CHAGEE, the Tea Wonyoung Loves: Is It Opening in Korea?

CHAGEE (霸王茶姬／차지) is the Chinese premium tea brand that IVE's Wonyoung praised as "Delicious!" during a livestream — and it is now preparing to enter Korea. As of this writing, the Korean opening date and location have not been officially confirmed, though preparations are reportedly underway according to Korean media.

If you're planning a trip to Korea and want to try the tea Wonyoung was sipping, here's everything worth knowing before the doors open: what makes CHAGEE different from other milk tea chains, which classic drinks to order first, and how to customize your cup. 🍵

What is CHAGEE, the brand Wonyoung is hooked on?

CHAGEE is a premium tea brand founded in Yunnan, China, in 2017. Its official name is 霸王茶姬 (Pawang Chaji), and its Peking opera–inspired logo is instantly recognizable on the cup.

The brand's official website states that its store count exceeds 6,000 worldwide, and CHAGEE listed on the Nasdaq in the United States in April 2025. In other words, this isn't a small local chain — it's one of the fastest-growing tea brands anywhere right now.

Why did Wonyoung's livestream make it go viral?

When IVE's Wonyoung called CHAGEE "Delicious!" during a livestream, fans immediately wanted to know what she was drinking. What sets CHAGEE apart is its philosophy: rather than piling on toppings, the aroma and aftertaste of the tea itself take center stage.

In a typical CHAGEE drink, the fragrance of the tea leaves spreads first, followed by the richness of the milk. Many drinks are also designed to be less sweet, with sweetness adjustable in some cases. If you're the type who prefers milk tea with a strong, genuine tea flavor over sugary boba, this brand was made for you.

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Is CHAGEE opening in Korea — and where?

Korean media reports say that preparations are underway for CHAGEE's entry into Korea, but the opening date and location have not yet been confirmed.

Editor's note: You may see areas such as "Gangnam (강남)" mentioned on social media, but information circulating before an official announcement can change. We'll update this article once confirmed details are released.

What should you order first? Three classic menu picks

If it's your first visit, start with one of the popular classics. These three come up again and again as fan favorites.

Drink	Profile	Best for
伯牙绝弦 (Boyajuexian)	Often introduced as the signature menu item, with a jasmine-style aroma	First-timers unsure what to pick — many fans say "start with this one" ◎
万里木兰 (Wanli Mulan)	Black tea–based milk tea	Those who like a strong tea flavor balanced with milk
桂馥兰香 (Gui Fu Lan Xiang)	Elegant osmanthus fragrance	Fans of floral, delicate teas

Note: Menu names and notation may vary depending on the store or country.

How to customize your order

Sweetness: You can often choose from options such as unsweetened, less sugar, or regular. If it's your first time, starting with "less sugar" is a safe choice — CHAGEE's drinks are built to showcase the tea, not the syrup.

Toppings: Unlike many boba chains, CHAGEE offers plenty of menu items designed to be enjoyed without tapioca. Ordering the drink plain lets the tea aroma shine.

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Why it belongs on your Korea café list

CHAGEE's cups and packaging have a sophisticated, minimalist design that photographs beautifully — an easy addition to your café-hopping itinerary in Seoul. 📸

Since the Korea launch is still in the preparation stage, keep this one bookmarked. Once CHAGEE confirms its opening details in Korea, we'll summarize them clearly here on Yeppuriko.

Key takeaways

CHAGEE is the premium Chinese tea brand (founded 2017 in Yunnan, 6,000+ stores, Nasdaq-listed since April 2025) that went viral after IVE's Wonyoung praised it on livestream. Its Korea entry is being prepared, but no opening date or location has been officially announced yet.

When it opens, order a classic like Boyajuexian at "less sugar" for the truest CHAGEE experience — and check back here for confirmed Korea store details before your trip.

FAQ

What is the CHAGEE drink Wonyoung had on livestream?

Wonyoung praised CHAGEE (霸王茶姬), a premium tea brand from Yunnan, China, during an IVE livestream. The exact drink wasn't the focus — her "Delicious!" reaction to the brand itself is what sparked the buzz. Fans typically recommend the signature 伯牙绝弦 (Boyajuexian) as a starting point.

When and where will CHAGEE open in Korea?

The opening date and location have not been officially confirmed. Korean media reports say preparations for the Korea entry are underway, and areas like Gangnam (강남) have been mentioned on social media, but pre-announcement information may change.

Does CHAGEE have stores in the US?

CHAGEE listed on the Nasdaq in the United States in April 2025 and operates over 6,000 stores worldwide according to its official website. If you're traveling to Korea after the launch, visiting a Seoul location can be a fun way to try the brand Wonyoung made famous.