Check out these 5 Korean Tea Houses at Insadong!

Korean tea was originated in ancient times, when tea culture was developed during the country’s historical dynasties. During the Joseon era (1392 – 1897), tea was considered not only a drink, but also a part of Korean traditional culture, philosophy and spirituality. Korean tea at that time was highly appreciated for its taste and healthiness.

Today in this post, Your Favorite K-Cult will walk you through the Korean traditional tea culture, together with 5 traditional tea houses at Insadong – a calm and beautiful place to enjoy the tradition and culture in Seoul, Korea.

Table of Contents

Korean Tea: Embracing Traditional Culture

Korea tea is a collaboration between art and tea ceremony. The way Korean tea was processed and served are done with all respect and sophistication. In the tea ceremony, people use special tea tools such as teacups (jeong), teapots (darye), and tea bowls (sooban) to create delicious and rich cups of tea.

Traditional Tea

Green tea (Nokcha): The most popular type of tea in Korea, made from young fresh tea leaves. Green tea often has a delicate scent and a fresh, pleasant taste.
White tea (Baekho): White tea is made from young tea leaves and has a mild, gentle flavor. It is often considered a symbol of purity and elegance.
Black tea (Hongcha): Black tea is made from fermented tea leaves which has a dark color and strong taste, often popular in winter to warm up your body.
Ginseng tea (Insam cha): Ginseng tea is made from tea leaves mixed with ginseng, creating a special flavor and bringing many health benefits.

Effects of Korean Tea

Besides being a tasty drink, Korean tea is also considered to have many health benefits, including:

Reduce stress and anxiety: Tea has antioxidants and amino acids that help reduce stress
Improve heart health: Antioxidants in tea helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
Strengthens the immune system: Tea contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral substances, helps strengthen the immune system
Digestion support: Green tea and ginger tea helps stimulate the digestive process and reduce symptoms of indigestion

Having both benefits such as good taste and the healthiness, Korean tea ceremony is a part of its traditional culture, and a healthy lifestyle of the Koreans.

Traditional neighborhood imbued with Korean culture

Insadong is considered a long-standing traditional neighborhood in Seoul, Korea. Located right in Jongno district, this neighborhood attracts visitors with its traditional culture and diversity of arts and shopping.

This traditional neighborhood is located close to Gyeongbok Palace – the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty since the 14th century, making this old neighborhood an ideal stop for tourists who want to explore Korean rich culture and history. This place is famous for its small streets, traditional stalls and art shops. Only about a 10-minute walk from Gyeongbok Palace, this location is not just a shopping destination, it is also a cultural center where art activities and exhibitions take place.

All signboards has to be in Korean

Similarly in China, brand names in English will be transliterated to Korean. At Insa-dong, signboards from domestic brands such as Innisfree, Hyundai, Samsung to international brands such as Starbucks and Seven Eleven must all be written in Korean. This makes the space in the neighborhood always retain its typical Korean culture, and preserves the traditional space.

A place to do Hanbok rental

Insadong is the most popular place in Seoul where tourists can easily have a Hanbok rental. Hanbok is the traditional costume in Korea. You can choose for yourself the most beautiful Hanbok set to promenade at Gyeongbok palace, the ancient cultural neighborhood and take pictures with Hanok houses – traditional houses in Korea.

Hanbok rental in Korea is very diverse from type to rental price, the average usually ranges from $8 to $30 for about 3 hours of Hanbok rental! Renting a Hanbok and transforming into a young man or lady of the Joseon era will definitely create a unique cultural experience!

👑All you need to know about Insa-dong!

Traditional Tea House: 5 places that you should visit

Let’s dive into the famous traditional tea house and enjoy the Korean tea culture!

Namusae Tea House (나무새찻집)

Address: Insa-dong gil 47-9, Jongno-gu, Seoul (6 minutes walk from Anguk station, exit no. 6)
Operating hours: 10:00 to 20:00, from Tuesday to Sunday every week
Price: 1 tall size cup of tea might cost between $5-8

Located in a classic hanok house, Namusae is a traditional tea house that offers customers a Korean cultural space. With a curved tile roof, low doors and round windows, this tea house creates a friendly and familiar vibe. Customers can enjoy tea in a peaceful space with traditional Korean flavors.

