Our Story
About KIWA
KIWA got its name from the Korean word 기와(kiwa), referring to traditional ceramic roof tiles house for meaning prosperity and wealth. KIWA offers a unique space to experience the natural beauty and health of Korean culture and cuisine.
기와에 오신것을 환영합니다 KIWA는 한국 전통 지붕재인 "기와"에서 이름을 따왔습니다. KIWA는 한국의 문화와 음식을 통해 한국의 건강하고 자연스러운 아름다움을 알리고자 합니다.
History of Tea
All tea comes from the same plant, scientifically known as Camellia sinensis. Tea plants thrive in tropical and subtropical climates with well-drained soil, abundant rainfall, and high altitudes, which enhance the flavor of tea leaves. Tea leaves are typically hand picked to ensure the quality, with tender young leaves and buds being the most prized for producing high-quality tea.(While most high-quality teas are made from tender young leaves and buds, some fermented teas and others are crafted using mature leaves or leaves harvested in autumn)
History of Korean Tea
The history of tea dates back over 5,000 years to ancient China. According to legend, Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea in 2737 BCE when a tea leaf accidentally fell into his boiling water. Tea was introduced to Korea during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE – 668 CE) through cultural exchanges with China. By the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), tea culture had become popular among monks and the nobility. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), tea culture evolved further and became an integral part of the lives of scholars and the royal court. Korean tea ceremonies, known as Darye, came to symbolize respect, discipline, and harmony, embodying the essence of Korean tradition.
KIWA
KIWA is more than just a tea house, it's an immersive experience. Our space is designed to reflect the beauty of Korean culture and art. Our menu is a fusion of Korean culinary traditions and contemporary flavors, all made with fresh ingredients and prepared with care. Come in and embark on a journey through Korea's essence, all under one roof.
1 | Dojae MyungCha (Hadong)
하동 도재명차
Produced in the mountain villages of Hwagaemyeon, Hadonggun, the birthplace of Korean tea, this tea is made using a traditional roasting method in high temperature iron cauldrons. The result is a handcrafted tea with a deep, rich flavor and aroma.
2 | Baekhak Jedah (Hadong)
하동 백학제다
Baekhak Jedah, led by Tea Master Park is renowned for its innovative approach to Korean tea. Its signature tea Mansongpo replicates the rich, roasted, and complex characteristics of the Dahongpao style, a famous Chinese Oolong, using Korean small leaf tea (soyeopjong).
3 | MongJungSan Dawon (Bosung)
보성 몽중산다원
Located in the foothills of Mongjung Mountain in Boseong, Jeollanamdo, this tea garden thrives in a unique environment where mountains, the sea, and lakes harmonize. Ocean breezes climb the coastal slopes and mix with the mist, providing the perfect balance of moisture and salinity. The surrounding forests of cypress and cedar trees purify the air and protect the tea leaves from pollution.
4 | WoonHae Dawon (Bosung)
보성 운해다원
Situated on a hillside overlooking the sea in Boseong, Jeollanamdo, this tea garden benefits from fresh ocean breezes that rise along the slopes and blend with the mist. This natural environment delivers the perfect balance of moisture and salinity to the tea.
We offer premium teas directly from Korea and Japan.
Every premium tea offered at KIWA meets the highest organic standards.
Each tea leaf is carefully hand-picked to ensure cleanliness and quality, grown from seeds and cultivated using organic methods without chemicals.
KIWA collaborates with Korean art galleries, artists, and culinary experts in the United States and Korea to showcase and celebrate the rich lifestyle and arts of Korea
Kang Hyun Young @annes_cooking
Renowned culinary expert Kang Hyun Young is a maestro of unique flavors, passionately championing the beauty of traditional Korean cuisine infused with modern twists. A graduate of the 'Institute of Korean Royal Cuisine (궁중음식연구원),' she shares her culinary wisdom through captivating cooking classes, renowned as '도곡동 강선생.' Kang not only imparts knowledge but also curates an extraordinary culinary experience.
Her expertise has captivated notable personalities such as broadcasters Kim Sung-kyung, Park Eun-ji, Hwang Yu-sun, and acclaimed writer Kim Tae-hee, author of <The Chaebol House's Youngest Son>. Join her culinary journey on Instagram at @annes_cooking."
Choeunsook Gallery @choeunsookgallery
Ha Ji Hoon (Kiwa Soban)
Kwon Eun Young (Thorny Thorns)
Total lifestyle : the co-existance of art and life
Since its foundation in 2008, the choeunsookgallery has showcased contemporary paintings, sculptures, ceramics, artfurniture and more. The Gallery proposes a unique and evolving vision of interior spaces and everyday design. Its permanent exhibition displays art objects for everyday use such as ceramics and artfurniture.At the Choeunsookgallery, we hope to add value and meaning to lives, seeking to make them that much more fulfilling with the presence of art that is both contemporary and Korean. We will continue our pursuit in creating places and spaces where art and life coexist.
Jeon Sang Geun @siktam_ceramic
Ceramic artist Jeon Sang Geun infuses his creations with a heartfelt desire to bring craft closer to people's lives. Prioritizing functionality over mere aesthetics, his pieces convey everyday happiness. Inspired by Korea's national treasure, the celadon prunus vase, Jeon's work combines white porcelain and traditional techniques, creating a harmonious blend. His "Black Soil Tableware series" showcases unstructured textures and dignified motifs, embodying a balance of tradition and modernity.
Kim Hyun Joo @khjstudio