Over the weekend, I went hiking just outside the city. The air was cooler than usual and the forest was full of early summer light. In my backpack I packed something small but essential: a thermos of tea, one cup wrapped in cloth, and a simple cloth mat. I didn’t plan a full tea session, just a moment to pause.

After an hour of climbing, I found a shaded spot under a pine. I sat, poured the tea, and listened to the mountain breathe. That moment reminded me why I fell in love with Korean tea in the first place. The quiet, the rhythm, the simplicity.

In Korea, tea has always been closely tied to nature. The best teas are harvested in the mountains, shaped by mist, wind, and soil. Drinking tea in the forest feels like returning it to where it began. The sound of leaves, the steam from your cup, the warmth in your hands—it all fits.

For travelers looking for things to do in Seoul, a Korean tea ceremony might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But it’s one of the most grounding experiences you can have. The tea ceremony experience in Korea connects you with tradition, but also offers something personal. It stays with you. In your hands, your breath, your attention.

If you visit our traditional tea room in Seoul, you’ll see how small details matter. The cups, the pace, the tea leaves—all carefully chosen. But we also believe that what you take with you matters just as much. The ceremony is not something that ends when the session does. It’s something you carry into your life, into your walks, your travels, even your morning routines.

So the next time you go for a hike, try packing a small thermos of tea. Find a quiet place. Sit. Pour. Watch the steam rise. You don’t need to perform anything. Just be there. Tea makes space for that.

That’s the heart of Korean tea culture. And that’s what we hope to share at Heesum.

Shall we hope and dream together?

Jason.

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Jason operates Heesum, a traditional tearoom in Seoul offering an authentic Korean tea ceremony experience. He welcomes guests to join Korean tea classes in Seoul, designed for those seeking a quiet and meaningful cultural activity. Before starting Heesum, Jason worked in journalism and as a writer for a Fortune 10 company. He is also a painter, photographer, and lifelong tea enthusiast.

When you book a Korean tea ceremony in Seoul at Heesum, Jason hosts the session together with Songna, a certified tea master with deep training in traditional Korean tea culture. Their sessions create space for calm attention and a thoughtful introduction to Korea’s tea rituals.

Tea ceremony on the trail

“Breathe, please.”