Since tea is an essential part of everyday life in Korea and because tea drinking has always taken place in many different situations, Korea has not just one tea ceremony but at least 15 for different occasions. Some go back centuries to the early days of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) when the royal family welcomed visiting foreign dignitaries with tea, serving it in a special Tabang or Tea Chamber. Important national events and celebrations such as coronations, state funerals, royal weddings and diplomatic meetings and receptions were also marked by special tea rituals.

Families honored their ancestors and the importance of family history with tea, intellectuals celebrated works of art with tea, and monks offered tea to the Buddha three times a day. The ‘Day Tea Rite’ was an everyday celebration for ordinary citizens and the “Special tea Rite’ recognized certain important occasions through the calendar of annual events.

Today, there is a ceremony for welcoming guests, a ceremonial tea offering to the Buddha, a ceremony for just one person to enjoy alone, and a group tea meditation called ‘An Invitation to Serenity’. Whenever and wherever tea is served, the philosophy is the same – discover beauty, simplicity, purity, naturalness and freedom of mind and spirit through this intuitive tea meditation.

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