What Is Teamakase And Why Is This Tea Tasting In Korea Trending Among Younger Generation?

Cocosienna Official Instagram / Teafference Seoul Official Instagram

In recent months, teamakase, or tea tasting, has become a sought-after experience among the younger generation in Korea. From couples to groups of friends, young Korean people have added this activity to their bucket list because of several factors.

As its popularity rises, tea consumption has also drastically increased, according to Kim SeRi (director of the Korea Tea Culture Industry Research Institute). Moreover, she noted that more tea-themed clubs at colleges have emerged.

This raises the question: what exactly is driving the surge in teamakaseโ€™s popularity among young Koreans? Is it the allure of a unique cultural experience, the focus on health and wellness, or perhaps the aesthetic appeal of tea ceremonies showcased on social media?

This article delves into these factors to uncover why tea tasting has become a must-try activity for the younger generation in modern Korea. Additionally, this guide discusses which shops offer teamakase.

ย 

What Is Teamakase or Tea Tasting in Korea?

Teamakase or tea omakase is a tea-based rendition of the omakase experience. For starters, โ€œomakaseโ€ is a Japanese phrase often used in restaurants. It means โ€œI'll leave it up to you.โ€ Customers use this term when they want the chef to decide what to serve them.

In teamakase, the owner of the tea shop or a tea sommelier will be the one to choose which tea flavors to offer to customers. The tea-tasting session, which runs from 60 to 90 minutes, is an excellent way to sample different tea variations before choosing what to buy.

What Is Teamakase And Why Is This Tea Tasting In Korea Trending Among Younger Generation?

Matchacha Seoul Official Instagram

A single tea course c