South Korea’s leading brewing expo eyes international attendees to boost the languishing local market

The organisers of KIBEX 2025 (Korea International Beer Expo) Seoul, have announced that they are focusing this year’s event on making it a key platform for the revival of South Korea’s stagnant beer market by expanding its global participation.

This year’s event, taking place from 10–12 April at the Coex Exhibition Centre (COEX) in Seoul, will bring together industry leaders, brewers, and suppliers from around the world to explore the latest trends and innovations in the beer sector. It has also invited craft breweries and buyers from across Asia.

To underscore its international focus, the Expo will feature dedicated national pavilions such as from the United States and Brazil; and has enhance its programmes targeting overseas attendees.

For industry professionals there will be The Brew-In Tour which is a guided docent tour aimed at providing in-depth knowledge about beer, brewing equipment, and raw materials in South Korea with on-site tours of raw material and equipment companies. There will also be opportunities to connect with key players in the beer industry.

For homebrewers, there is a Brew It Yourself programme that will provide them with support and help in upgrading brewing skills and offer opportunities to meet and learn from industry experts.

The 2025 edition of The Korea Beer International Award (KIBA) event will also be held concurrently. Last year, it attracted 347 beers from 76 breweries across 16 countries, and was judged by a distinguished panel of international experts. This year, the competition expects to boost those numbers and showcase over 400 beers from breweries worldwide.

Running concurrently with KIBEX 2025, there is also the Drink Seoul expo which will showcase a diverse range of domestic and international distilled spirits, traditional liquors, and wines.