Chagee Korea: Milk Tea Menu, Prices & First Store Guide
Chagee Korea is finally here! Your full guide to the first Chagee store location, must-try milk tea menu, prices, and ordering tips.
Jang Won-young Is Obsessed With CHAGEE Milk Tea — And It's Finally Coming to Korea: Taste, Prices, and Stores Explained
If you're even a little into milk tea, the name "CHAGEE" has probably crossed your feed lately. The buzz exploded after IVE's Jang Won-young casually called a certain milk tea "so good," and fans quickly identified the brand as CHAGEE. Ever since, social media has been flooded with one question: "Where can I actually buy the milk tea Jang Won-young loves?" As of today (June 30, 2026), the arrival of CHAGEE in Korea is one of the hottest topics among milk tea and bubble tea fans alike.
The problem is that solid information is scattered. Because CHAGEE doesn't yet have a wide store presence here, the practical stuff — where to drink it, which menu items are worth ordering, how much it costs — is hard to pin down in one place. So in this guide, I've pulled everything together: what exactly this Jang Won-young-approved milk tea is, the brand's backstory, the latest on its move into the Korean market, must-try menu items, pricing, and tips for surviving the inevitable opening-day rush.
By the end, you'll have a clear game plan for what to order the moment a Chagee Korea store opens near you. Let's dive into the world of CHAGEE.
The Milk Tea Jang Won-young Called "So Good" Is CHAGEE
The drink that set off all this excitement is CHAGEE (霸王茶姬). Word is that Jang Won-young — one of K-pop's most influential trendsetters as a member of the group IVE — shared an honest little "this is so good" about a milk tea she was drinking, and that clip spread like wildfire among fans. Almost overnight, "CHAGEE" shot up the search rankings.
If you follow K-pop at all, you know the power a single comment from an idol like Jang Won-young carries. There's practically a running joke that anything she uses — fashion, beauty, snacks — sells out instantly. This milk tea was no exception. Right after her remark, searches for related keywords spiked, and comments like "Is the Chagee milk tea Jang Won-young drinks coming to Korea too?" started piling up across social platforms.
What's interesting is that this wasn't just a case of "an idol drank it, so it's trending." CHAGEE had already built a serious following overseas, so the reaction was less "what is this?" and more "I've heard of it — and now it's finally coming here?" That mix of celebrity buzz and genuine brand credibility is what made the topic detonate. The Jang Won-young effect met a brand that could actually back up the hype.
Hands holding bubble tea in plastic cups with decorative holders. Tasty drinks for a cozy moment. (Photo: Viktorya Sergeeva 🫂 / Pexels)
What Is CHAGEE? — A Global Milk Tea Success Story Out of China
CHAGEE started in 2017 in Yunnan, China, as a tea-focused beverage brand. It began small, but it expanded fast — first across Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and more), then all the way into the U.S. market — growing into a genuinely global name in a remarkably short time. In other words, it's the kind of rapid, store-count-doubling rise that earns a brand "milk tea phenomenon" status.
The biggest thing that sets CHAGEE apart from typical bubble tea is its real loose-leaf tea base. Instead of the heavy, sugary syrup-based milk teas most people picture, CHAGEE aims to preserve the actual aroma and flavor of freshly brewed tea leaves. That's why it tends to win over people who genuinely enjoy the character of the tea itself, not just sweetness.
Its positioning is distinctive, too. CHAGEE doesn't present itself as a cheap bubble tea shop — it markets itself as a premium tea brand taking aim at Starbucks. Clean, modern store interiors, consistent brand design, and marketing that emphasizes tea quality are all part of that strategy. Think of it as a brand trying to build a "tea instead of coffee" café culture. That differentiation is exactly what helped CHAGEE become an everyday drink for younger consumers across Southeast Asia and the U.S. So when people talk about Chagee Korea, they're not just talking about another boba shop — they're talking about a premium tea experience landing on home turf.
CHAGEE's Arrival in Korea — First Store Location and Opening Timeline
Now for the question everyone's asking: the move into the Korean market. As of today (June 30, 2026), interest in Chagee Korea is sky-high, but the specific location of the first store and an exact opening date are likely to be revealed in stages through official channels. So rather than declaring "it opens on this date at this spot," I'll lay out what we can reasonably expect.
Looking at how overseas brands typically enter Korea, the first store usually lands in a high-traffic, trend-sensitive district. By that logic, the debut Chagee Korea location is likely to open in one of the core commercial areas — think Gangnam, Seongsu, Hongdae, or Myeongdong. If the brand is also targeting social-media buzz and foreign tourist traffic, Seongsu or Gangnam stand out as especially strong candidates. As for the store concept, expect the same modern, design-forward interior that reflects the company's premium strategy abroad.
The most reliable move is to check official sources directly. Before any opening, it's smart to follow the official Instagram account, the brand app, and any announcements from the Korean entity or official partner. If you're planning to be there on opening day, the pre-registration and promotion details that come out of those official channels are what matter most. Trust verified announcements over anonymous "confirmed opening on X date" posts floating around online.
5 CHAGEE Signature Menu Items You Have to Try
Walking into a CHAGEE store for the first time can feel overwhelming, so here's a category-by-category rundown of the standouts. (Menu names and recipes are based on what's known from overseas stores and may differ somewhat when the menu launches in Korea.)
1. Boya Jasmine (伯牙绝弦) — This is CHAGEE's signature and most-cited bestseller. It's a milk tea built on a jasmine loose-leaf base, with the tea aroma coming through gently enough that it appeals to newcomers and die-hard fans alike. People literally say, "If it's your first CHAGEE, just get this."
