KIBEX 2025 and DRINK SEOUL 2025 to Open Jointly on April 10 at COEX: "Revitalizing Korea's Beer Market and Showcasing Global Beverage Trends"
Published 2025. 03. 25
Exhibition hall of the 6th Korea International Beer Expo held at COEX last year | Photo by AVING News
The Korea International Beer Expo (KIBEX) 2025, a leading event in the international beer industry, will be held from April 10 (Thursday) to 12 (Saturday) at COEX, Seoul. The event aims to reinvigorate the sluggish beer market and serve as a business platform where global beer professionals share trends and innovations.
Building on the success of last year's event, KIBEX 2025 plans to strengthen global cooperation. While the U.S. pavilion introduced imported beers and China showcased brewing equipment in 2024, Brazil will feature new imported beers and spirits this year.
With support from global sponsors like Fermentis and Vision Biochem, the expo will welcome a range of international breweries. To expand KIBEX's global influence, the newly launched International Buyer Program will invite beer associations and buyers from countries including the U.S., Brazil, Belgium, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan. This will create new opportunities for Korean craft beer companies to connect and collaborate internationally.
Alongside the expo, the Korea International Beer Conference (KIBCON) will bring together global beer associations to share insights and strategies to overcome challenges in the beer industry. Technical sessions will focus on new ingredients and brewing equipment, helping drive innovation.
Scene from KIBCON 2025 | Photo provided by KIBEX 2025 Secretariat
Group photo of KIBA 2025 winners | Photo provided by KIBEX 2025 Secretariat
The Korea International Beer Award (KIBA) has established itself as a globally competitive beer competition. In 2024, 347 beers from 76 breweries across 16 countries were submitted and evaluated by international judges according to the BA's guidelines. KIBA 2025 expects over 450 entries.
New programs will join the usual product showcases and business matching this year. The 'Brew It Yourself' program will provide education and hands-on experiences for homebrewers. Participants will receive free ingredients and attend seminars and workshops to share and get feedback on their brews.
The 'Brew-In Tour' docent program will guide industry experts and visitors through new ingredients, equipment, and technologies while offering business meeting opportunities. General visitors can also participate in tours to deepen their understanding of the beer industry.
Buja Gin booth at DRINK SEOUL 2024, held concurrently with KIBEX 2024 | Photo provided by KIBEX 2025 Secretariat
KIBEX 2025 organizers stated, "KIBEX will strengthen its role as Asia's central hub for the beer industry, fostering innovation and connecting key players. It will invite international craft breweries and professionals to solidify its global presence."
DRINK SEOUL 2025, held jointly with KIBEX at COEX, will feature a diverse range of global alcoholic beverages and industry professionals. This year, the event will expand its scope even further.
Entrance of DRINK SEOUL 2024 held at COEX last year | Photo by AVING News
Last year, the joint booths from Andong and Yeongcheon showcased Korea's distilled liquors, traditional drinks, and wines. In 2025, more premium spirits, mead, and sake will be featured, reflecting growing interest at home and abroad. The Andong regional pavilion will again include HeriTechSpirits, Cho Okhwa Andong Soju, Park Jae-Seo Andong Soju, Hoegok Brewery, Imha Brewery, Gumgeadang, and 264 White Wine. 12 wineries from the Yeongdong Wine Association will be added.
Korean spirits, distilled using traditional and modern methods, will be a key feature. Participants include House of Heritage Distillery, Buja Gin, and 044 Distillery, which will showcase a distinctive lineup of locally distilled beverages.
Interest in mead, a fermented honey-based drink, is also rising in Korea. DRINK SEOUL 2025 will feature over 20 meads from Booze & Buzz Meadery, Meadery Bongja, Horangi Meadery, and Corevest.
The expanded sake section will highlight 90+ products from eight importers, including HiteJinro's Japan Liquor Import Team, Nemosan Liquor, Monodream, Big Boy Liquor, Zennihon Liquor, Masiju, TIG Trading, and Suria. Visitors will be able to explore the rich flavors of Japanese sake.
Awards ceremony group photo from the Royal Liquor Brewing Contest at DRINK SEOUL 2024 | Photo provided by DRINK SEOUL 2025 Secretariat
In collaboration with the Korean Traditional Liquor Institute (Suldoc), the Royal Liquor Brewing Contest will return under the theme "Master Liquors of the Family." The event highlights Korea's historic brewing culture and enhances the value of traditional distilled liquors.
