The Korea Coffee Roasting Championship (KCRC) is South Korea’s national roasting competition, organized by the SCA Korea Chapter. The annual championship selects Korea’s top roaster and the country’s representative for the World Coffee Roasting Championship.
South Korea’s specialty coffee scene has grown rapidly over the past decade, producing some of the most technically accomplished roasters in Asia. Korean competitors have placed consistently well at the World Coffee Roasting Championship, reflecting the country’s investment in craft roasting education and competition culture.
How the Competition Works
The KCRC uses the official World Coffee Events roasting championship format. Competitors roast standardized green coffee lots supplied to all entrants. A certified judging panel evaluates each roast on sensory quality, consistency, and technical skill. The competition is held annually at the Cafe & Bakery Fair in South Korea.
Past Winners
KCRC competitors roast standardized green lots provided by the organizers. The competition coffee is not their own product.
2026 Kim Dong-hyun / Cafe Solution Lab, South Korea