The future is yours to create: Teo Park

Teo Park is a Seoul-based bartender who finds meaning in sharing everyday life with his guests, one drink, one conversation at a time. As he prepares to open his new bar Hand in Hand, Teo reflects on his quiet perseverance, romantic approach to bartending, and what it meant to represent Korea on the international Red Hands stage.

A little bit about me

Hello, I’m Teo Park, a bartender who believes in sharing daily life with my guests. I’ll be opening my own bar in July, called Hand in Hand, in Seoul. I first fell in love with bartending when I walked into a bar and saw how bartenders connected with their customers, it was effortless, stylish, and deeply human. That moment stuck with me. I thought, “I want to do that.”

My favorite part of the job is simple: hospitality. Creating a space where people feel welcome, seen, and cared for is what gives this job meaning for me. It’s not just about drinks, it’s about moments.

“Creating a space where people feel welcome, seen, and cared for is what gives this job meaning for me. It’s not just about drinks, it’s about moments.”

What makes me happiest, both as a bartender and as a person, is when I have a good time with my customers. Those genuine exchanges, shared laughs, or quiet conversations, they remind me why I do this every day.

What drives me is dream and romance. I’m motivated by an ideal, the dream of creating beautiful experiences, and the romance of everyday life behind the bar. Even small gestures carry meaning.

How I approach my work

The most helpful advice I’ve ever been given is simply, “Keep going.” It sounds so basic, but it means everything. No matter what happens, I remind myself to stay on the path and keep moving forward.

To feel like I’m growing professionally, I need to keep experiencing new things. That could mean traveling, doing competitions, or just pushing myself creatively behind the bar. New experiences open my eyes, and every time I step outside my comfort zone, I get better.

Employers can motivate me most by showing genuine trust. When they recognize your effort and support your growth, it gives you the confidence to aim higher. A little belief goes a long way.

I think brands are very important in this industry, especially when there’s a good partnership. When the connection feels authentic, brands can help us tell bigger stories, reach new audiences, and bring ideas to life.

My experience in Campari Red Hands 2024

Representing my country on an international stage at Campari Red Hands meant the world to me. Having the chance to compete again, Representing Korea on the Campari Red Hands international stage was a great honor. It meant a lot to be there, not just for myself, but as someone carrying a part of our bar community into that moment.

The energy in Milan gave me a new vision. Being surrounded by so much creativity and diversity made me think differently. It inspired me to approach things with more originality, both in how I work and how I express myself.

The biggest challenge during the competition was managing my nerves. It was a big stage and a big moment, but I reminded myself to stay grounded, focus on what I love, and trust in what I had prepared. That helped me enjoy the experience rather than fear it.

The inspiration behind my competition cocktail came from a simple idea, I wanted to connect my guests’ day and night. Bartending, for me, is about being there for people through transitions, whether it’s unwinding after work or celebrating something special. The drink had to feel like a companion for both.

“Bartending, for me, is about being there for people through transitions, whether it’s unwinding after work or celebrating something special. The drink had to feel like a companion for both.”

To bring a piece of my local bar culture into the final, I leaned into the spirit of connection. Korean bar culture is built on warmth, sincerity, and subtlety. I tried to reflect that energy through my presentation and the mood I created in those moments with the judges.

What I learned from the other finalists is that even though we come from different places, we all share the same goal, passion, and sense of friendship. That sense of unity was one of the most beautiful things about the experience.

Looking back, I’m proudest that I didn’t give up. It’s been seven years of learning, growing, and challenging myself, and being part of Red Hands reminded me how far I’ve come.

If I could give one piece of advice to next year’s finalists, it would be this: Don’t think of it as a competition. Enjoy the moment, be present, and take everything in, it’s a rare and beautiful experience.

The Red Hands journey changed how I see myself as a bartender. It reminded me that bartending is not just about skill, it’s about storytelling, connecting, and having the courage to share your voice with the world.

What’s next? Who knows! That’s the exciting part. The future is full of possibilities, and I’m ready to meet them, one step at a time.