Premium Cigar Association Bringing The Cigar Academy to South Korea

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is heading to South Korea this December, where it will introduce The Cigar Academy (TCA) to the country’s premium cigar community for the first time.

The visit, scheduled for December 7 through 10, 2026, will see the PCA partner with Pierre Ltd., a Seoul-based cigar importer and distributor that has operated in South Korea since 1994. The company is also the country’s exclusive importer and distributor of Habanos cigars.

The program will include two educational sessions hosted at Pierre Ltd.’s lounge in Seoul. One session will focus on cigar and hospitality professionals, while the other will cater to cigar enthusiasts and collectors. Both will include guided tastings, pairings, discussions, and assessments, with participants eligible to receive certification upon successful completion.

Ricardo Carioni, PCA’s director of international affairs and education and co-founder of The Cigar Academy, will lead both sessions.

“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,” said PCA CEO Joshua Habursky.

The Cigar Academy was founded in 2024 by Carioni and Thomas Gryson before becoming part of the PCA in April 2026. The organization provides cigar education and certification programs for retailers, hospitality professionals, and enthusiasts, with a curriculum developed alongside cigar manufacturers and industry specialists.

The Seoul program is part of the PCA’s ongoing efforts to expand its international presence through education and partnerships. Attendance for both sessions will be limited, with registration information available through Pierre Ltd.’s website.

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