Life & Work with Kioh Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kioh Park.

Hi Kioh, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Originally from Suwon, South Korea, I first discovered tea at the age of ten while learning traditional Korean music. In 2003, I moved to Shanghai, China to study abroad where I met the family that founded the Tie Guan Yin Oolong tea in 1700s and it has since been the standard of excellence for oolong teas in China. With this family’s 13 generations of expertise, I began to understand the complexity of tea flavor profiles, history and culture. I’ve since moved to Los Angeles with a mission to educate and spread the appreciation of tea just as the family did for me. I am Kioh Park and I am a tea sommelier.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although there is much public curiosity about tea and its traditionally ceremonial-style service, there were only a handful of vendors who provided the service. I wanted to take a more casual approach and create an environment where anyone can come and dive into the world of tea. I was blessed to have met amazing local artists and chefs along the way who made the start of this journey exciting. About a year into it, news of COVID-19 and the lockdown that followed started to surface and since I provide a social, experience-based service like tea tastings and tea classes, I felt my life come to an abrupt halt as I’m sure many felt with the pandemic. I had to make changes with the new normal. Luckily, I was able to connect with local art studios and art galleries that opened their outdoor areas and allowed me to continue to do what I am passionate about. And just like that, Kioh Tea Ceremony caught second wind.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a tea sommelier in Los Angeles, I try to bring the best of all tea cultures around the world even though my roots and tradition are of Chinese tea culture. Since I’ve landed in Los Angeles, I teach about different countries tea history while blending my own style to create a unique experience.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If you would like to explore the vast history and culture of tea or enjoy a variety of garden-direct, organic teas. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time. I would love to share with any curious individual all that I’ve learned the past 21 years experience.

Pricing:

• Starting @ $75/pp – Tea Tasting
• Starting @ $100/pp – Tea Class
• Starting @ $200/pp – Private Tea Session

Contact Info:

• Website: kiohtea.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiohpark/