Understanding Korean Traditional Tea Culture
Hello! Today, I would like to introduce one of Korea's unique and attractive traditions, the 'tea (茶) culture.'
It started in China and spread all over the world, and it also had a big impact on Korea.
Korea's tea culture has thousands of years of history and includes a variety of tea types, deep philosophies, and unique ways to enjoy them.
This culture has been together for a long time as part of a life that seeks peace of mind and purification of the mind, beyond just the enjoyment of drinks.
Origin of tea (茶)
The history of tea has evolved from its beginning to the present day in accordance with various cultural and social situations. Tea culture, which originated in China, was recognized for its value as a beverage during the Han Dynasty and spread to the court and aristocratic societies, and tea culture became popular throughout the country during the Tang Dynasty. During this period, the first specialty certificate about tea was written, [Dakyung] and tea began to develop beyond just drinks into a form of culture and art.
The spread of tea also affected the production of ceramics, resulting in a virtuous cycle of making various ceramics for drinking tea, which in turn facilitated the spread of tea. These interactions provided the basis for the development of tea and ceramics together.
In Korea, the culture of enjoying tea is called "darye-다례(茶禮)".
In Japan, it is called 'dado-다도(茶道)' and in China, it is called 'daye-다예(茶藝)'.
Like the etiquette of tea in Japan and China, it refers to the process of observing etiquette and purifying one's body and mind through tea.
"darye-다례(茶)" is the core of the act of caring for the inside and expressing it externally through courtesy, respect, and mutual consideration centered on tea.
This tea culture has been deeply loved by Koreans for many generations.
History of Tea Culture in Korea
The introduction of tea to Korea dates back to the Silla period, and traces of tea can also be found in Baekje and Goguryeo. By the time of Goryeo, tea culture was in its heyday, and tea became an important drink consumed widely not only in temples but also among ordinary people. During this period, tea played an important role in various social and cultural events, and tea culture became deeply rooted in Korean society.
As we entered the Joseon Dynasty, the consumption of tea decreased somewhat, but with the efforts of various figures who contributed to the tea culture, the tea culture faces an opportunity to revitalize again.
Tea culture that has recently gained attention
In modern times, as tea is recognized as a health food, demand for it is increasing, and the popularity of traditional tea is also increasing. The tea culture is constantly changing and developing as the types and qualities of tea are diversified and the production volume is increasing.
Tea has continued to expand its role beyond just drinks as an important medium connecting culture, art, and society. Through tea, people have the opportunity to understand and communicate with each other, further highlighting the unique charms and values of tea culture. Tea will continue to be loved based on its historical values and cultural meanings.
Types and Characteristics of Korean Tea
In Korea, there are various traditional teas made of tea (茶) leaves such as green tea, oolong tea, black tea, and black tea, and traditional teas made of fruits and herbal medicines.
Each car has a variety of scents, flavors, and health effects, so there are many choices.
In particular, green tea in Boseong and Jeju Island boasts internationally recognized quality.
Korea's tea culture has a deep history and tradition, and you can enjoy traditional tea with unique characteristics of each region.
Let me introduce you to some representative traditional tea from some parts of Korea.
Local representative traditional tea (茶)
In Korea, TEA is pronounced 'cha'.
1. Green tea in Boseong (보성 녹차)
Region: Boseong, South Jeolla Province
Features: Boseong is Korea's largest producer of green tea, producing high quality green tea thanks to its rich soil and moderate climate. Boseong green tea has a deep, strong flavor, and boasts a refreshing finish with the fresh flavor of green tea.
2. Hadong Wild Tea (하동 야생차)
Region: Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do
Features: Hadong is a place where tea was cultivated since the Joseon Dynasty, and wild tea is famous. The region's tea is harvested from naturally grown tea trees and has a deep taste and rich aroma. Hadong tea is considered particularly luxurious among Korean traditional teas.
3. Gangneung Traditional Tea (강릉 정통차)
Region: Gangneung, Gangwon-do
Features: Gangneung is a city located on Korea's east coast with a long history of tea culture. Gangneung's traditional tea is manufactured in a traditional way and features a clear and clean taste. Various cultural events such as the Gangneung Tea Culture Festival enrich the tea culture even more.
