Korean Tea Guide: Everything About Tea from South Korea
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Korean Tea: All You Need to Know About South Korean Tea
Types, regions, differences with Japan, how to choose: everything to discover the Korea of tea.
By Maison Boseong · Seoul, South Korea · June 2026 · 7 min read
Korean tea (한국 차, han-guk cha) is one of Asia's best-kept traditions. Less known than Japanese or Chinese tea, it is nonetheless exceptional. Unique terroirs, preserved artisanal methods, varieties unobtainable outside of Korea.
What is Korean Tea?
Nokcha — Green Tea
Delicate, herbaceous, often sweeter than Japanese matcha.
Balhyocha — Fermented
Semi-fermented with complex honey and undergrowth aromas.
Ssanghwa-cha
Traditional root infusion since the Joseon dynasty.
Bori-cha — Barley
Roasted barley tea, a daily drink for Korean families.
Boseong: The Capital of Korean Green Tea
Boseong accounts for over 40% of the national production of Korean tea. This is where we select our best vintages at Maison Boseong.
Korean Tea vs. Japanese Tea
Korean green tea is roasted with the dry heat of the Gamasot, unlike Japanese tea which is steamed. The profile is softer, less bitter, more accessible for beginners.
How to Choose Your First Korean Tea?
To start: Sejak from Boseong. For fermented tea lovers: Balhyocha from Hadong. For tradition: Ssanghwa-cha. To discover everything: a discovery set.
Ordering Korean Tea in France
Maison Boseong sources directly from Korean producers and delivers to France via K-Packet within 7 to 15 working days.
About the author:Nico Lesage is the founder of Maison Boseong. An expert in Korean teas, he has lived in Seoul since 2011. Every year, he travels to the peninsula’s tea gardens to source exceptional harvests directly from local producers.