In the just-ended four-day chocolate exhibition that was held at the COEX convention center in Hall D on Jan. 12-15, I was lucky to receive free tickets from a friend who knew how much I loved chocolate and anything else made with cocoa. I therefore invited my friend to go check it out with me on Thursday the 12th, i.e., the very first day of the exhibition.

I didn't know what to expect since it was my first-time to hear about a chocolate exhibition. Knowing it was a chocolate exhibition, I guessed there would just be products made of cocoa on display, possibly chocolates and hot chocolate drinks and cocoa powder from different countries. However, I was very curious about the Cacao Fashion Show. “How on earth can clothes be made of chocolate?” I wondered while forgetting that everything was possible under the sun once you put your mind to it.

We checked in on arrival and found our way to the hall with the lovely smell of chocolate welcoming us. There were so many people present that day. Some were trying out products on display and buying them. Others were taking pictures of chocolate artworks that I thought were just wood carvings, nicely finished. Others were learning about the processes by which certain products were made and personally getting a hands-on practice with all things chocolate. Obviously, there were so many kids present because it was all about chocolate and kids love chocolate.









There were so many events happening concurrently, like the Choco Seminar, the Pastry Show, a quiz and performances. People enjoyed whichever one they found much interest in.

To my surprise, I turned to take a second look at all the artifacts -- "chocoart" -- I had passed upon hearing my friend ask me whether all these artifacts made of chocolate weren’t amazing. You should have seen the expression on my face. I was in awe and wondered how all that was possible.





The Salon Du Chocolat was organized by Exporum. There were many items on display, such as cocoa, chocolate, raw materials, machinery and equipment, beverages, dessert, packaging and even educational material. Official Guest Chocolatiers Benoit Nihant, Christophe Roussel and Koji Tsuchiya graced the occasion with their artistic and wonderful products.





It was a wonderful and educational experience for me and I learned so much about cocoa that day.

By Anita Emefa Hato
Korea.net Honorary Reporter
Photos: Hatography, Anita Emefa Hato

http://koreanetblog.blogspot.kr/2017/01/chocolate-comes-to-seoul.html