Learn Barista Skills and Earn SCAE Certification in Seoul

Want to trade your daily routine for three days of hands-on barista training in a Seoul coffee shop, guided by an instructor who travels to Brazil and Europe for coffee mastery — and walk away with an internationally recognised SCAE certificate? That’s exactly what this program offers.

Yes, you can earn a Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) certificate in just three days in Seoul, learning everything from espresso pulling to latte art — and yes, it includes the official SCAE credential mailed from Europe.

What the Program Offers

This is a small-group barista training program based in a Seoul coffee shop run by an experienced instructor, open to international students. The course follows the SCAE curriculum and concludes with an exam for certification. The instructor, known simply as “Kim,” is a seasoned coffee professional who regularly travels to Europe and South America for advanced training. Note: the coffee shop will be closed during class sessions to allow full focus on students.

Program Details

• Location: Seoul, Korea (Kim’s coffee shop)
• Dates: Ongoing enrollment between 2015-09-28 and 2016-02-29
• Course Length: 3 consecutive days per session
• Class Size: Maximum 4 students (first-come, first-served based on payment order)
• Flexibility: Pay anytime, start any time within the window; inform staff of your preferred start date at least 7 days before the session begins
• Pauses: Course may be suspended if the instructor is abroad for advanced training. Confirmed suspension: December 3–15, 2015 (instructor in Brazil).

Course Content Breakdown

Day 1: Foundations

• Introduction to coffee beans and basic coffee knowledge
• Pouring techniques ("")
• Manual coffee brewing using a coffee machine

Day 2: Espresso & Milk

• Espresso machine operation
• Making espresso with milk, with emphasis on taste
• Latte art and milk frothing techniques

Day 3: Advanced Skills & Certification

• Further practice with milk-based coffee drinks
• Deeper dive into coffee theory
• Final exam; receive one official SCAE certificate (shipped from Europe). Additional certificates available for €50 each directly through SCAE.

Daily sessions run around 2–4 hours. The rest of the day is free for exploring Seoul or chatting with Kim.

Logistics & Requirements

• Age: Participants must be 18 or older
• Language: Course is taught in English; good listening and speaking skills required
• Accommodation: Included: 3 nights in a shared hostel dorm (kitchen, kettle, common appliances). For groups of 3–4, a larger room may be arranged. Pickup included: staff meets you at Hongdae Station subway (you take the subway from the airport to Hongdae).
• Cost: ¥3400 RMB (approximate)
• Accommodation Waiver: ¥400 RMB discount if you arrange your own lodging (notify staff before payment)
• Included in fee: 3 nights’ accommodation, Hongdae subway station pickup, 3-day barista course, 1 official SCAE certificate with international postage. Extra certificates cost €50 each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the instructor, and is he really connected to SCAE?

The instructor is known as Kim. He is not the actor Kim Soo-hyun, but he is an experienced coffee professional who regularly travels to Europe and South America (including Brazil during December 3–15, 2015) for advanced training. The course is built around the globally recognised SCAE curriculum and awards an official SCAE certificate shipped from Europe upon successful completion.

Is the SCAE certificate really included?

Yes. Upon passing the exam on the third day, you’ll receive one official SCAE certificate, mailed from Europe. If you want a second or additional certificate, each extra one costs €50 and must be requested directly through SCAE.

Do I need to speak Korean?

No — the course is taught entirely in English. You should have a good level of English comprehension and speaking ability to keep up with instruction and exams.

What if the instructor is away during my chosen dates?

The course may be paused if Kim is overseas for advanced training. The confirmed pause is December 3–15, 2015 (in Brazil). You’ll be notified in advance of any other schedule changes.

Is this just a tourist experience or real training?

This is serious, small-group barista training based on the SCAE syllabus. You’ll learn espresso techniques, milk preparation, latte art, and take a final exam. It’s ideal for those wanting to gain recognised credentials and practical skills in a short time.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Barista Training

For aspiring baristas training in Seoul, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera — a bright, complex Ethiopian single origin with citrus, jasmine, and tropical fruit notes, ideal for practicing espresso and milk drinks. Also consider their FrontStreet Classic Blend, a balanced mix with chocolate and nutty tones for consistent shots. Finally, their Strawberry Candy Espresso offers fruity sweetness and a syrupy body, great for latte art practice. All beans are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.