Korean tea at the shop includes traditional tea flavors such as ginger, cinnamon, apricot, to flower teas, or tea sets in pots. In addition, this tea house also has an extremely diverse menu of snacks that you can refer to, from red bean porridge to traditional rice cakes! Can’t drink tea? Don’t worry, the shop also has other drinks like smoothies or coffee for you to choose from!

Sinyet Tea House (신옛찻집)

Address: Insa-dong gil 47-8, Jongno-gu, Seoul (5 minutes walk from Anguk station, exit no. 6)
Operation hours: 10:00: – 21:00 from Tue to Fri, close at 22:00 on weekends, close at 20:00 on Monday
Price: 1 tall size cup of tea might cost between $5-7

Sinyet is an ideal travel destination for those who want to experience Korean tea in a traditional space rich in Korean culture. With classic architecture and simple yet sophisticated decoration, this teahouse creates a peaceful and relaxing space. Customers can enjoy rich and delicious teas in a warm and traditional atmosphere.

In addition to traditional Korean teas and cakes and rice cakes, you can also enjoy the famous red bean shaved ice (Patbingsu). Walking around the cultural neighborhood on a Summer day and enjoying a bowl of traditional shaved ice, sounds great!

Hanok Cafe (한옥찻집)

Address: Insa-dong 14gil 12 Jongno-gu, Seoul (3 minutes walk from Anguk station, exit no. 6)
Operation hours: From 12:00 to 21:50 everyday
Price: 1 tall size cup of tea might cost between $4-7

Hanok Cafe tradition tea house combines open space and green garden, creating a eco-friendly and fresh environment. Customers can sit outside under the shade of trees and enjoy tea with the fresh air of this traditional space. The atrium area in the middle of the traditional house is a beautiful photo spot that you definitely don’t want to miss.

The menu is extremely diverse from traditional tea dishes and snacks to bingsu and milk tea. This will be an extremely suitable place for large groups of friends, so everyone can choose a delicious drinks that suits their taste.

Tea Loa (티로아)

Address: 1F, Annyeong Insa-dong Shopping Center (5 minutes walk from Anguk station, exit no. 6)
Operation hours: 10:30 to 20:30 everyday
Price: Tall size Tea cup from $7 and tall size coffee from $5

Located within the Annyeong Insadong Shopping Center, Tea Loa stands out with its modern and luxurious space, blending traditional and modern Korean culture. With beautiful interiors and natural light, this teahouse creates a cozy and elegant space.

From tea to coffee, cakes, Tea Loa has it all! Don’t forget to stop by this traditional tea house during your stay in Seoul!

Dawon Insadong (뜰과다원)

Address: Tầng 1, Insa-dong gil 34, Jongno-gu, Seoul (7 phút đi bộ từ lối ra số 5 ga Jongno3ga)
Operation hours: 10:00 to 22:00 everyday
Price: 1 tall size tea cup from $7, snacks set for 2-3 person from $6

This tea house offers customers an authentic tea ceremony experience in an open space and traditional house. With the green garden and peaceful atmosphere of this neighborhood, this traditional tea house is the ideal place to enjoy the taste of tea and relax after a long day exploring the old neighborhood.

In addition to the space, the prices here are considered quite reasonable and suitable for your experience in this space rich in traditional culture. From flower tea, fruit to bingsu, Dawon has it all!

After a visit to Gyeongbok Palace, Insadong is the ideal neighborhood to stop by, drink a cup of tea, eat a piece of cake, and enjoy this cultural atmosphere.

From traditional to modern spaces, each traditional tea house offers a profound experience of Korean tea culture and art. This place is not only a place to enjoy tea but also a destination to relax, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and immerse yourself in the beauty of Korean tradition and culture.

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