DRINK SEOUL 2025 will host masterclasses on spirits, mead, sake, and wine. Participants will learn about each category's history, production processes, and tasting techniques, offering industry professionals and enthusiasts valuable insights.
Cho Okhwa Andong Soju booth at DRINK SEOUL 2024 | Photo by AVING News
DK Kim Reporter davis@aving.net
[URL] https://us.aving.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=52125
[Source] AVING NEWS
KIBEX 2025 and DRINK SEOUL 2025 to Open Jointly on April 10 at COEX: "Revitalizing Korea's Beer Market and Showcasing Global Beverage Trends"
Published 2025. 03. 25
The Korea International Beer Expo (KIBEX) 2025, a leading event in the international beer industry, will be held from April 10 (Thursday) to 12 (Saturday) at COEX, Seoul. The event aims to reinvigorate the sluggish beer market and serve as a business platform where global beer professionals share trends and innovations.
Building on the success of last year's event, KIBEX 2025 plans to strengthen global cooperation. While the U.S. pavilion introduced imported beers and China showcased brewing equipment in 2024, Brazil will feature new imported beers and spirits this year.
With support from global sponsors like Fermentis and Vision Biochem, the expo will welcome a range of international breweries. To expand KIBEX's global influence, the newly launched International Buyer Program will invite beer associations and buyers from countries including the U.S., Brazil, Belgium, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan. This will create new opportunities for Korean craft beer companies to connect and collaborate internationally.
Alongside the expo, the Korea International Beer Conference (KIBCON) will bring together global beer associations to share insights and strategies to overcome challenges in the beer industry. Technical sessions will focus on new ingredients and brewing equipment, helping drive innovation.
The Korea International Beer Award (KIBA) has established itself as a globally competitive beer competition. In 2024, 347 beers from 76 breweries across 16 countries were submitted and evaluated by international judges according to the BA's guidelines. KIBA 2025 expects over 450 entries.
New programs will join the usual product showcases and business matching this year. The 'Brew It Yourself' program will provide education and hands-on experiences for homebrewers. Participants will receive free ingredients and attend seminars and workshops to share and get feedback on their brews.
The 'Brew-In Tour' docent program will guide industry experts and visitors through new ingredients, equipment, and technologies while offering business meeting opportunities. General visitors can also participate in tours to deepen their understanding of the beer industry.
KIBEX 2025 organizers stated, "KIBEX will strengthen its role as Asia's central hub for the beer industry, fostering innovation and connecting key players. It will invite international craft breweries and professionals to solidify its global presence."
DRINK SEOUL 2025, held jointly with KIBEX at COEX, will feature a diverse range of global alcoholic beverages and industry professionals. This year, the event will expand its scope even further.
Last year, the joint booths from Andong and Yeongcheon showcased Korea's distilled liquors, traditional drinks, and wines. In 2025, more premium spirits, mead, and sake will be featured, reflecting growing interest at home and abroad. The Andong regional pavilion will again include HeriTechSpirits, Cho Okhwa Andong Soju, Park Jae-Seo Andong Soju, Hoegok Brewery, Imha Brewery, Gumgeadang, and 264 White Wine. 12 wineries from the Yeongdong Wine Association will be added.
Korean spirits, distilled using traditional and modern methods, will be a key feature. Participants include House of Heritage Distillery, Buja Gin, and 044 Distillery, which will showcase a distinctive lineup of locally distilled beverages.
Interest in mead, a fermented honey-based drink, is also rising in Korea. DRINK SEOUL 2025 will feature over 20 meads from Booze & Buzz Meadery, Meadery Bongja, Horangi Meadery, and Corevest.
The expanded sake section will highlight 90+ products from eight importers, including HiteJinro's Japan Liquor Import Team, Nemosan Liquor, Monodream, Big Boy Liquor, Zennihon Liquor, Masiju, TIG Trading, and Suria. Visitors will be able to explore the rich flavors of Japanese sake.
In collaboration with the Korean Traditional Liquor Institute (Suldoc), the Royal Liquor Brewing Contest will return under the theme "Master Liquors of the Family." The event highlights Korea's historic brewing culture and enhances the value of traditional distilled liquors.
DRINK SEOUL 2025 will host masterclasses on spirits, mead, sake, and wine. Participants will learn about each category's history, production processes, and tasting techniques, offering industry professionals and enthusiasts valuable insights.
DK Kim Reporter davis@aving.net
[URL] https://us.aving.net/news/articleView.html?idxno=52125
[Source] AVING NEWS