Experience the elegance and tranquility of Dado, the Korean tea ceremony that celebrates the refined flavors and delicate aromas of Korean green tea.

Discover Dado: The Korean Tea Ceremony Explore the rich history of Dado and learn the art of brewing, serving, and savoring Korean green tea.

The Distinctiveness of Korean Green Tea While Chinese and Japanese teas are widely known, Korean green teas offer a unique experience. Unlike black teas, which are fermented and oxidized, Korean green tea is quickly heated in an iron pot, rolled by hand, and dried in the shade. This process produces tea with a clear, light liquor and a subtle, delicate flavor.

Green Tea Plantations in Korea Experience the lush green tea fields of Boseong and Jeju Island, where Korea’s premium green teas are cultivated.

Grading Korean Green Tea Korean green tea is classified into four grades: Daejak, Jungjak, Sejak, and Ujeon, with Ujeon being the highest.

• Daejak: Made from larger leaves picked after June, Daejak tea has a stronger, more robust flavor and is commonly used in tea bags. It’s ideal for beginners.
• Jungjak: Favored by tea enthusiasts, Jungjak is harvested slightly larger leaves in early summer. It maintains a fresh aroma and smooth taste and can be infused multiple times.
• Sejak: A superior grade, Sejak consists of tender leaf buds picked between late April and early May. It offers a smooth flavor and is more popular due to its longer-lasting flavor compared to Ujeon.
• Ujeon: Known as the finest Korean green tea, Ujeon is harvested before the first spring rain, making it rare and expensive. It yields four to five infusions and offers the most delicate flavor.

Brewing Korean Green Tea The quality of water, tea, and steeping time all impact the flavor of green tea. For high-quality green tea, use water heated to 50-60°C (122-140°F) to preserve the tea’s fresh taste. Steep 2 grams of tea in 50 cc of water, cooled to the appropriate temperature, for 1-2 minutes.

Traditional Korean Tea Set A traditional Korean tea set includes a teapot, small cups, and a large bowl for cooling and warming the water. This setup ensures the tea is served at the ideal temperature.

Serving and Drinking Korean Green Tea Dado, meaning "the way of tea," is more than a ritual—it's an experience in mindfulness and enjoyment. The process of pouring water and adding tea is meticulous, with various methods like upper, middle, and lower placement influencing the final brew. The first infusion should be shared equally among cups, with any remaining tea discarded to avoid bitterness.

Enjoy Korean green tea with both hands, savoring its color, aroma, taste, and lingering aftertaste. Subsequent infusions can be slightly hotter and are served directly from a lipped bowl to avoid passing cups around. High-quality teas can provide up to five infusions.

Exploring Dado Experience Dado firsthand at traditional settings like Insadong in Seoul, where you can immerse yourself in this serene and elegant tea ceremony.

Discover the essence of Korean tea with Dado, and let each cup bring you a moment of calm and pleasure.