World Coffee Forum 2026 to open at COEX in November

The 15th World Coffee Forum 2026, a coffee-sharing platform, will be held at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The four-day event runs from Nov. 11 to Nov. 14.

This year's event marks the first name change in 15 years, from the previous World Coffee Leaders Forum. The rebranded World Coffee Forum aims to expand into an open forum for anyone who loves coffee. Under the theme "Why We Drink Coffee," the event will explore coffee from four perspectives: ritual, taste, space and connection.

At "The Stage," global leaders and innovators will speak on key issues and offer new perspectives on the coffee industry.

Other programs include Pairing Table, which explores the fusion of food, beverages and lifestyle; Champion Live, where visitors can watch top world champions perform up close; and Origin Discovery, which lets participants taste coffee while exploring its production background and culture.

Learning and exploration programs designed to strengthen participants' knowledge and practical skills have also been significantly expanded. Through a three-day education program, attendees can acquire standardized knowledge and technology provided by the Specialty Coffee Association.

The event will also host, for the first time in Seoul, the ranking announcement and awards ceremony for Asia Pacific's 100 Best Coffee Shops, the Asia-Pacific edition of the World's 100 Best Coffee Shops.

"This year's transformation of the World Coffee Forum is not simply a name change," a World Coffee Forum official said. "We designed the new program as a fresh starting point that opens the door to the coffee industry for everyone who loves coffee."