Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
Sri Lankan Embassy celebrates International Tea Day in Seoul with Ceylon tea showcase
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Korea M. K. Pathma Naathan, front row sixth from left, stands with key participants for International Tea Day at the Seoul Film Center in Seoul, May 21. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park
By Anna J. Park
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Korea commemorated International Tea Day 2026 on May 21 with a special Ceylon tea ceremony at the Seoul Film Center, celebrating the country’s globally renowned tea industry and its enduring cultural and economic significance. Sri Lanka is the world’s largest producer and exporter of orthodox black tea, made from whole leaves using traditional processes rather than the "crush, tear, curl" method, and ranks as the fourth-largest tea producer and exporter globally.
Sri Lankan Ambassador to Korea M. K. Pathma Naathan underscored the global significance of tea and the distinguished reputation of Ceylon tea.
“Tea remains the second most consumed beverage in the world after water and Sri Lankan tea, internationally known as Ceylon tea, is widely recognized as one of the finest teas in the world for its unique flavor, aroma and freshness,” the ambassador said during the ceremony.
“Today, we gather not only to celebrate a beverage, but also to honor a remarkable product that has evolved into a symbol of craftsmanship, tradition, unique culture and a major global industry.”
According to the ambassador, International Tea Day serves as a global platform to promote the sustainable production and consumption of tea, while highlighting tea’s contribution to rural development, economic resilience and cultural connection.
“This year’s campaign builds upon the message ‘Farmed with Care’ through the themes ‘From Soil to Spirit’ and ‘Before the Brew,’ inviting us to reflect once again on the extraordinary journey contained in every cup of tea,” Naathan said.
“From healthy soil and cultivation practices to processing techniques, craftsmanship and the traditions of enjoying tea, these themes encourage a deeper appreciation of the agricultural foundations of the tea industry, the expertise involved in transforming tea leaves into a refined beverage and the human stories behind every sip.”
A variety of Sri Lankan tea products are displayed for participants to sample during a presentation on Ceylon tea at the Seoul Film Center in Seoul, May 21. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park
The ambassador also stressed that Ceylon tea is among the cleanest teas in the world in terms of pesticide residue standards.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s sustainability achievements, Naathan said that the country became the first in the world to receive the internationally recognized “Ozone Friendly Tea” certification under the Montreal Protocol by eliminating the use of methyl bromide, an ozone-depleting substance, in 2007. He added that Sri Lanka is home to the world’s first ethical tea brand recognized by the United Nations Global Compact.
The ambassador also pointed to the growing popularity of tea in Korea, particularly among younger consumers seeking healthier beverage options, noting that Sri Lanka ranked as Korea’s second-largest tea exporter in 2025.
The event showcased Sri Lanka’s seven distinctive tea-growing regions, including Nuwara Eliya, Uva, Dimbula and Kandy — each known for unique flavor profiles and characteristics. Presentation materials from the Sri Lanka Tea Board highlighted the country’s leadership in orthodox black tea production and exports. Guests at the event were served a variety of Sri Lankan teas alongside traditional Sri Lankan desserts.