Most people associate green tea with China and Japan, but few know that Korea has an almost 2,000 year old history of tea production and tea culture within its borders. Widely unknown, Korean Green Tea is one of the best kept secrets. Our loose leaf Organic Korean Woojeon Green Tea and Organic Korean Sejak Green Tea are excellent representations of the early pluckings of the year; both offer different tastes of Korean teas.
Brothy and boldly vegetal with a smooth and mildly astringent taste
Smooth and concentrated vegetal flavor with a thicker mouthfeel than Korea Sejak
Both our Korean teas come to us from Jeju Island, the largest island off of mainland South Korea, just south of the peninsula. Jeju Island's temperate climate makes it a perfect location to grow tea. Tea was said to be introduced to Korea as Buddhist monks traveled through the country returning from their studies in China. Much of the tea culture that existed in Korea was created by and upheld by Buddhist monks who developed a tradition around the drink. Many Buddhists considered tea to be a contemplative drink, and felt it helped develop mental discipline. Things began to change by the end of the Koryo dynasty in 1392, when Confucian views started to replace Buddhist views. The shift changed the way traditional tea was consumed, and the culture was kept alive, though less popularly, through poetry and art. Today, South Korea is experiencing a small revival of traditional tea houses and culture.
Situated between China and Japan, Korea adapted techniques from both countries for its tea manufacturing style. For example, Korean teas are heated with steam, similar to Japanese tea production, then later roasted, a process traditionally associated with Chinese tea manufacture. This distinct process creates a unique cup that offers the astringency levels and brightness of Japanese teas, but with the nose of Chinese teas.
In addition to sharing production techniques with Japan, Korea shares elements of its tea ceremony with Japan. Similar to the Japanese tea ceremony, the Korean tea ceremony incorporates several distinct pieces of teaware, tea and snacks into an intricate ritual that celebrates the enjoyment of tea with friends and family. There are dozens of different of Korean tea ceremonies performed for any number of occasions - from everyday to birthdays to marriages!