GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — With an interest in Korean culture sweeping over the U.S. amid a popularity boost in K-dramas, movies and K-pop, Korean Connection is hoping to share more about Korea with a unique event this summer.
The Korean Tea Experience, sponsored by Grand Valley State University, will give participants a change to try different kinds of Korean teas and snack pairings while enjoying Korean culture.
Poet and translator Dr. Ian Haight will read excerpts from traditional Korean poetry by Ch’oŭi, a 19th century monk. Ch’oŭi's work centers around tea and how it is grown, harvested and prepared.
In addition, dancer DongHee Zitzelsberger will show participants a traditional tea ceremony while wearing Korean hanbok. She will also perform an interpretive dance centering around the concept of harmony in Korean culture.
The Korean Tea Experience is Tuesday, July 23 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Loosemore Auditorium. Tickets are $10. Students can get tickets for $5, and any GVSU students or faculty get in for free. You can buy your tickets here.
Next month, Korean Connection is also launching a specialty pop-up series in Grand Rapids to highlight Korean-owned restaurants and culture. The pop-ups will feature one Korean tea-based drink and one Korean food item.
The first pop-up is June 6 at Kaffiene Place Bar & Restaurant.
Korean Connection was founded in 2013. The nonprofit has been instrumental in several partnerships between Grand Rapids and South Korea, including the establishment of Gangnam-gu as a sister city and bringing Korean artist Royyal Dog to paint a mural downtown.
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