2. Pure Loose-Leaf Tea Line — Recommended if you want to enjoy the character of the tea on its own, no milk. It's clean and not sweet, which makes it a great after-meal drink.
3. Fruit Tea Line — A refreshing blend of bright fruit and tea, perfect served iced on a hot day.
4 & 5. Seasonal Specials and Milk-Forward Teas — If you like a richer, creamier cup, go for the milk-heavy line; if you prefer something lighter, pick a tea-forward option.
Customization tip: If you're new to CHAGEE, start at 50% sweetness with regular ice so you can taste the tea aroma first. If you like it bold, bump it up to 70–100% sweetness with less ice to intensify both the milk and the tea. CHAGEE drinks change character noticeably depending on the sweetness level, so on a first visit, I'd keep it on the less-sweet side.
CHAGEE Pricing and Value — How It Compares to Other Milk Tea Brands
Price is the detail most people care about. Given CHAGEE's premium positioning, expect it to sit a notch above ultra-cheap bubble tea. Based on overseas stores, a single drink runs roughly $3 to $6 (about 4,000–7,000 won), though prices may shift after the Korean launch depending on rent, logistics, and exchange rates.
Compared with popular domestic brands, the Chagee Korea price range will likely overlap with — or run slightly above — mainstream bubble tea chains like Gong Cha. But since CHAGEE leans on its "premium loose-leaf base" identity, it makes more sense to weigh tea quality and the in-store experience rather than judging on price alone. Cup sizes are expected to land around the usual ~500ml, and calories vary widely with sweetness and milk content — but keep in mind that a typical milk tea falls in the 200–400 kcal range. Because it's tea-based, there's a fair amount of caffeine in there too, so for a late-night order, consider a decaf option or dialing back the sweetness.
My honest take: if you genuinely want a drink that showcases real tea aroma, the premium price won't feel like a waste. But if "I just want a sweet bubble tea" describes you, the price point might feel a bit steep. Ultimately, how you rate CHAGEE's value comes down to one question — are you willing to pay for tea quality?
Tips to Know Before the Opening-Day Rush
With the added Jang Won-young effect, early lines and crowds at the first Chagee Korea store are all but guaranteed. Weekends right after opening, plus lunch and dinner peak hours, will almost certainly mean long waits — so if you want to enjoy it at a relaxed pace, aim for a weekday morning, the early hours right after opening, or a quieter late afternoon.
Keep some ordering tips handy, too. Many global beverage brands run app-based ordering and membership rewards, and there's a good chance CHAGEE will offer pre-ordering and points perks through an app or membership program. Before you go, check the official channels to see whether the app has launched — it can seriously cut down your wait. And since the menu can be confusing on a first visit, pre-picking a signature item (see above) makes ordering much smoother.
Finally, the photo op. CHAGEE is known for clean, design-forward branding and cup design, so a straight-on shot of the cup with the logo clearly visible, or a photogenic drink like Boya Jasmine, looks great on social media. If the store interior is as modern as expected, grab a seat in the natural light and capture your drink there. This is the milk tea Jang Won-young raved about — you might as well make the photo as pretty as the moment.
Serene view of a fishing boat at sunset over Incheon's waters, reflecting calmness. (Photo: joon young, Park / Pexels)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When and where will the first CHAGEE store in Korea open? A: As of today (June 30, 2026), interest in Chagee Korea is extremely high, but the exact opening date and first-store location are expected to be confirmed through official announcements. Based on how overseas brands typically enter the market, core districts like Gangnam, Seongsu, and Hongdae are plausible candidates — but for confirmed details, check CHAGEE's official Instagram and app directly.
Q: Which CHAGEE milk tea did Jang Won-young drink? A: The exact item Jang Won-young called "so good" has been reported differently depending on the video and context. That said, since CHAGEE's flagship signature is Boya Jasmine (a jasmine loose-leaf milk tea), that's the line I'd try first if you want to experience a similar flavor.
Q: How is CHAGEE different from Gong Cha or other bubble tea? A: The biggest difference is the real loose-leaf tea base. Unlike syrup-heavy, sugary bubble tea, CHAGEE emphasizes the aroma and flavor of actually brewed tea. Free sweetness customization and a premium positioning that takes aim at Starbucks are other key differentiators.
Q: What's the price range and calorie count for CHAGEE drinks? A: Based on overseas stores, a cup is estimated at roughly $3–$6 (about 4,000–7,000 won), and the Korean price may change after launch. Calories depend on sweetness and milk content, but a typical milk tea sits in the 200–400 kcal range. Lowering the sweetness will reduce the calorie load, too.
Final Thoughts
We've covered it all — what the Jang Won-young-approved CHAGEE milk tea actually is, the brand's backstory, the latest on its move into Korea, recommended menu items, pricing, and opening-day survival tips. The short version: CHAGEE is a premium, loose-leaf tea brand, and a single comment from Jang Won-young has cranked anticipation for Chagee Korea even higher. The first store's location and opening date will be confirmed via official announcements, so always verify the details through official channels.
If CHAGEE has been on your mind, follow the official Instagram now so you're the first to hear when it opens. And on your first visit, start with Boya Jasmine at 50% sweetness and let the tea aroma unfold slowly. The cup Jang Won-young called "so good" — let's count down together to the day we can finally taste it for ourselves, right here in Korea.