"I sit alone, deep in the mountains:
Worldly affairs are of no import.
Gate closed, I pass the days
in learning emptiness.
I examine my life.
I have no material goods,
just a bowl of fresh tea and a book of scriptures."
The Ven. Sonsu (1543-1614)
Worldly affairs are of no import.
Gate closed, I pass the days
in learning emptiness.
I examine my life.
I have no material goods,
just a bowl of fresh tea and a book of scriptures."
The Ven. Sonsu (1543-1614)
KOREAN TEA
INTRODUCTION
Korean tea is more than just a comforting beverage; it is a cornerstone of Korea’s cultural heritage, possessing a rich history that intertwines with the country's geography, traditions, and philosophies. From the tranquil tea ceremonies to the health benefits imbued in each sip, Korean tea holds a special place in the hearts of its people and has captivated the attention of tea enthusiasts worldwide.
HISTORY
The history of tea in Korea dates back to the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC - 668 AD), when Buddhism was introduced from China. It is believed that monks initially consumed tea to enhance their meditation practices. The earliest references to tea in Korean literature appear during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), where records show that tea drinking was a part of royal life and ceremonial rituals. During the Goryeo Dynasty, powdered tea became prevalent and was largely influenced by Zen Buddhist practices in China. However, as the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) rose to power, the focus shifted from powdered tea to steeping whole leaves, developing what we now know as Korean green tea. The Joseon period also witnessed the establishment of various tea houses and the codification of Korean etiquette, laying the groundwork for today's Korean tea ceremony. In the modern era, interest in Korean tea has surged domestically and internationally, leading to a revival of traditional tea practices and an exploration of the diverse types of tea produced in Korea.
Show more
Korean tea is more than just a comforting beverage; it is a cornerstone of Korea’s cultural heritage, possessing a rich history that intertwines with the country's geography, traditions, and philosophies. From the tranquil tea ceremonies to the health benefits imbued in each sip, Korean tea holds a special place in the hearts of its people and has captivated the attention of tea enthusiasts worldwide.
HISTORY
The history of tea in Korea dates back to the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC - 668 AD), when Buddhism was introduced from China. It is believed that monks initially consumed tea to enhance their meditation practices. The earliest references to tea in Korean literature appear during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), where records show that tea drinking was a part of royal life and ceremonial rituals. During the Goryeo Dynasty, powdered tea became prevalent and was largely influenced by Zen Buddhist practices in China. However, as the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) rose to power, the focus shifted from powdered tea to steeping whole leaves, developing what we now know as Korean green tea. The Joseon period also witnessed the establishment of various tea houses and the codification of Korean etiquette, laying the groundwork for today's Korean tea ceremony. In the modern era, interest in Korean tea has surged domestically and internationally, leading to a revival of traditional tea practices and an exploration of the diverse types of tea produced in Korea.
Show more