A Quiet Evening of Korean Calligraphy at Heesum
We decided to properly photograph our calligraphy and tea tasting session for everyone, so we invited one of our friends, Seulah, and had a beautiful time yesterday.
©Heesum.
Traditional Korean calligraphy uses four essential tools—brush, ink stick, inkstone, and hanji paper—known as “munbangsawu,” reflecting both artistry and scholarly discipline. ©Heesum.
We began with calligraphy, using traditional Korean ink and hanji paper. The table was already set when she arrived, quiet and clean, with brushes lined up and a small welcome tea to sip while settling in. With a simple, refreshing tea to begin the evening slowly.
©Heesum.
©Heesum.
Before choosing a word to write, Seulah practiced the basic Korean consonants and vowels. Getting a feel for the brush and the movement was part of the process. The slow rhythm of each stroke made her more comfortable with the form, and more focused in the moment.
©Heesum.
Practicing the vowels and consonants of Korean characters. ©Heesum.
She eventually chose the character cha, meaning tea. A simple word, but layered with meaning. As she dipped the brush and practiced each stroke, the shape slowly came to life. Balanced. Grounded. It was as if the character carried the same calm as the tea itself.
©Heesum.
©Heesum.
©Heesum.
After the writing, we reset the same table for tea. A small shift. The brushes were put away and the teaware arranged. We served two kinds of premium Korean tea from boutique farms—one delicate green tea, the other warm and toasty. Together with the lingering scent of ink, it made for a quiet and thoughtful moment.
Korean tea tasting setup with traditional museum quality teaware. ©Heesum.
©Heesum.
Participants enjoy two premium-quality hand-picked Korean teas. ©Heesum.
©Heesum.
Sometimes it’s not about learning a lot. Just spending time with your hands, a brush, and a cup of tea. That’s enough.
Shall we try this fun experience this week?
Jason
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Jason runs Heesum, a traditional Korean tea room in Seoul where guests can experience a hands-on Korean tea ceremony. With a background in journalism and past work as a writer for a global Fortune 10 company, he brings both storytelling and hospitality to the tea table. A passionate painter, photographer, and long-time tea lover, Jason now co-hosts Heesum’s tea sessions with certified tea master Songna, who guides each ceremony with deep knowledge and warmth. If you’re looking for an authentic Korean tea ceremony in Seoul, Heesum offers a personal and culturally rich experience.
