Korean tea origines
The Korean tea history goes back 2,000 years and it is playing a huge part in Korean’s traditional culture. Tea have been introduced in Korea under the reign of Queen Seondeok (632 – 647) during Silla dynasty. We used to say that tea “maintains the peace of the mind and body”. That is the reason why Buddhist monks commonly drink it. At that time tea was imported from China.
Along with the spread of Buddhism from the Middle Kingdom in the late Three Kingdoms period, came the introduction of the Chinese indigenous tea plant Camellia sinensis, from which white, green, oolong, pu-erh, and black teas are made.
Through decades, tea gained more and more popularity. Due to that, a variety of different teas were created, leading to the development of a unique tea culture that is specific to Korea (like “Dado” which is the Korean tea ceremony).
But when the Joseon dynasty and the Confucianism were set up, tea consumption declined, replaced by beverages like sikhye and sujeonggwa.
It was not until years later (in 60’s or 80’s) that tea started to reclaim its title as one of the nation’s favorite beverages.
A wide range of taste
In Korea, there are about four type of traditional teas: the green tea, the medicinal herb tea, the fruit-based tea, and the grain-based.
The green tea, also called Nokcha, is made from tea leaves that have been dried to retain their green color. It is one of the most regular beverages that can be enjoyed both at home and teahouses. It is really easy to find it in grocery stores. Nokcha is a light delicious beverage that can be served hot or cold.
Each tea has its own flavor, its own color and its own virtue. For tea lovers Korea is the place to be and if you have not found yours yet then why don’t you try one off them and find your perfect tea???
Join our one day old and new Seoul city tour, our tour guide will recommend good traditional tea houses for you during the tour.
More tours from Seoul to Tea Fields: Boseong Green Tea Fields & Damyang Tour
The O’sulloc Museum in Jeju Island also is a place for visitors to learn about Korea’s traditional tea culture> Jeju Island tour
