Fall 2023 SDLC111 - Cultural Post #4

[David Kim]

Fall 2023 SDLC 111

Cultural Post #4

다례 Darye

David Kim

30262888

[e-mail]

The Korean tea ceremony, known as 다례 Darye, is a traditional practice that emphasizes the preparation, serving, and drinking of tea. Darye places importance on simplicity, harmony, and respect. It's a meditative practice that seeks to bring people together in a serene environment. Darye is often conducted in a tranquil setting, such as a traditional tea house or a calm garden, enhancing the overall experience.

While it is challenging to find the exact time of origin, tea culture in Korea can be traced back over a millennium. Tea was introduced to Korea from China during the 삼국 시대 Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 668 CE). During the 고려 시대 Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), Buddhist monks played a significant role in popularizing tea as they incorporated it into their daily rituals and practices. The 조선 시대 Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) further solidified the importance of tea in Korean culture. 

Various types of tea are used in Darye. Each type has its own unique preparation and serving methods. 녹차 Green tea is one of the most popular types of tea used in the Korean tea ceremony. Green tea leaves are minimally processed, preserving their natural flavors and aromas. 보리차 Barley tea, made from roasted barley, has a toasty flavor and is often enjoyed for its mild and refreshing taste. 옥수수차 Corn tea is made by roasting corn kernels. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, making it a comforting choice. 국화차 Wild chrysanthemum tea is made from 국화 wild chrysanthemum flowers and is known for its light and floral notes. 대추차 Jujube tea is made from 대추 the Chinese fruit jujube. It has a naturally sweet taste and is often consumed for its perceived health benefits. 오미자차 Omija tea is  a unique Korean tea made from Omija, also known as the five-flavor berry. It is known for its complex flavor profile, combining sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and spiciness.

Darye follows a precise sequence of steps. The host begins by carefully choosing and cleaning the tea utensils, including the tea bowl 다완 (Dawan), tea whisk, tea scoop, and tea caddy. The host heats water to the appropriate temperature for the specific type of tea being served. The water is then poured into the tea bowl. The tea bowl and other utensils also may be warmed by pouring a small amount of hot water over them. This helps create an ideal environment for brewing the tea. The host measures the appropriate amount of tea leaves and places them in the tea bowl. The hot water is poured over the tea leaves, and the host uses the tea whisk to gently stir and mix the tea, allowing it to steep. The tea is carefully poured into individual tea cups and presented to the guests. The host may serve each guest individually or arrange the cups on a tray. Guests are encouraged to appreciate the aroma, color, and taste of the tea. There may be moments of quiet reflection as everyone enjoys the tea together. After the tea is consumed, the host cleans and dries the utensils. This step is performed with precision and care, maintaining respect for the tools and the ceremony itself. 

Darye is not just about drinking tea. It represents the aspects of Korean culture, including Confucian principles, spirituality, and the appreciation of nature. Darye provides a platform for social interaction, fostering connections and conversations among participants. 

https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0055116

http://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/km/view.do?levelId=km_010_0070_0030_0020

http://www.myungwon.org/sub3_2

https://teabybirdy.com.au/blogs/news/south-korean-darye

다례 Darye

녹차(Nok-Cha) Green Tea

보리차(Bori-Cha) Barley Tea

옥수수차(Oksusu-Cha) Corn Tea

국화차(Gukhaw-Cha) Wild chrysanthemum Tea

대추차(DaeChu-Cha) Jujube tea

오미자차(Omija-Cha) Omija Tea

[Henry Mitchell]

This was a really interesting read! I have heard of Japanese tea culture but did not realize there was such an extensive Korean equivalent. I wonder how prominent this ceremony is today? I would imagine it would be featured during certain traditional holidays.

[Joseph Lee]

I know Koreans are crazy about tea, but I never knew about the tea ceremony process and history, so this was really cool to read about. It's cool to learn about the precise ritual and ideology behind said ritual, and the pictures for reference were helpful. 

[Justin Park]

I like how you in depth into the actual practice of 다례. I'm familiar with a couple of the teas you've listed such as 보리차 and 옥수수차, and I'm fairly surprised that they're listed here since these are drinks that are drank often by Koreans. The preparation process seems on paper doesn't seem too difficult or complex, but I wonder how it is in real life. You mention that it's done in a tranquil setting so I assume that it isn't conducted at an average get-together. Thank you for sharing something that most people would probably not think of when they imagine Korean culture!