Sang Ho Park

The air in Seoul hummed with the electric energy of the World Barista Championship. Amidst the frantic pace of filming a documentary for the AeroPress movie, we sought a moment of clarity. We found it in the quiet, focused corners of the city’s most prestigious cafes. Seoul is a metropolis that treats coffee not as a morning jolt, but as a disciplined art form, and we were determined to witness this mastery firsthand. The Technical Precision of Center Coffee Our journey led us to Center Coffee, an establishment that radiates excellence under the guidance of Sang Ho Park. Park’s pedigree is undeniable; having managed quality for Square Mile Coffee Roasters and secured the UK Brewers Cup title, he brings a roaster’s precision to the service floor. The cafe offered a rare Geisha variety for both espresso and filter, prepared with a Clever Dripper. This choice of brewer is a departure from European norms, yet it produced a cup of such sweetness and clarity that it redefined our expectations of the method. A Literary Milestone for the Coffee Man The atmosphere shifted from technical to celebratory as we transitioned to the launch of The Coffee Man Book. This event marked a full circle for us, having hosted the premiere of Sasa Sestic’s film a year prior. Watching the community gather to support Sestic’s literary debut felt like a homecoming. Even arriving late, the energy was palpable. The intersection of Sestic’s book launch and our own film project served as a reminder of the interconnected nature of the global specialty coffee community. The Culture of Trust and Hospitality As the trip concluded, the lasting impression wasn't just the acidity of a perfectly brewed cup, but the people. Seoul’s coffee culture is built on a foundation of deep trust. Every pour and every interaction reflected a profound respect for the ingredient. We left with signed copies and full hearts, reminded that the true technique in culinary arts is the ability to share a story through the plate—or in this case, the cup.