PCA in Korea 2026: The Cigar Academy Seoul Launch with Pierre Ltd.

The partnership brings together PCA’s international network and TCA’s education standards with Pierre Ltd.’s more than three decades of local experience.

During the visit, PCA and TCA will deliver two intimate training and certification sessions: one Professional Session for cigar and hospitality professionals and selected industry partners, and one exclusive Aficionado Session for Pierre’s adult clients, collectors and cigar enthusiasts, hosted at Pierre Ltd.’s lounge in Seoul. Both sessions will combine structured education with guided premium cigar tasting, curated pairings, discussion, and formal assessment. The Aficionado Session will also reflect the social and cultural spirit of Salon Prive de Pierre, Pierre’s gathering concept.

Both education sessions will be delivered personally by Ricardo Carioni, PCA Director of International Affairs & Education and Co-Founder of The Cigar Academy. Participants will receive individual access to TCA’s digital learning environment and, upon successful completion of the required assessments, formal certification from The Cigar Academy by PCA. Attendance will remain deliberately limited to preserve interaction, discussion, and individual engagement.

“PCA’s international work is about creating year-round value and stronger bridges between cigar communities. Korea has a knowledgeable and increasingly connected premium cigar culture, and Pierre is the kind of respected local partner that makes meaningful engagement possible. Together, we can pair rigorous education with local culture and build something designed to last well beyond a single visit.”

Joshua Habursky, Chief Executive Officer, Premium Cigar Association

“For Pierre, this is much more than the introduction of an educational program. We see it as the beginning of a long-term platform connecting PCA’s international knowledge and network with Pierre’s community and the broader premium cigar culture in Korea. We are proud to welcome PCA and The Cigar Academy to Seoul and to create an experience that is educational, social, and memorable for professionals and aficionados alike.”

Matthias Reuben Cohen-Aknine, Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Ltd.

“A premium cigar may be enjoyed in an hour, but within it are years of agriculture, fermentation, aging, craftsmanship and human knowledge. Education gives that story context and allows it to be passed forward. I have long admired Asia’s respect for craft, ritual and hospitality, and I am especially looking forward to meeting Korea’s cigar community in person – not to arrive with a formula, but to listen, share and build together.”

Ricardo Carioni, Director of International Affairs & Education, Premium Cigar Association; Co-Founder, The Cigar Academy

The Cigar Academy was co-founded in 2024 by Ricardo Carioni and Thomas Gryson and became part of the Premium Cigar Association in April 2026. Its curriculum has been co-written and refined with leading cigar makers, retailers and specialists, creating a manufacturer-neutral platform for structured premium cigar education and certification.

Visit the PCA in Korea 2026 page for full program details, registration information, and updates: https://www.pierreltd.com/tca-pca-korea