When exploring Oriental tea, most people naturally gravitate toward Taiwanese or Chinese teas, such as white tea, green tea, black tea, or matcha. But it makes you wonder, what kinds of teas does Korea have to offer?

Aside from the well-known Hadong green tea or substitute teas, Korean tea culture has been steadily evolving. New types of teas are being researched and developed, offering exciting options to explore. Today, I revisited Dadore (Yeonhui, Seoul), a charming teahouse that introduces a variety of Korean teas.

Location

Located in Yeonhui-dong, Dadore can be a little tricky to find. Nestled in a residential area, it’s on the 3rd floor of a gray building, marked by a small and understated sign. While the lack of clear signage might confuse first-time visitors, once you arrive, you’ll be glad you made the effort.

Space

Dadore is a small, tranquil teahouse with bar tables and window seating, offering a cozy atmosphere. Reservations are required, so be sure to book in advance.

No matter where you sit, the large windows let you enjoy the ever-changing scenery of Yeonhui-dong, making it the perfect spot to relax and savor a cup of tea.

Tea Course

Ttuium Tea

The first tea I tasted was Ttuium Tea, paired with a tea confection. Known as a "Korean-style Pu’er tea," this tea offers a savory taste with a hint of acidity. The flavor is soft, soothing, and ideal for daily drinking.

As a fermented tea, the acidity mellows over time, allowing the tea to develop a richer, deeper taste with age. The story behind Ttuium Tea is fascinating:

It all began when a grandmother, visiting a temple, tasted Chinese Pu’er tea given by a monk. She didn’t enjoy the flavor and wondered if it was possible to create a Korean version of aged tea. Using her knowledge of making meju (fermented soybean blocks), she developed Ttuium Tea after years of trial and error.

Spring mugwort tea

The next tea, Spring Mugwort Tea, is one of my favorites at Dadore. When you smell the tea leaves, it has a fragrance reminiscent of mugwort latte—a warm, milky aroma that feels incredibly comforting.

The tea itself tastes like corn tea with a subtle hint of mugwort, making it light, savory, and easy to enjoy. Even those who don’t usually drink tea will find this one approachable and delightful.

Jeju yellow tea with pine mushroom flavor

The final tea was Jeju Yellow Tea with Pine Mushroom Flavor—a truly unique experience.

This tea isn’t available for sale and is sometimes offered to regular customers who enjoy trying unusual teas. It has a fragrance that’s surprisingly similar to freshly picked pine mushrooms. The aroma is earthy and raw, almost like the mushrooms have just been plucked from the forest.

While the taste might not appeal to everyone, it’s a fascinating tea that could pair well with dishes like ochazuke or fresh sashimi.

Dadore is more than just a teahouse; it’s a place to explore the charm of Korean tea. Unlike the bold and strong flavors of Chinese teas, Korean teas are neat, clean, and timeless, making them perfect for daily drinking.

For anyone curious about the variety of Korean teas—whether it’s green tea, black tea, matcha, or even a Korean-style Pu’er tea—Dadore offers a wonderful introduction.

Address : 13-9 Jeungga-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul  OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-507-1354-5866

Operation Hours : Tuesday-Friday : 12:00 - 19:00 (walk in), Weekend : Only tea course with reservation  (Monday closed)

Instagram : Check out more photos

Source : https://brunch.co.kr/@teabagbox/107

Writer : Park seyoung

Special thanks to Park seyoung

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