Coffee Libre: Korea's pioneering roastery, led by its first Q Grader. We embody a free spirit, fighting for exceptional, direct-trade coffee & empowering producers globally.

Coffee Libre, founded in 2009 by South Korea's first Q Grader, Pil Hoon Seu, stands as a beacon of the nation's third-wave coffee movement. More than just a roastery, it embodies a unique spirit of determination, reflected in its iconic Lucha Libre mask logo—a nod to fighting for a dream and the freedom "libre" represents. Pil Hoon Seu's journey from academia to coffee pioneer is fueled by an unwavering passion, meticulously cultivating direct trade relationships with over 150 farms across 18 countries.
This commitment ensures a diverse portfolio of high-quality, sustainable coffees, roasted to perfection across a wide spectrum to suit every palate.Coffee Libre's soul lies in its dedication to being a "messenger of great coffee," prioritizing impact over mere profit. Pil Hoon Seu's hands-on approach extends to spending months at origin, fostering genuine connections and even establishing a roastery in Guatemala to empower local producers.
This pioneering spirit is evident in their commitment to education, historically offering free tastings and currently hosting public cuppings every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at their YeonNam branch. Coffee Libre doesn't just serve coffee; it shares a philosophy, inviting enthusiasts to explore the depths of specialty coffee culture.
Q Grader founder, direct trade, global impact, public cupping.
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