The traditional Korean tea ceremony, known as 다도 (Dado), is actually something completely novel to me. This cultural artifact is not just a ritual but a philosophical journey, emphasizing mindfulness, respect, and the art of sharing, so I wanted to investigate such a profound practice that I had never even heard of as a Korean-American.
The Korean tea ceremony is a testament to the subtlety and depth of Korean tradition, rooted in Buddhist practices and the Confucian principles of respect and humility. Unlike its Japanese counterpart, which can appear similar, the Korean tea ceremony is less rigid, focusing more on the natural ebbs and flows and the intrinsic beauty of the tea-making process. It is a meditative practice that encourages one to slow down and appreciate the moment, reflecting the Korean philosophical concept of 정 (jeong) with the person partaking with you — a deep-seated affection and empathy towards others that I briefly explored previously.
Dado is steeped in history, tracing back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392), where tea was regarded as a medicinal beverage and a symbol of nobility and refinement. However, it was during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910) that tea culture flourished, embedding itself into the fabric of Korean society. The tea ceremony was not only a social ritual but also a spiritual exercise, aiming to harmonize the mind, body, and soul. The setting for these ceremonies is often as important as the ritual itself, with tea rooms and gardens designed to reflect the natural beauty and tranquility of the Korean landscape, encouraging a connection with nature. Central to the ceremony is the preparation and sharing of tea, made from carefully selected leaves and served in beautiful, often handmade, ceramic ware. Each element of the ceremony, from the choice of tea utensils to the precise movements involved in serving tea, is imbued with symbolism and meaning. The meticulous preparation of the tea, including the temperature of the water and the steeping time, is considered an art form, reflecting the dedication and skill of the tea master.
Through my exploration of the Korean tea ceremony, I have learned not only about the historical and cultural significance of tea in Korea but also about the values of patience, attention to detail, and the importance of living harmoniously with nature. These values resonate deeply with the Korean ethos and are reflected in the language and expressions used to describe the tea ceremony and its elements, and although I thought it was a more esoteric practice today, a mere vestige of past practices, I did learn that it is still well-known today.
When I go abroad to Yonsei this fall, participating in a tea ceremony is a clear bucket list item for me––partly due to its novelty and its significance. As I continue my journey of language acquisition, the insights gained from studying the tea ceremony have enriched my understanding of Korean culture and have provided a source of inspiration and reflection in my daily life. I did know some tea-related words prior to my perfunctory research, however, these were primarily just the names of teas rather than the instruments, concepts, and adjectives associated with tea making.
Comments
That is so interesting that Korea’s tea ceremony focuses more on the beauty of the tea-making process. It’s amazing that every little detail all have its own meaning to it. I wish I got to participate in the tea ceremony when I studied abroad in Yonsei University.
The exploration of 다도 (Dado) really seemed to enhance your understanding of the Korean language/culture. I had never heard of an official ceremony, it was interesting to hear a tea ceremony is so important to culture. I think It would be epic for you to go see this in person. Do you think it will deepen your understanding?
I never even knew there was an official ceremony for tea making embedded within. It's cool to see that it persisted since the Goryeo Dynasty as well but I do wonder whether some aspects were tweaked during the Joseon Dynasty which was a dominantly Confucian era.