Cafe Show Seoul 2026 Complete Guide | Nov 13–14 Public Days, Tickets, Booking & Getting to COEX

You’ll quickly notice Korea’s deep love for coffee while exploring the country. Unique cafes line almost every alleyway, and relaxing over coffee and dessert is one of the highlights of traveling here. If you want to experience Korea's vibrant coffee culture all in one place, Cafe Show Seoul is the event to visit.

Celebrating its 25th edition, Cafe Show Seoul 2026 will run from Wednesday, November 11 to Saturday, November 14 across all halls (Halls A–D) at COEX in Seoul. If you're a traveler or general attendee outside the industry, you can visit during the Public Days on Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14.

Discounted pre-order tickets are available through Sunday, November 8. We’ve put together a complete guide covering schedules, ticket pricing, booking instructions, directions to COEX, and nearby attractions to visit.

1. Cafe Show Seoul 2026 at a Glance

① Dates & Location [Confirmed]

• Dates: November 11 (Wed) – November 14 (Sat), 2026 (4 days)
• Location: COEX (Halls A–D), 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
• Operating Hours: Nov 11 (Wed) – Nov 13 (Fri) 10:00–18:00 (Last entry at 17:30) / Nov 14 (Sat) 10:00–16:00 (Last entry at 15:30)
• Organizers: Xforum and Monthly Coffee

② Business Days vs. Public Days [Confirmed]

Admission to Cafe Show Seoul depends on the date. Travelers and general visitors should plan their trip around the Public Days.

• Business Days (Nov 11 Wed – Nov 12 Thu): Open only to buyers, industry professionals, and prospective entrepreneurs. Proof of industry affiliation (such as a business card) is required. Minors and preschoolers are not admitted, even with a guardian.
• Public Days (Nov 13 Fri – Nov 14 Sat): Open to the general public. Minors may enter with a ticket, and preschoolers can enter when accompanied by a guardian.
• Saturday (Nov 14) closes early at 16:00. For a more relaxed experience, visiting on Friday (Nov 13) is recommended.

2. Ticket Prices & Booking Guide

① Ticket Prices [Confirmed]

Ticket prices vary depending on when you buy them. Right now, two options remain: pre-order tickets online (Nov 1–Nov 8) or buy tickets on-site during the event (Nov 11–Nov 14).

• One-Day Pass: Pre-order ₩22,000 / On-Site ₩25,000
• All-Day Pass (4-Day Access): Pre-order ₩44,000 / On-Site ₩50,000
• Master Blend Pass: ₩150,000 (Includes full 4-day access + entry to select World Coffee Forum sessions)
• Please note: One-Day Passes are valid for a single day only and are designated for either Business Days or Public Days. The All-Day Pass grants entry for all four days of the event.

② How International Visitors Can Book [Confirmed]

Booking Options: Tickets are available on the official Cafe Show website as well as Naver, 29CM, YES24, NOL, and Interpark. Registering through the official website allows you to pay on-site, whereas other platforms require advance online payment. Please make sure to register through one platform only.

Official English Website: The English site (eng.cafeshow.com) has its own registration portal with ticket prices listed in USD for your convenience (around $17 for an pre-order One-Day Pass and $19 for On-Site, subject to exchange rates). On the English site, you will need to create an account before completing your registration.

• Pre-order Deadline: Sunday, November 8
• Cancellations & Refunds: Available only until November 8 at 23:59 KST. No refunds or cancellations will be processed after this date.
• How to Enter: Pick up your official attendee badge (lanyard) at the Ticket Exchange Booth in COEX Hall B (1F) after verifying your identity. Overseas visitors should bring a valid photo ID, such as a passport.
• Individual Bookings Required: Every member of your group must register individually.
• Inquiries: Cafe Show Seoul Secretariat (info@cafeshow.com)

3. What to See & Experience

① From Specialty Coffee to Artisanal Desserts: Asia's Premier Coffee Expo

The expo features a wide array of exhibits spanning coffee, tea, bakery items, desserts, ice cream, chocolate, beverages, raw ingredients, espresso machines, brewing gear, interior design, franchise opportunities, and commercial kitchen appliances. The best part? You can taste and compare beans from renowned roasters while getting a firsthand look at the latest dessert and drink trends taking Korea's cafe scene by storm.

If you come across coffee beans or drip bags you love, they make fantastic souvenirs to take home. Availability and pricing vary by booth, so be sure to check on-site.

