Traveling in South Korea: The Ultimate Itinerary for Tea Lovers
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Traveling to South Korea: An Itinerary for the Tea Lover
From the terraced plantations of Boseong to the night markets of Seoul: the complete itinerary to experience the authentic tea culture of Korea, with all the addresses included.
By Maison Boseong · Seoul, South Korea · June 2026 · 10 min read
South Korea is much more than a K-pop and K-beauty destination. For those who can look beyond the screens and neon lights of Seoul, it's a country of rare cultural depth, where the tradition of tea still permeates the daily lives of its inhabitants. From the plantations of Boseong to the gastronomic markets of the capital, this itinerary takes you on the Korean tea roads.
1. Seoul: The Gateway
Every trip to Korea begins in Seoul. For the tea-loving traveler, the capital is a goldmine.
Insadong: The Tea District
Its alleys are full of traditional tea houses (찻집, chatjib) where you can taste green teas from Boseong and ancient infusions like Ssanghwa-cha or Yuja-cha, in settings of unexpected serenity in the heart of the metropolis.
Gwangjang Market: The Gastronomic Soul
One of Seoul's oldest covered markets. Here, you'll discover the fundamentals of Korean gastronomy and plant-based hot drinks. A guided tour is recommended to understand Korean food culture before venturing into the regions.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Tea Ceremony in a Hanok
Several traditional Korean houses (hanok) offer introductions to the tea ceremony, dado. A suspended moment, between the city noise and the silence of an inner garden.
2. Boseong: The Green Tea Capital
Four hours from Seoul by bus, Boseong is the absolute destination for any tea lover. Its terraced hills of luminous green are particularly spectacular in spring during the first tea harvest.
The Daehan Dawon Plantations
The most photographed in Korea. Their stepped rows of tea plants offer unforgettable panoramic views, especially at dawn when the mist rises from the valleys. You can buy teas directly on site: Woojeon, Sejak, Boseong matcha, and visit the processing workshops.
The Boseong Tea Festival
Every year in May, Boseong hosts the Boseong Green Tea Festival. You can taste freshly picked teas, green tea ice cream, and even participate in the picking yourself. A rare sensory experience.
3. Hadong: The Wild Cradle of Tea
An hour east of Boseong, Hadong is the historical birthplace of Korean tea. It is here that the first wild tea plants were planted in the 9th century on the slopes of Jirisan Mountain. Unlike Boseong, Hadong is home to small family gardens where tea plants grow without human intervention, in "wild cultivation."
Hadong teas are among the rarest and most precious in Korea: often produced in quantities of just a few kilograms per year by artisans whose methods have been passed down for centuries. To learn more, consult our article Wild or Regular: The Terroir Duel.
4. Jeju: Tea and Volcanic Nature
Jeju, the volcanic island off the southern peninsula, is a destination in itself. Its caldera landscapes and lava tunnels contrast with the lush green tea gardens. It is here that the Osulloc house has established its large gardens, producing some of the finest Korean teas.
Jeju deserves at least two days. The ascent of Hallasan (1,950m, the highest peak in Korea), the Olle trail, and a visit to the Osulloc museum make for an unforgettable experience. To learn all about Osulloc and Jeju, consult our article Osulloc: When Korean Refinement Becomes a Global Icon.
5. Gyeongju: Tea and Royal History
Gyeongju, nicknamed "the museum without a roof," is the ancient capital of the Silla dynasty, which reigned over Korea from 668 to 935. It was under this same dynasty that tea was first introduced to the peninsula. Visiting Gyeongju means going back to the origins of Korean tea.
Bulguksa Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Seokguram Grotto are must-sees. The city also abounds in peaceful gardens where tea is still served according to tradition.
6. Bringing Korean Tea Home to France
One of the best souvenirs from Korea is always a beautiful box of tea: a Boseong Woojeon picked before the April rains, a Sejak with spring notes, a Ssanghwa-cha for winter evenings, or a purple sweet potato latte powder.
If you're not yet heading to Korea, or if you want to extend the journey once you're back, Maison Boseong has done the reverse: we source directly from Korean producers what you can't find in France.
7. Practical Tips
📅 Best time to visit
April-May (harvest, cherry blossoms) or September-November (autumn). Avoid July-August (monsoon).
🚆 Getting around
KTX from Seoul. Boseong by bus (4h). Jeju by plane (1h). Gyeongju by KTX (2h).
💬 Language
English is limited outside tourist areas. Google Translate with the Korean pack downloaded is essential.
🏡 Accommodation
Hanok guesthouses in Seoul (Bukchon) and historical cities. Pensions with tea immersion in Boseong.
💶 Budget
South Korea is accessible. Count 80 to 120€ per day for a solo traveler.
🌸 Boseong in April
The cherry blossom over the tea plants is the most photographed sight in Korea. Not to be missed.
Boseong · Hadong · Travel
Korean Green Teas
Woojeon, Sejak, Balhyocha: the teas you will taste in Boseong and Hadong, available in France.
DiscoverTraditions · Infusions
Korean Infusions
Ssanghwa-cha, Boricha, Omija: the infusions you will find in Seoul's markets.
DiscoverSouvenir · Gift Set
Korean Travel Gift Sets
To offer or bring back the soul of Korean tea. Our gift sets selected in Seoul.
DiscoverArticles to prepare your trip
→ Travel to Boseong: Why these Mountains Produce the Best Tea
Let Maison Boseong take you on a journey in your cup
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See the whole collection Souvenir Gift SetsAbout 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.