The Nation's Most Prestigious French Wine Sommelier Competition

Lee Hyungtaek, a sommelier at The Steak House operated by CJ Foodville, won first place at the 24th Korea Sommelier Competition held on September 10 at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel.


CJ Foodville’s The Steak House Sommelier Lee Hyungtaek Wins First Place at the 24th Korea Sommelier Competition View original image

The Korea Sommelier Competition is the most prestigious French wine sommelier selection event in the country, hosted by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and organized by Hopscotch Korea. With its long history and tradition, it has established itself as a gateway for the domestic sommelier industry, attracting high-level participants and wine enthusiasts every year.


This year’s competition saw four of the nation's top sommeliers, selected through a fierce preliminary round in June, advance to the finals. The final round evaluated a wide range of skills, from wine service and blind tasting to theoretical knowledge. Lee Hyungtaek demonstrated outstanding ability and achieved excellent results, ultimately taking home the championship.


Lee Hyungtaek commented, "It is a great honor for my years of effort and passion to bear fruit at such a prestigious sommelier competition. I will continue to learn and grow, share the allure of wine, and provide unforgettable, top-tier dining experiences to guests at The Steak House."



Lee Hyungtaek is an expert with over 10 years of experience in hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, covering all aspects of fine dining. Last year, he placed second at the 23rd Korea Sommelier Competition, earning the right to represent Korea at an international competition in Asia. He has also consistently ranked among the top in various other competitions, gaining recognition for his expertise. Additionally, he has served as a judge at international wine competitions, accumulating a wealth of experience. Drawing on this background, he personally curated a selection of more than 100 wines and whiskies to match the concept and menu of The Steak House.


This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.

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