LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Soo Young Cho immigrated to Louisville from Korea four years ago. Cho started the Korean teahouse, Cafe KIWA, on Frankfort Avenue over a year ago. Cho said she never thought she would own a teahouse.

“There’s no Korean teahouse here in Louisville. Why don’t I, like, do that? These days, people drink coffee a lot. But tea is traditionally a part of our culture and life,” said Cho.

Cho said that tea is a significant part of Asian culture.

“I want to keep my roots where I’m from and also want to show people that this is Korean tea because Korean tea is a little underrated compared to China or like Ceylon, or India or other places,” said Cho.

Providing an immersive experience of the Asian culture through tea.

“I want to tell people that Korea also has a good, nice quality of tea. You’re having some tea, not just tea bags. Something like loose and more like authentic teas. I think people like the experiences. And also we have something like easily accessible, like matcha,” said Cho.

While KIWA specializes in Korean tea, it also has French, Japanese, Chinese and even Kentucky teas.

Cho said she wants to do a workshop for people to taste the authentic traditional Asian teas.

“Bringing some two to like five authentic teas from sometimes Korea, sometimes Japan or sometimes China and trying to pair with some snacks or food that goes well with like tea,” said Cho.

Cho said she is proud to share her Korean culture with Louisville.

The owner of KIWA wants the teahouse to be known for more than just tea, but a place where everyone can reflect on the beauty and essence of Korean culture, art and community.