Korean Job Discussion Forums

[moosehead]

I've become quite familiar with a number of different K teas, including the fruit ones, and the dried ones. The fact I've been a tea drinker for most of my life probably helped of course, but upon arrival in K I never expected to come across such a wonderful variety of teas.

I recently bought a tea set to send back home (U.S.) to a friend; it's a lovely color and I think she'll enjoy it. However, it's one of those with the rather small pots with a side handle and small cups that don't hold much at all.

there's also a bowl with a spout included - can someone fill me in on why all this is the way it is? to make it easier:

1) why is the pot small and with a side handle?

2) what is the bowl with the spout on it used for?

3) why are the cups so small?

is there a special tea that should be served in this pot? I'd like to know so I can send it along with instructions.

thanks for all answers and hope others can share their tea experiences/comments/suggestions as well !!

[RedRob]

Go to Kyobo bookstore, there are a few lovely books in Eng. with details of types of teas/pottery/how to serve etc. Add one in with the gift, extra niceu. Get one for yrself. While yr at it pop into Insadong and have a cup at a groovy tea house. Galbijim will probably have directions to a super-cool one with birds flying around and tables made from goldfish-holding-giant-kimchi pots.

In summer I recommend the cold 5 flavour tea with pinenuts.

Good Luck.

[moosehead]

[pkang0202]

I like tea. Unfortunately, I am not knowledgable in it. Maybe someone should setup a "Tea Club" here for people who enjoy tea. People could meet once every couple of weeks at a different tea house and all learn form each other.

[moosehead]

you know that's really an interesting idea!!

there's a traditional tea house on a lake in Jeolla buk do that's absolutely incredible - it's in a resort area, very beautiful, green space, traditional music playing - not a lot of people know about it. the house is very old, huge logs, beautiful windows, very nice to visit.

visiting places like that with a group could be a lot of fun.

[Whistleblower]

[RedRob]

W.B. -You need to relax and have a cup of tea.

[moosehead]

*bump*

c'mon folks - some Ks are always complaining FT don't want to learn about K culture - here we are - share a little info already - I know many of you have K spouses and gf/bfs who you could ask about my qs above -

[pkang0202]

[xtchr]

I think (i.e. am just guessing) that the cups are so small because tea is not seen as a 'drink' as such, but more as a tonic, or just something to refresh your mouth.

(Unhelpful comment) - I love tea, but tea ceremonies infuriate me. All that faffing around for ages for a tiny wee bit of not much and an inordinate amount of dishes to do afterwards. Just boil the water and tip it in and have a drink!

Right, off to turn the kettle on for a decent cuppa.

[moosehead]

well, the thing is, in the West we mostly have tea leaves that are pretty finely chopped - processed even; or of course tea bags.

here we have a lot of flowers and literally stems and leaves that aren't so finely processed. therefore there are ways to make the tea according to which tea one is preparing - hence with the fruit teas, one just ladles some into a cup and pour boiling water over it.

I do know the smaller cups are for finer teas, a really fine tea is expensive, one wouldn't want to waste it. I also think it's meant to be drunk in small portions, as well as enjoy the aroma much like a fine wine.

there truly is an art to tea - but I agree - am not into tea ceremonies at all - too much master/slave scenario for me - but it's very nice to be able to share good tea with friends, I think.

sure wish some experts would comment - where are they when you need them?