4. Jeju Oseolok Tea (제주 오설록 차)
Region: Jeju Island
Features: Jeju's unique volcanic soil and mild climate provide optimal conditions for tea cultivation. Among others, Jeju Osulok Tea, a famous brand, produces green tea grown in Jeju's unique clean environment. This tea is known for its excellent taste and aroma and rich in healthful ingredients.
5. Gyeongju beopju Tea (경주 법주차)
Region: Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province
Features: Gyeongju Beopju tea is a traditional tea that has been handed down since the Silla period and is produced through a special fermentation process. It features a unique aroma and taste, and the multi-layered flavor that can be felt during the tea ceremony is attractive.
You can enjoy unique and special tea while cultivating it special in the area above.
However, Korea's tea culture includes various kinds of tea, including flower tea, fruit tea, and herbal tea, which are important parts of the culture that can be tasted in most parts of Korea, especially with a focus on health and well-being.
Each of them is loved by many for their unique manufacturing process and health-beneficial properties.
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| Jeju island -Tea Museum-Korea |
Introducing Korea's Various Traditional Tea
Among Korean traditional teas, teas made of fruits, flowers, and herbal medicines are loved for their positive effects on taste, aroma, and health.
Here are traditional teas made of Korean flowers or fruits and traditional teas using medicinal ingredients, and I will introduce you to a well-known representative tea.
Korean Flower, Fruit Tea
Korea's tea culture is very rich, including tea using various flowers and fruits.
Flower tea and fruit tea are loved by many people for their unique aroma, taste, and health-beneficial effects.
Flower tea in Korea
1. Quince tea 모과차(木瓜茶)
- Quince tea is a tea made by drying quince and features a unique scent and bitter taste. It is known to prevent colds and promote digestion.
2. Chrysanthemum tea 국화차(菊花茶)
- Tea made by drying chrysanthemum flowers can help reduce eye fatigue and improve blood circulation.
Chrysanthemum tea features a refreshing, refreshing taste that is cool and fragrant, and helps reduce eye fatigue and lower blood pressure. It is good to make and drink when chrysanthemums are in full bloom in autumn.
3. Plum tea매화차(梅花茶)
- It is a tea made with plum blossoms, and features a subtle scent and sweet taste. It is effective for relieving stress and mood swings.
4. Rose tea 장미차(薔薇茶)
- It is a tea made with rose petals, and has a fragrant rose scent and soft taste. It is known to be good for skin care and women's health.
Fruit tea in Korea
1. Citron tea 유자차(柚子茶)
- It is a tea made from the flesh and skin of citron, and features a refreshing taste and aroma. It is effective in preventing colds and boosting immunity.
2. jujube tea 대추차(棗茶)
- It is a tea made with jujube as the main ingredient, which is good for fatigue recovery and blood circulation, and has a calming effect.
Jujube tea is made by boiling dried jujube in water. It has a sweet and soft taste.
Jujube tea is effective in stabilizing the body and reducing stress. It can also help you get a good night's sleep.
Jujube tea is known as a good tea for recovering from fatigue and strengthening immunity. Characterized by a sweet and soft taste, Jujube tea has the effect of calming the body and calming the mind.
3. Omija tea 오미자차(五味子茶)
- This tea, made with omija fruits, is harmonized with five flavors: sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and spicy. It helps restore energy and boost immunity.
4. Raspberry tea 복분자차(覆盆子茶)
- This tea, made with raspberry fruits, contains abundant vitamins and antioxidants. It is known to be good for women's health and skin care.
5. Quince tea 모과차(木瓜茶)
- Although it is classified as flower tea earlier, there is also tea using quince fruits, which warms the body and helps relieve coughing.
These flower teas and fruit teas each have their own taste, aroma, and health benefits, so you can choose and enjoy them according to various situations and personal preferences.
Korea's tea culture contributes to improving health and quality of life by utilizing such diverse natural materials.
Korea's 'Yak-cha'
Tea made from Korean herbal medicine
Korean herbal teas are traditionally drinks used to improve health and prevent or alleviate various diseases.
These medicinal teas play an important role in traditional Korean medicine and are made using various medicinal plants, roots, and fruits.
Let me introduce the types and efficacy of medicinal tea commonly consumed in Korea.
Ginger tea 생강차(薑茶)
This tea is made with ginger as the main ingredient, which raises body temperature and helps digestion. It is also effective in preventing colds and strengthening immunity.
It is a popular tea in cold winter, helping to warm the body and strengthen immunity.
