across from him, what struck me first was not the "master's technique," but the warmth he radiated towards people. His attitude toward a single person was more refined and deeper than his approach to a cup of coffee.

Rather than showcasing his skills, he poured his energy into embracing the life of the local community. At his core were always "family," "community," and "responsibility for people."

Ian A is a Master of Coffee in South Korea and the mother of a 92-year-old master. Photo by Byeonggeon Kwon

◆ "Filial piety is the foundation of my life"... The absence of his father,

and 20 years spent caring for his mother He was born in 1968 in a poor farming family in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province. Growing up, he learned filial piety naturally by closely observing the lives of his grandparents and parents.

The sudden passing of his father in 2002 shook his life to its core. Since then, together with his wife, he has devotedly cared for his mother, who suffered from a stroke, for over 20 years, becoming widely known in the community as a "practitioner of filial piety."

'Filial Piety and Character' When people think of a master, they usually think of "technical excellence" first, but his reputation began with his character rather than his skills. His story of caring for his mother was not just a family matter-it was the most essential testimony to how he approaches both life and his profession.

◆ From foreign workers to sanitation workers... "People come before coffee"

Dalseong County is home to many farmers, multicultural families, and foreign workers. This master has quietly continued various forms of volunteer work for the underprivileged, including providing bathing services, pest control, and safety guidance for sanitation workers. A portion of the profits from his business, "Haru Coffee & Donut," is used to purchase daily necessities for seniors living alone and other marginalized groups.

'Quiet Service' He never said he was "giving back." He simply did it. That is why his good deeds felt even more genuine and profound. This is why the title "elder of the community" suits him better than "coffee master."

◆ Marine Corps Non-Commissioned Officer and Birak Production Manager... Skills honed in the field

After graduating from Uiseong Technical High School, he served as a non-commissioned officer in the Marine Corps. After his discharge, he worked as a production manager at Birak Co., Ltd., where he developed practical and managerial skills on the ground.

Recognizing the potential of local agricultural products, he developed fermented donuts and specialty-based coffees, and later established a unique brand as the head of "Haru Coffee & Donut."

'Life's Roadmap' His career path is different from that of a typical barista. The journey from soldier, office worker, and field manager to coffee master shows that, for him, the entire span of life-not just technical training-was a classroom for learning.

■ International Judge and Barista Examiner... A teacher who has sent 2,000 disciples into the world

He is an authentic coffee expert with various international coffee certifications and judging experience. ▲International Barista Judge ▲WCBC Barista Certification Examiner ▲World Barista Q-Grader ▲SCAE·SCA International Certification ▲KICCI Instructor Certification. Based on this expertise, he has trained more than 2,000 students. These students, who have embarked on new lives through employment and entrepreneurship, are now active in various fields.

'The Dignity of an Educator' In the classroom, he was less a teacher of skills and more someone who shared life itself. His tendency to value his students' success above his own honor reminded me of the true meaning of the word "educator."

◆ A master recognized by the city... "These awards were made by my students, not me"

He has been recognized by various institutions, receiving the Dalseong County Model Citizen Award, the Daegu Mayor's Model Citizen Award, the Daegu Superintendent of Education Commendation, and being listed as a Korea New Intellectual, among others.

'Words of a Master' When asked about his awards, he quietly replied, "These awards were made by my students." That single statement once again proved that he is not someone who seeks the spotlight for himself.

◆ The urgent need for "educational spaces" as a success model for social enterprises

He emphasized that in order for social enterprises to continue to grow and for vulnerable groups in the region to start businesses stably, specialized educational and training spaces are essential.

"To develop the coffee industry using local agricultural products and to allow many people to learn and start businesses stably, we need dedicated training centers. Social enterprises can only succeed if they are built on a foundation that nurtures people."

'Space and Vision' His words were not simply about constructing a building. He was envisioning a "platform for the future" that would nurture the next generation of regional masters and transform the local economy. He was already preparing for the next generation.

◆ "Revitalizing the local economy with specialty-based coffee, and creating a business model without failure"

He plans to focus on research into premium coffee based on regional specialties and the expansion of educational systems. "I want to contribute to the local economy and create a path for ordinary people to start businesses stably, without failure."

'Beyond Technique, Into Philosophy' The coffee he creates is not just a beverage. It is a story that contains a person's life, the history of a region, and dreams for the future. When technique and philosophy are harmonized, his coffee becomes a message to the community.

◆ "A shop barely five pyeong in size, but the broadest space for learning and change"

The shop he runs is barely five pyeong (about 16.5 square meters) in size. Yet, from that small space, countless students have set out to find their own paths in life, and local neighbors have found comfort.

'Not About the Space' In that cramped five-pyeong shop, not only the aroma of coffee but also memories, challenges, and moments of growth have accumulated layer by layer. The space was small, but the depth of learning it contained surpassed that of any large school.

"When people come together, even a small space becomes a school. In this five-pyeong shop, I have learned much, and I believe my students have had the same experience."

Ianah is having an interview with a master of Korean coffee and a reporter from The Asia Business Daily.

'In Conclusion' The life and coffee of Ian A begin not with glamour, but with a weighty sincerity.

His philosophy, which began with filial piety and expanded to the community, goes beyond the narrative of a mere professional; it is the record of a master who has embraced his local community. The Asia Business Daily reporter will continue to chronicle the stories of neighbors who quietly shine throughout the region.