Editor’s note: As we approach the beginning of the 2014 World Barista Championship, which takes place in Rimini, Italy, June 9 “12, at the SCAE’s World of Coffee event, we would like to introduce you to the National Barista Champions who all worked incredibly hard to earn a position in this preeminent coffee contest. Profiles of all 54 competitors will appear on Barista Magazine’s blog between Monday, June 2, and Monday, June 9, and can all be accessed under the category header “WBC 2014 Rimini.”
BARISTA CHAMPION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
GeunHa Park
Fritz Coffee Corp.
Coach: Youngmin Lee
About you: I started with coffee from 2001. My major was music especially guitar. I established a coffee company with my co-workers, Fritz coffee corp. I did work many parts which were packing, delivery, cafe interior, and roasting, etc., for a long time. These experiences make me who I am who is champion of Korea. I failed many times in my life. I entered university after then failed a lot of times. I failed many times in competitions of Korea. But these fails make me to grow. The failure is the mother of success to me.
How many years have you worked with coffee or in the coffee industry?
14 years.
Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
Guitar player.
How did you get started in coffee?
By accident. There was small roastery near my house. They need part timer. I was there.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
My first espresso.
Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
bk Kim
Name a coffee luminary (famous person) you would like to meet, and why:
Sangho Park.
Name a barista you admire, and why:
Kimdo
Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?
5 Extracts, 5 Brewing, Coffee Seed, Coffee LAB, Coffee LEC, Coffee Libre, Momos Coffee, Coffee Eyagi, Coffee Graffiti, In Earth Coffee.
Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
Kenya
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Music
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
My father and mother; my coach; my team Fritz.
