Key Highlights: Large bonfire "Demera," traditional coffee ceremonies, veterans' exhibition, and community programs

Focus: Fostering bilateral economic and cultural exchange and supporting Korean SMEs' expansion into overseas markets, led by the Korea Market Economy Research Institute (KMERI)

As autumn paints the lakeside city of Chuncheon, the region is transforming into a vibrant hub of Ethiopian coffee aromas, rich traditions, and historical gratitude. The "16th Ethiopia Road World Coffee Festival & Meskel Festival" will run for three days from September 25 to 27 along the Geunhwa Waterside Cultural Square Forest and Ethiopia Road in Chuncheon. Daily events will take place from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Hosted and organized by the Ethiopia Bet Corporation, the festival is centered around the theme, "The Lights of Demera, the Aroma of Coffee, and the Emotion of Veterans Coming Together as One," welcoming citizens and tourists alike.

Celebrating Ethiopian Tradition and Coffee Heritage

The highlight of the festival is the reenactment of "Demera," the large communal bonfire central to the traditional Ethiopian festival of Meskel.

Meskel is a major national celebration held every September across Ethiopia to commemorate the finding of the True Cross. Characterized by the lighting of a giant bonfire that symbolizes community unity, harmony, and hope, the tradition was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2013.

Visitors to the festival will also have a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich coffee culture of Ethiopia, widely celebrated as the birthplace of coffee. The event features traditional Jebena coffee ceremonies and hand-drip coffee tastings alongside interactive educational programs tracing the history and global journey of coffee.

A wide array of community programs will keep visitors engaged, including giant traditional Yutnori games, busking performances, and a citizen talent show. Additionally, premium food trucks and a bustling night market offering craft beers and diverse culinary delights will ensure an inviting atmosphere for families, young adults, and travelers enjoying the autumn season.

Deepening Historical Ties Through Coffee and Veterans' Remembrance

Beyond a cultural celebration, the festival carries profound historical significance, honoring the enduring friendship forged between South Korea and Ethiopia during the Korean War.

Ethiopia holds a unique and respected place in South Korean history as the only African nation to dispatch ground troops to fight under the UN flag during the Korean War. The 6,037 brave soldiers of the Kagnew Battalion fought valiantly without a single prisoner captured, leaving an indelible legacy of sacrifice. Chuncheon is home to the Ethiopia Korea War Veterans Memorial Hall, which honors these heroic contributions, and a nearby avenue has been named "Ethiopia Road" to celebrate this special bilateral bond.

Throughout the festival, exhibitions introducing the history of veterans from all 22 UN participant nations and military uniform experience booths will be operated. These programs serve as an invaluable historical education platform, allowing children and young adults to naturally understand the sacrifices of war veterans and modern Korean history.

Expanding Private-Sector Cooperation and Economic Exchange

Building on a strategic partnership memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last February, the Korea Market Economy Research Institute (KMERI) and Ethiopia Bet Corporation are continuing to expand bilateral economic and cultural cooperation.

KMERI is actively encouraging its member companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the festival, providing them with an firsthand experience of Ethiopian history and culture to broaden people-to-people exchanges.

Furthermore, KMERI plans to translate cultural and veterans' diplomacy into tangible economic cooperation. The institute is exploring ways to connect domestic SMEs seeking to expand into African markets with vital local intelligence and collaborative business networks.

"Ethiopia is a deeply grateful nation that stood by South Korea to defend our freedom during the Korean War," said Park Jae-cheon, Chairman of KMERI. "We hope this festival goes beyond enjoying coffee and traditional culture to honor the noble sacrifices of our veterans and deepen the friendship between our two countries. Through our continued cooperation with Ethiopia Bet, KMERI will steadily build a practical private-sector foundation that fosters bilateral economic and cultural exchange while assisting Korean SMEs in exploring African markets."

Additional Context: Deepening Korea-Ethiopia Relations

The bond between South Korea and Ethiopia extends far beyond temporary wartime alliances, evolving into a multifaceted partnership spanning development cooperation, education, and trade. Ethiopia remains a priority partner for Korea's official development assistance (ODA) in East Africa, with joint initiatives focusing on vocational training, agricultural productivity, and technological infrastructure.

Annual events like the Chuncheon festival act as a cultural bridge, reminding modern generations of the humanitarian roots of their relationship. By fusing cultural heritage preservation with forward-looking economic collaboration, the Ethiopia Road World Coffee Festival exemplifies how historical gratitude can blossom into dynamic contemporary partnerships in trade and diplomacy.

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