Are you an avid fan of coffee? Well, we’re sorry to break it up to you but coffee has started to become yesterday’s trends in South Korea. As the iconic drink has become a part of our daily life’s habit, nothing about coffee screams interesting. And so, there comes a new trend among Korean youngsters: a new tea culture called “teamakase.” So, what it is and what makes this new trend so interesting? Today, we’ll guide you through the new teamakase culture and how the Korean tea tasting plays a massive role in this new trend.
A Shift in Trends in Korean Youths with Teamakase: From Coffee to Korean Tea Tasting
In recent years, South Korea’s coffee culture has faced some competition as tea has begun to emerge as a chic and healthy alternative. Unlike coffee, tea offers a sensory experience that appeals to the eyes, the nose, and the palate. Vibrant colors, elegant presentations, and aromatic brews have made tea a perfect match for social media’s love of all things aesthetic.
This shift has been fueled by younger generations embracing tea for its calming properties and versatility. According to Yang Young-min, a tea sommelier and director of the Asia Tea Culture Research Institute, this change has been remarkable. “Ten years ago, most of my students were older adults. Now, the majority are in their 20s and 30s,” he explains. Influences from wellness-conscious celebrities like Lee Hyori and Taeyang have also made tea seem like the “it” drink of the moment.
Teamakase, in particular, has gained immense popularity because it offers more than just a cup of tea—it’s a curated journey. For around 30,000 to 50,000 won ($25–$40) per person, guests can enjoy a 60–90 minute experience sampling two or three types of tea, paired with desserts that complement the flavors. With reservations often required a month in advance, teamakase has become the go-to choice for trendy dates and casual gatherings, using prominent Korean teahouses as the venues.
Why Young Koreans Are Loving Teamakase
The appeal of teamakase lies not only in the tea but also in the experience it offers.
New Relaxing Experience with Rich, Flavorful Taste
As coffee has simply become a part of their mundane daily lives, Korean tea tasting becomes a brand-new experience, offering relaxing new trends for the youths. As Korean tea comes with various impressive tastes and blends, it offers different taste and refreshments through each of its different flavors.
Not only that but this curated approach to Korean tea-tasting introduces people to its vast diversity, from earthy green teas to floral blends. As most people believe that Korean tea has limited options, teamakase becomes an impressive showcase of how diverse and rich these teas can be.
Korean Tea Tasting Culture as New Leisure & Hobby
Moreover, tea is becoming a new form of leisure. Like wine or specialty coffee, it allows people to learn about its origins, production methods, and cultural significance. It has layers of storytelling, making it a hobby people can enjoy and deepen over time. After all, for many, tea also represents a “healthy pleasure.” Therefore, as younger Koreans focus on maintaining wellness in enjoyable ways, tea’s low caffeine content and potential health benefits, such as aiding digestion and reducing fatigue, make it an appealing choice.
“Coffee is like fast food, but tea is more like slow food.”
Yang Young Min, Tea Sommelier.
A Promising Modern-Day Korean Tea Tasting Culture
As South Korea’s tea culture evolves, teamakase is just the beginning. The growing demand for curated experiences reflects a broader trend across the food and beverage market. People no longer want just a product; they want a story, an experience, and a sense of discovery.
That is why new Korean tea tasting culture, teamakase, offers a chance to experience something new and unforgettable. This new trend is giving you the art of slowing down, savoring the moment, and exploring a world of flavors.
So, who’s ready to say “cheers” with a cup of tea? Who knows? It might even inspire you to start your own tea journey.
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