On 20 January, 4 chefs will compete against each other to win the prestigious title of South Korean Chocolate Master before competing in the World Chocolate Masters World Final.

Read all about their motivations, inspirations and challenges here!

More information about the South Korean qualifying rounds

Age: 31
Country: Republic of Korea
Work: Guylian Chocolate cafe
Contests: Huntervalley Chocolate Festival: Chocolate showpiece Bronze, IYCC: Chocolate showpiece Silver

Why do you participate in the World Chocolate Masters?

"I think it would be an opportunity to challenge myself by thinking about the concept of the contest besides my work and develop my own ability."

What do you hope to get out of the competition?

"I want to develop new skills and share a variety of knowledge and skills with other competitors."

Describe briefly what Futropolis means to you?

"As science develops, I think the desire for nature will be greater. I think people are consuming a healthier product."

What is/are your main source(s) of inspiration to create for this competition?

"Future seed storage"

What do you see as your biggest challenge to overcome in this competition?

"Because I work and prepare for the competition at the same time, it is most difficult to control my body and mind. Also, making what you've imagined come true."

Give a sneak peek of what the audience and the jury can expect from you?

"I hope it will be an opportunity to experience a mix of new flavours with chocolate."

What is your personal favorite Cacao Barry chocolate and why?

"Saint Domingo, which is good with a rich wine and neatness."

What is your secret ingredient that will convince the jury?

"A combination of basil and chocolate."

Age: 43
Country: Republic of Korea
Work: Cupid pastry school
Contests: 2011 Seoul International bakery fair award Gold, 2015 Seoul International bakery fair award Gold

Why do you participate in the World Chocolate Masters?

"I read an article of the previous edition of the World Chocolate Masters. I decided to participate in the competition to develop individual capabilities."

What do you hope to get out of the competition?

"I think it would be an opportunity for me to study the technical parts and the depth of chocolate by challenging myself. I’m in a phase right now where I’m in full development of my own skills."

Describe briefly what Futropolis means to you?

"As technology has developed, life has become convenient, but the environment seems to have been devastated. Perhaps Futropolis is the revival of all that has been lost."

What is/are your main source(s) of inspiration to create for this competition?

"Fantasy, literature and film"

What do you see as your biggest challenge to overcome in this competition?

"Physical strength to endure the stressful processes."

Give a sneak peek of what the audience and the jury can expect from you?

"Chocolate skills and taste"

What is your personal favourite Cacao Barry chocolate and why?

"Extra bitter Guayaguil because of the texture."

Age: 34
Country: Republic of Korea
Work: Academy S.table
Contests: 3th Women's Technology Congress: Small Chocolate showpiece participation prize, 7th Women's Technology Congress: Small Entreme Siver, National Skills competition, Seoul : Bronze, Dajeon International cooking contest: Small Chocolate showpiece The grand prize

Why do you participate in the World Chocolate Masters?

"I wanted to have various experiences about chocolate, learn about new flavors, and I wanted to test my skills on chocolate in order to see how far I could go."

What do you hope to get out of the competition?

"Various interpretations of the trendiest chocolate skills, interactions with good chefs and tastes."

Descride briefly what Futropolis means to you?

"I think Futropolis will be smaller and more efficient. Everything will be small scaled in the city. We’ll develop a system that can solve everything within the city and its buildings. Food will be tailored and highly efficient, unlike mass food which can’t be tailored and take into consideration all human preferences.

Food used to solely focus on taste. Nowadays, foods have evolved into a sensory experience affecting vision, smell, touch and hearing. As cognitive psychology becomes more fragmented and developed, more precise and detailed customization needs will emerge.

In conclusion, Futropolis sees the consolidation of cities, the accession of nature, and the maximization of efficiency and senses. "

What is/are your main source(s) of inspiration to create for this competition?

"I tried to imagine what future cities and data would look like and try to transform this into images. I focused on the fact that cities were shrinking and becoming more self-sufficient."

What do you see as your biggest challenge to overcome in this competition?

"I'd like to be more proactive in dealing with various experiences. Although I know the importance of remaining silent because of my professional background as a chef, the thought of me being trapped in the kitchen is the most important part of my creative challenge, and I have built up a unique experience to ensure that my creativity is not compromised."
 

What is your secret ingredient that will convince the jury?

"The use of Stevia for dessert and the use of various texture creams.
The aromatic orange, caramel, and nuts' savory aroma will give a pleasant flavor in three sessions."

Age: 38
Country: Republic of Korea
Work: Sweet lab

Why do you participate in the World Chocolate Masters?

"As a chocolatier, the World Chocolate Masters is a dream stage that everyone wants to participate in. I applied to change my dream of making chocolate to reality through this contest."

What do you hope to get out of the competition?

"Of course, winning the prize is important but I will study chocolate more deeply in preparation for this competition, and I will be able to improve my skills and experience more than anything else."

Describe briefly what Futropolis means to you?

"With advanced technology, mankind will have a smarter and more practical life.

The future of intelligent robots, autonomous vehicles, e-money, health care and eco-friendly housing is a dream that will become reality for human beings who live conveniently and comfortably."

What is/are your main source(s) of inspiration to create for this competition?

"Future cities will evolve conveniently through evolution, but behind them will certainly be the dark areas of climate change, environmental pollution, hacking, and viruses.
Through this contest, I would like to express the bright and dark sides of the future city through a defroster prize."

What do you see as your biggest challenge to overcome in this competition?
"In the fierce arena, I can only count on myself.
Through constant effort and confident challenge, you will be able to overcome the competition well."

Give a sneak peek of what the audience and the jury can expect from you?

"Chocolate can also be expressed as an art that can be eaten with the delicate touch of a chocolatier."

What is your personal favorite Cacao Barry chocolate and why?
"Excellence Purity.
It has been used the most since the beginning of my business, and it is a good chocolate that customers can enjoy frequently and without a burden due to its smooth and popular taste."

What is your secret ingredient that will convince the jury?
"Hibiscus"