② Looking for Deeper Insights? Check Out the 2026 World Coffee Forum

Held concurrently with Cafe Show Seoul, the 2026 World Coffee Forum features lectures and insightful sessions on industry trends and global coffee culture. Please note that a standard Cafe Show ticket does not include access to forum sessions—you will need a separate Forum Ticket or a Master Blend Pass. Check the official World Coffee Forum website for full session schedules.

4. How to Get to COEX

① Direct Subway Access

Getting There: Taking the subway is by far the easiest and most convenient option according to official COEX directions.

• Line 2 (Samseong Station): Follow the underground passageway toward Exits 5 or 6 for direct access into COEX.
• Line 9 (Bongeunsa Station): Follow the underground connection toward Exit 7 to walk right into COEX.
• Line 7 (Cheongdam Station): Take Exit 2 and walk straight for about 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are traveling with a group or carrying lots of shopping bags, booking a WOWKOREA SERVICE Private Van is a great hassle-free alternative. Enjoy door-to-door transportation between your hotel and COEX without worrying about subway transfers.

② Crowd Expectations & Best Time to Arrive

Pro Tip: Long lines can form at ticket booths during Public Days. Aiming to arrive right around opening time (10:00 AM) will help you beat the rush and explore more comfortably. Note that final entry on Saturday is at 3:30 PM (15:30), so plan accordingly!

• Suitcases and folding carts are strictly prohibited inside the venue throughout the event. Travel light and leave heavy luggage at your accommodation.
• With so many tasting opportunities, caffeine intake can add up quickly. Drink plenty of water and take regular breaks.
• While COEX is indoors and climate-controlled, Seoul gets quite chilly in mid-November during mornings and evenings. Wearing easily removable layers is highly recommended.

5. Top Spots to Visit After the Expo

① Starfield Library at COEX

Located in Starfield COEX Mall inside COEX, Starfield Library is one of Seoul's most iconic photo spots, famous for its towering wall-to-wall bookshelves. It's an easy stop after the show and a great place to take a break.

6. Enjoying Korean Cafe Desserts from Your Stay

① Cafe Treats Delivered Straight to Your Door

If seeing all the Korean dessert trends at the Cafe Show left you craving more, keep the experience going right from your hotel room. With WOWKOREA SERVICE Food Delivery, you can browse English menus and order popular Korean cafe desserts—like A TWOSOME PLACE's Matcha Basque Cheesecake—with ease.

② Sulbing: Iconic Korean Shaved Ice

Sulbing's iconic "Injeolmi Bingsu"—shaved ice topped with a generous dusting of nutty roasted soybean powder—is a huge favorite among international visitors. You can also explore menu options from popular coffee chains like Starbucks, Mega MGC Coffee, and Gong Cha. Available restaurants and menus vary depending on your hotel address, so check the Food Delivery section for details.

7. Tips for Visiting Cafe Show Seoul 2026

• Tourists should plan their visit for the Public Days on Friday, November 13 and Saturday, November 14.
• Pre-order pricing is available until Sunday, November 8. After that date, tickets must be purchased on-site at full price.
• Cancellations and refunds are only permitted until 23:59 on Sunday, November 8, so make sure to finalize your schedule before buying.
• Before entering, you must pick up your admission badge at the ticket booth in Hall B on the 1st floor of COEX. Be sure to bring a valid ID.
• On Saturday, the exhibition closes early at 16:00, with last entry at 15:30.
• Suitcases, rolling luggage, and folding carts are strictly prohibited inside the event halls.
• If you plan to buy coffee beans or souvenirs, bringing a lightweight tote bag will come in handy.
• In case of an emergency, call 112 for police or 119 for medical and fire services.

8. Enjoy a Seamless Coffee Tour with WOWKOREA SERVICE

Travel effortlessly between your hotel and COEX with Private Van service. After a long day of exploring, use Food Delivery to get authentic Korean cafe desserts and meals delivered right to your accommodation, or order drinks and snacks via Mart Delivery. You can also check out the WOW Special page for exclusive travel discounts.

On days when you aren't attending the show, head over to Ticket & Activities to discover exciting experiences and attractions across Seoul.

Schedules, prices, and event programs are subject to change by the organizers, so be sure to check the official Cafe Show Seoul website (cafeshow.com) before heading out.