What exactly is Korean Tea Ceremony?
Hello! I came across your tea room while looking into tea cultures, as I love tea so much. I heard that Korea has a long history of tea culture and a tradition called Darye (Korean tea ceremony). I’m very curious about it. May I ask a few questions?
[Heesum]
Of course!
What exactly is a Korean tea ceremony(Darye)? Is it a strict or formal ritual?
[Heesum]
It can be defined a bit differently depending on your perspective. The word 'ceremony' itself carries multiple layers of meaning in English, doesn't it?
That's true. It usually means a formal ritual, but it can also broadly refer to etiquette or social gestures.
[Heesum]
Exactly, and that is what Darye (차/茶: Tea, 례/禮: Etiquette) is all about. It encompasses not just the technical skill of brewing tea, but also the mindset and etiquette involved in respecting the tea, welcoming guests, and handling the teaware.
That sounds lovely. What a beautiful tradition. How long has Korea been drinking tea?
[Heesum]
The history of tea on the Korean Peninsula is far more deeply rooted than many might imagine.
According to official records in the Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), tea culture was already present during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla in the 7th century, establishing a written history of at least 1,400 years. If we consider the artifacts of compressed tea (byeongcha) excavated from Goguryeo tombs, that legacy reaches back over 1,500 years.
While there are various scholarly theories regarding its origin—ranging from transmission via China or India to indigenous growth—what remains clear is that the Korean people have cherished, enjoyed, and cultivated the aesthetics and refined spirit of tea culture for over a millennium and a half.
That’s a long history! What kind of tea was mainly consumed throughout all those years?
[Heesum]
The types of tea and methods of preparation evolved with each era. During the Three Kingdoms and Goryeo periods, people mainly drank byeongcha (compressed tea cakes) made by steaming and pounding tea leaves, or fine malcha (powdered green tea). In the Goryeo Dynasty, the jeomda method—whisking powdered tea into a froth with a bamboo whisk—was mainstream.
By the Joseon Dynasty, the culture settled into drinking deokkeum loose-leaf green tea (pan-fired or steamed and dried), brewed in a teapot (dagwan). Today, we enjoy a wide variety of Korean teas, including traditional green tea, fermented teas, and compressed teas.
I see. What do you prioritize most when conducting a Darye session or experience?
[Heesum]
Historical authenticity grounded in literature and artifacts. Honestly, it’s not easy. Thousands of years of history and tradition aren't fully recorded in texts, so we must constantly study and research.
That’s why both of us are pursuing degree programs to study professionally. We consult with university professors, meet weekly with scholars who have devoted their lives to Korean tea research to hold discussions, and practice Darye. We also visit ceramics and tea museums across the country every week to find clues. By connecting those faint historical fragments, we build theoretical frameworks and validate them through ongoing discussions with experts.
Impressive. Why do you feel Darye is such an important tradition to preserve?
[Heesum]
Tea is deeply intertwined with history and various industries—ranging from tea agriculture and trade to ceramics and processing. It reflects the essence of human civilization.
Above all, we genuinely love the profound flavor and aroma of Korean tea, as well as the delicate beauty of Korean tea ceramics. Once you experience it, you fall in love with its elegance. That’s why we use the highest-grade teas and the finest teaware we can source in our tea room.
Ultimately, we want to preserve it simply because it is beautiful. Like all meaningful traditions of humanity, we hope Korean tea culture continues to be loved and passed down for generations to come.
What kind of guests would you like to welcome here?
[Heesum]
We don't set any specific qualifications or target audiences. Anyone with an interest in tea, ceramics, history, culture, and the aesthetics of tradition is warmly welcome.
Most importantly, anyone who wishes to reflect on themselves over cup of hot tea.
Finally, what are your future plans?
[Heesum]
Rather than setting grand goals, our plan is to quietly continue studying tea, ceramics, and history. Sharing the joy and beauty we discover along the way with others—so we can enjoy it together—is more than enough for us!