The earthy smell after rain in the forest.

I have been drinking white tea for the past couple of weeks. I enjoy white tea year-round, but recently we came across a batch of fresh Korean white tea that truly stood out. It is hard to find good Korean white tea, especially when it is freshly harvested and carefully processed.

Summer. ©Jason.

White tea is one of the best teas for summer. It naturally cools the body and keeps you hydrated without weighing you down. It is gentle, low in caffeine, and works beautifully as an iced tea. When chilled, it pairs well with seasonal fruits like peach or Korean pear, but it is also satisfying on its own. For anyone looking for a summer tea that is light yet complex, white tea is the perfect choice.

What I personally love most is the scent. This Korean white tea smells like a quiet forest right after a summer rain. It has that earthy, fresh aroma that rises when the soil and leaves are soaked by a soft drizzle. Every time I brew it, I feel like I am standing under a tree listening to the sound of falling rain. It is subtle, but very present.

Summer in Seoul is always hot, but this year it feels a little more bearable. Maybe I have been eating more fruits and vegetables. Maybe I have been more active. Or maybe it is this white tea. Something about it slows me down, in a good way.

©Jason.

We are serving this rare Korean white tea throughout the summer at our tearoom in Seoul. It is not easy to find freshly harvested white tea grown in Korea with this level of care and quality. We were lucky to connect with a small tea farm and a dedicated producer who really understands the nature of white tea.

If you are visiting Seoul or looking for an authentic tea experience in Korea, come try this summer tea with us. Korean white tea is quiet, but it stays with you.

Oh, and and yes, white tea gives off the earthy smell of the forest after rain.

Would you like to smell the earthy smell of the forest after rain?

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.