This tea is effective in preventing colds and warming the body in winter. Ginger's spicy and warm temperatures warm the body and promote blood circulation.
Ginseng tea 인삼차(人蔘茶)
It is a tea made from ginseng, which helps strengthen physical strength, reduce stress, and strengthen the immune system.
Ginseng tea represents Korea and is one of the most famous herbal teas, which helps increase energy and strengthen the immune system.
After drying the roots of ginseng into powder form, drink it in water. It is widely used as a healthy drink because it has effects such as recovering from fatigue and strengthening the immune system.
Gugija Tea 구기자차(枸杞子茶)
It is a tea made with gugija, which helps eye health, reduces fatigue, and is effective in strengthening immunity.
It is known to be good for improving vision and recovering from fatigue, and is rich in various vitamins and minerals.
It features a unique sweet and slightly sour taste.
Omija tea 오미자차(五味子茶)
Made with omija as the main ingredient, it features five flavors: sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and spicy. It helps to improve bronchial health and immunity.
Red ginseng tea 홍삼차(紅蔘茶)
It is a tea made using red ginseng, which is made through a processing process than ginseng, and is effective in strengthening physical strength, immunity, and improving blood circulation.
Bellflower tea 도라지차(桔梗茶)
Tea made from balloon flower roots is good for bronchial health and helps remove phlegm.
Licorice tea 감초차(甘草茶)
This tea is made with licorice as the main ingredient, and is effective in helping digestion and reducing inflammation.
Honey tea 꿀차
This tea is made by mixing honey with water or other tea, which is great for relieving neck pain and replenishing energy.
Ssanghwa-cha(tea) 쌍화차(雙和茶)
It is one of the representative herbal teas that have been used for a long time in traditional Korean medicine.
Ssanghwacha mainly contains yellow flag, licorice, jujube, cinnamon, and ginger.
Ssanghwa tea is a tea made by mixing various medicinal herbs and is known to help relieve early symptoms of colds and restore physical strength.
This tea is especially popular in winter, and it keeps you warm and energized.
Each of these teas has its own health-promoting effects and has long been used in traditional Korean medicine. However, since the efficacy of teas may vary depending on an individual's constitution or health condition, it is recommended to seek professional advice if you have a specific disease or health problem.
The tea culture in Korea is
Korean tea culture, or 'darye-다례(茶禮)', goes beyond just drinking tea and is an important means of self-development and social exchange.
This involves understanding the subtleties of human relationships through tea and developing a mind of respect and consideration for each other.
The tea culture, which is closely related to the lives of Koreans over a long history, contains the wisdom of our ancestors who seek harmony between body and mind and explore human beauty.
How to experience tea culture
The best way to experience Korea's tea culture is to visit traditional teahouses.
These teahouses located throughout the country offer a space where you can feel the beauty and atmosphere of Korea while drinking tea at traditional Hanoks.
Also, you can learn the philosophy and history of tea while brewing and enjoying tea.
The importance of tea culture
Korea's tea culture goes beyond just enjoying drinks to become a place for communication and emotional exchange between people. It plays an important role in sharing each other's hearts while drinking tea together and enhancing understanding and empathy. This culture is deeply rooted in the lives of Koreans and conveys its charm to foreigners visiting Korea.
💡 Is there any etiquette I should be careful about when visiting a traditional teahouse?
There are some etiquette to be aware of when visiting a traditional teahouse.
🌸 Quiet and calm behavior
Tea culture values tranquility and harmony. Therefore, you should refrain from speaking out loud or loud inside a teahouse.
🍂 Drinking tea in good manners
When you drink tea, you should hold a teacup with both hands, and drink carefully so that it does not interfere with the people around you.
Respecting the atmosphere and rules of a teahouse:
Each teahouse may have a unique atmosphere and rules, so it is important to listen and follow the guidance of the owner or staff before visiting or entering.
First of all, it is important to enjoy the taste and aroma of tea quietly when drinking tea.
Also, it is recommended to show respect for the tea preparation process by looking at the tea brewing tools and tea cups before drinking tea.
Avoid noise in the tea house and talk with the people around you while drinking tea should be quiet and calm.
Korean tea culture itself is an important means of understanding and experiencing Korea.
Through this culture, you can get a glimpse of the harmony of Korean tradition and modernity and the spiritual world of Koreans. People who visit Korea or are interested in Korean culture are also recommended to experience this unique tea culture.
