KOREAN TEA EXPERIENCE

"TEA CULTURE"

Welcome to the Korean Tea Experience: A Journey Through Tea Culture and Ceramics
April 28th to May 6th 2026

South Korea holds one of the most elegant and profound tea traditions in the world. The Korean Tea Experience is an invitation to step into this world and explore tea as a spiritual path, a cultural treasure, and a bridge between nature and the human heart.

You will meet renowned tea masters, participate in traditional ceremonies, and experience the calm rhythm of Buddhist temples where tea and meditation have coexisted for over a thousand years. Surrounded by serene mountains and breathtaking landscapes, you will witness how deeply the art of tea is rooted in Korean life.

Our path leads through the southern tea regions and the famous Boseong Tea Festival - a vibrant celebration of Korea’s green tea season, where local farmers present their finest harvests. We will also visit the Mungyeong Ceramics Festival, dedicated to Korea’s world-renowned pottery, and meet exceptional ceramic masters who continue centuries-old traditions of craftsmanship.

This Tea Experience is organized by AN SHIM TEA in collaboration with TEA & CULTURE MAGAZINE. The purpose of this journey is to promote Korea’s high tea culture, support its local tea industry, and highlight the exceptional artistry of Korean ceramics.

Welcome!

South Korea has a long tea history and rich tea culture. It is considered that the first tea planting started about 1200+ years ago when Buddhist monks brought Camellia Sinensis seeds from China and started tea growing in South Jeolla Province. Local Buddhist temples became the birthplace of Korean tea culture, and tea became an essential part of everyday Buddhist practices. During the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties, tea culture evolved and became a necessary part of royal ceremonies, and cultural phenomena were reflected in human culture, literature, and poetry. During this time, the Korean tea ceremony became a unique and beautiful performance, becoming a significant event during celebrations and receiving important guests. Korean tea is different and requires a different attitude during the tea brewing process, as reflected in the traditional Korean tea ceremony called Darye.

Tea production in South Korea is a rare and unique process, concentrated in the country's South in the Boseong and Hadong regions and Jeju Island. With limited quantity, organic raw material, and almost fully handmade production, Korean tea stands out for its exceptional quality and rarity, making it a must-try for any tea enthusiast.

During this journey, we will be introduced to Korean tea traditions and the art of the traditional tea ceremony, guided by renowned Korean tea masters. We embark on a six-day journey to the southern regions of Korea - the birthplace of some of the country’s most celebrated teas. A highlight of the trip will be a three-day (two-night) stay at a Buddhist monastery, offering a rare opportunity to experience monastic life, take part in the harvesting and crafting of traditional green tea alongside monks, and understand firsthand the deep spiritual connection between Buddhism and tea culture.

We will also attend a tea festival held during the country’s most important green tea harvest season, where local farmers present their finest teas. This will be an opportunity to meet producers, visit the Tea Museum, and witness authentic tea-making traditions in the company of true masters. A significant part of the journey will be dedicated to ceramics - the world-renowned Korean pottery admired for its purity, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. We will visit the Mungyeong Ceramics Festival and meet several distinguished ceramic artists, some recognized as Korea’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Throughout our journey, we will stay in high-quality accommodations - both in Seoul and during our travels to the southern regions of the country. As mentioned earlier, two nights will be spent in guesthouses located within a Buddhist monastery. Each participant will have a private room to ensure comfort, privacy, and proper rest during the whole tour.

During our tours, we will take you to a variety of restaurants so you can sample great examples of the local cuisine, and get a deeper understanding of the culture. When you register to the tour, please notify us of any food allergies, intolerances or concerns that you might have. We would like to welcome you in the best possible way, and last minute notifications of special diets would be difficult to accommodate. Please note that due to local food culture and differences, we might not be able to accommodate certain diets. Please contact us if you are unsure or have any concerns.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

DATE: April 28th to May 6th 2026

WHAT IS INCLUDED

- 7 full days of activities around tea culture
- Breakfasts, lunches and dinners starting from April 28th dinner
and ending with May 6th breakfast in the hotel
- Transportation during the daily activities

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

- Transportation to South Korea
- Transportation to and from airport
- Passport and visa fee if applicable
- Travel and medical insurance

We can provide guidance to help you book your accommodation in Seoul.

DEPOSIT

A deposit of ---€ per person is required to confirm your space. This deposit must be made when your application is submitted. Receipt of the deposit assures your space on the tour. Payment in EURO should be made via credit card, bank transfer, or in person at our office in Riga.

Participants are responsible for any outgoing bank wire and handling fees.

FINAL PAYMENT

The remaining balance is due by February 15th 2026.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellation requests must be received by email. Our cancellation and refund policy is based on the schedule below:

2 months before: 50 % of the tour cost refunded
Up to 1 month before: 30 % of the tour cost refunded
Less than 1 month before: No refund

If you wish to use a different payment method, please get in touch with us directly. Your reservation is confirmed once we have received a 700€ deposit, payable by cash or bank transfer.

When you enroll and make your first payment, you agree to our following TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

CONTACT US to

TEA TOUR TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. General Information

These Terms and Conditions govern participation in cultural and educational tours organized by AN SHIM TEA / AN SHIM LIFE (hereinafter “the Organizer”).

By registering for the tour, each participant (hereinafter “the Participant”) acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted all terms outlined below.

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(Practical and cultural recommendations for a harmonious experience)

1. Preparation

Ensure your passport and visa are valid for the required duration.
Purchase medical and travel insurance before departure.
Pack light, comfortable, and culturally appropriate clothing.

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Visit our TEA TOUR page to check out the gallery of our previous tea tours to feel the atmosphere.