Korean Tea Guide: Everything About Tea from South Korea

Korean Tea: One of Asia’s Best-Kept Secrets

Less known than Japanese or Chinese teas, Korean tea is no less exceptional—and truly deserves to be discovered.

What is Korean Tea?

Korean tea (in Korean: 한국 차, “han-guk cha”) refers to the variety of teas and infusions produced in South Korea. The country boasts a thousand-year-old tea culture, deeply rooted in the southern mountainous regions: Boseong, Hadong, and Jeju Island.

Contrary to popular belief, Korean tea is not limited to green tea. It includes:

Green Tea (녹차, “nokcha”): Delicate and herbaceous, often smoother than Japanese matcha.

Fermented Tea (발효차, “balhyocha”): Complex and earthy, with notes reminiscent of the forest.

Ssanghwa-cha (쌍화차): A traditional infusion of medicinal roots, enjoyed since the Joseon Dynasty.

Bori-cha (보리차): Toasted barley tea, the daily staple drink for Korean families.

Boseong: The Capital of Korean Tea

Boseong, in the Jeollanam-do province, is the most iconic region for tea in Korea. Its hills, covered in terraced tea plantations, form a landscape unique in the world. The humid climate and morning mists create the ideal conditions for producing leaves of exceptional finesse.

Over 40% of South Korea’s tea production comes from Boseong. It is here that we, at Maison Boseong, select our finest vintages.

Korean Tea vs. Japanese Tea: What Are the Differences?

This is a question we often hear. Here are the main distinctions:

The Process: Korean green tea is generally pan-fired (덖음, “deokkeum”), which gives it slightly toasted notes and a natural sweetness. Japanese green tea (like Sencha or Matcha) is most often steamed, preserving an intense green color and more vegetal, iodine-rich aromas.

The Taste: In terms of flavor, Korean tea is often described as rounder, less bitter, and more accessible for beginners.

How to Choose Your First Korean Tea?

If you are discovering Korean tea for the first time, here are our recommendations:

For a Gentle Start: Hadong Sejak, a springtime green tea with floral and slightly sweet notes.

For Fermented Tea Lovers: Balhyocha, a wild product with complex aromas of undergrowth and honey.

For Tradition: Ssanghwa-cha, the ancestral elixir of Korean royal palaces, made with medicinal herbs and roots.

Order Korean Tea Worldwide

At Maison Boseong, we source directly from producers to bring the finest Korean teas to your doorstep. Every item is chosen for its quality, authenticity, and history.

Explore our full selection of Korean teas and let the soul of Boseong guide you.