The Korean Tea Experience celebrates the benefits and joy of Korean green tea with readings from the translations of Ch’oŭi, a 19th Century Korean monk, whose poetry and prose are collected in the illustrated An Homage to Green Tea by noted author Dr. Ian Haight and his colleague T’aeYong Ho. The Buddhist monk, Ch’oŭi, wrote over a century ago to share an understanding of the harmonious life accessed through the proper ways to grow, harvest, prepare and present green tea – and of course, to drink it. Dr. Ian Haight, award-winning poet and translator, will read from An Homage to Green Tea. The new book is his latest publication of several books of translated Korean poetry. A book signing will complete the Korean Tea Experience with Dr. Haight available for the book signing.

To further explore the harmony within the Korean tea culture, classically trained dancer DongHee Kim will present a demonstration of the traditional Korean tea ceremony in the elegant traditional Korean hanbok. She will later perform an interpretative dance exploring expressions of peace and power embodied in the Korean cultural concept of harmony. A presentation on the complex brewing of tea will follow along with the opportunity to sample Korean teas accompanied by snacks that enhance the unique flavors of the teas.

Courtesy of GVSU's sponsorship of this event, GVSU students and faculty are free with registration using their school email address.

Other sponsors include: Meijer Inc., LG Energy Solution Michigan, and West Michigan Asian American Association.