PCA Launches The Cigar Academy in Seoul for 2026 Visit

The Premium Cigar Association announced an official visit to Seoul from December 7 to 10, 2026, marking the first Seoul launch of The Cigar Academy in partnership with Pierre Ltd., premiumcigars.org reported.

Ricardo Carioni Leads Tailored Training Sessions in Seoul

The initiative brings together international education standards and local hospitality through two tailored training and certification sessions hosted at Pierre Ltd.’s lounge in Seoul. Ricardo Carioni, director of international affairs and education for the association and co-founder of the academy, will personally deliver the programs.

Participants will take part in a Professional Session designed for industry partners, cigar professionals, and hospitality workers. An exclusive Aficionado Session will cater to adult clients, collectors, and enthusiasts, reflecting the social and cultural spirit of Salon Prive de Pierre.

Both events combine structured education with guided tastings, curated pairings, discussions, and formal assessments. Attendees receive individual access to the academy’s digital learning environment and formal certification upon successful completion.

Pierre Ltd Brings Local Expertise to Trade Collaboration

The collaboration pairs the trade association’s international network with Pierre Ltd.’s more than three decades of local experience in South Korea. Established in Seoul in 1994, Pierre Ltd. operates as the exclusive importer and distributor of Habanos cigars in the country, supplying leading hotels, restaurants, and bars while managing dedicated retail lounges.

Korea has a knowledgeable and increasingly connected premium cigar culture, and Pierre is the kind of respected local partner that makes meaningful engagement possible, Joshua Habursky, chief executive officer of the Premium Cigar Association, stated in the announcement.

Matthias Reuben Cohen-Aknine, chief executive officer of Pierre Ltd., noted that the program connects global industry knowledge with the domestic community to build a lasting platform for education and culture.

Cigar Academy Provides Manufacturer-Neutral Education for Professionals

The Cigar Academy was co-founded in 2024 by Ricardo Carioni and Thomas Gryson before becoming part of the Premium Cigar Association in April 2026. Its curriculum is developed with leading cigar makers, retailers, and specialists to provide manufacturer-neutral education for professional, retail, hospitality, duty-free, and aficionado audiences.

Education gives that story context and allows it to be passed forward, Carioni said regarding the upcoming Seoul visit.

Attendance for both Seoul sessions is deliberately limited to maintain individual engagement and interaction. Full program details and registration information remain available through the association’s official platform.

The December visit forms part of the association’s broader strategy to establish year-round educational platforms across international markets following its founding in 1933 as the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America.