Can you picture stepping into a serene oasis in the heart of Seoul, where time slows down, and the world outside fades away? Welcome to Seoul best Korean tea houses, where the tradition of first-flush green tea is celebrated with every delicate sip! In this bustling city, these 3 hidden gems offer a tranquil escape, inviting you to experience the rich flavors and calming rituals of this ancient beverage. Join us on a journey to discover the most revered tea houses in Seoul, each with its own unique charm and story!
What is First Flush Green Tea?
First-flush green tea, often called the “champagne of teas,” is a true delicacy in the tea world. Harvested in early spring, these tender young leaves are the first to emerge after winter dormancy, resulting in exceptionally fresh, vibrant tea full of nuanced flavors.
Known in South Korea as “ujeon nokcha,” this highly prized green tea is renowned for its sweet, soft, and subtle flavor. The timing of the harvest is crucial; the first pluckings of the year are the best because the plants’ nutrients are highly concentrated by spring.
Ujeon nokcha leaves are harvested before “goku,” one of the 24 solar calendar seasons, which falls around April 20. Traditionally, they gather these leaves in Hadong County, South Gyeongsang Province, and Boseong County, South Jeolla Province. This exquisite tea, comparable to Chinese “mingqian” and Japanese “shincha,” captures the essence of early spring, offering a delicate and refreshing taste.
Minimally processed to preserve their natural sweetness and delicate aroma, first flush green tea leaves produce a light, clear green brew with a refreshing, slightly grassy taste and hints of floral and fruity notes. Rich in antioxidants, this tea offers numerous health benefits, including improved metabolism and enhanced mental clarity.
In Seoul, the best tea houses take great pride in serving this premium tea, often accompanied by traditional Korean tea ceremonies that highlight its unique qualities. Therefore, this first flush green tea is a must-try experience if you’re planning your travel to Seoul.
3 Best Korean Tea Houses in Seoul with Premium Ujeon Nokcha Experience
Now, if you are an avid enthusiast of Korean first-flush green tea, here are 3 best tea houses in Seoul you must visit!
1. Ungcha
Firstly, we have one of the most serene Korean tea houses in the residential area of Seoul, Ungcha (also known as Woongcha). Don’t get deceived by its tiny size. This Korean tea house features rich options of Korean first-flush green tea from the Hadong and Boseong areas.
This Seoul Korean tea house opens every day from 12 to 10 PM. Starting in April and May this year, you will be able to enjoy the finest quality of Korean first-flush green tea at a discounted price of 40,000 KRW (30 USD) for each 40-gram serving.
Most importantly, this place is one of the most unique Korean tea houses in Seoul, best renowned for being a one-man shop. Therefore, you will be able to gain a very customized and personal first-flush green tea experience during your visit to South Korea.
Yet, the downside is that the store may have flexible opening hours due to this characteristic. Hence, you might want to check its official Instagram account before visiting this place.
📍 South Korea, 웅차 18-30 KR 서울특별시 은평구 갈현로1길 7-1 1층 101호 웅차 신사동 1층 101호.
2. Keochagu
Secondly, we have the most exquisite fusion of coffee and tea at one of the best Korean premium tea houses in Seoul, Keochagu.
Strategically placed near Mangwon Station on Subway Line #6, this place offers the perfect blend and options of premium Korean tea and coffee, in addition to its mouthwatering desserts. After all, the name “Keochagu” itself came from the combination of “coffee” and “tea” in the Korean language.
Along with the premium first-flush green tea, Keochagu offers various courses and 1-day special classes, specializing in various options of Korean coffee and tea. You will be able to choose between green tea, white tea, oolong tea, yellow tea, dark tea, and black tea, as well as the perfect blend of flannel drip coffee.
So, are you interested in visiting Keochagu? This best Korean fusion coffee-tea house opens from 10 AM to 8 PM every day. If you want to make a reservation for the class or simply for a visit, you can try contacting them via its official Instagram account.
📍 1층, 19-23 World Cup-ro 13-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
3. Matchacha
Finally, we have Matchacha, one of the best Korean tea houses in Seoul, for all the things you love about green tea. This is the ultimate heaven if you are a hardcore fan of not only first flush but also all kinds of green tea in general.
One of the most special about Matchacha is its absolute serenity. There is no loud music or loud chattering in this place, unlike in other Korean tea houses. You will only find crowded customers chatting softly, sometimes even in whispers. This place is your go-to safe haven if you’re looking to enjoy your first flush green tea experience in the most peaceful and mindful approach. That is most exceptional, knowing the location is basically at the edge of the famous Seoul Forest, giving you the perfect peace of mind.
Founded in 2018, Matchacha Seoul specializes in rich variations of seasonal teas. Therefore, you will be able to enjoy different teas not only from South Korea but also overseas products, including China’s white and “qingcha” (oolong) teas.
Not only that, but you will also join Matchacha’s exciting annual tea courses and private classes after making reservations. But please note that the place only delivers all courses in Korean.
Unfortunately, if you want to visit this place as a walk-in customer, you will only be able to do it only in April and October. Matchacha is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM – 7 PM at this time. A premium serving of Korean first-flush green tea at Matchacha is also available at 12,000 KRW (9 USD) only.
📍 685-450 Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
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