“We’ve long admired the South Korean market” – Intelligentsia CEO, James McLaughlin

After nearly 30 years in business, influential US specialty coffee roaster and café group Intelligentsia Coffee has opened its first international store in South Korea. CEO James McLaughlin speaks to World Coffee Portal about the appeal of Seoul’s historic Seochon district and why the time is right for the pioneering brand to go global

We have been experimenting with innovative coffee preparation and hospitality in our US coffee bars, including expansive brew-to-order programmes and manual lever espresso service. We felt the time was right to take this elevated concept abroad and into markets that share our appreciation for the culinary potential in coffee and already have a strong passion for our brand.