Korea’s Tea Tradition: The Elegance of Hadong
Co-Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York,Hadong County, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea
◾ March 12th (Wed), 2025 @ 6 PM
◾ Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
◾ Admission: Invitation only!
The Korean Cultural Center New York (KCCNY) is excited to announce a special event entitled "Korea’s Tea Tradition: The Elegance of Hadong" co-presented with Hadong County Office, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea.
Hadong, Korea’s oldest tea cultivation site, embodies a legacy of elegance and tradition spanning over a thousand years. Tea cultivation began here during the Silla and Baekje dynasties, flourished in the Goryeo era as an integral part of royal ceremonies and tea culture, and gained prestige in the Joseon dynasty when it was presented to the royal court. Used in royal rituals and special occasions, Hadong tea has preserved its esteemed reputation and exceptional quality throughout history.
The region’s pristine environment, optimal climate, and fertile soil create ideal conditions for tea cultivation. Here, tea trees thrive naturally, and carefully handpicked leaves are aged and processed using traditional methods, enhancing their deep and refined flavors. This dedication to craftsmanship and meticulous processing continues to this day, elevating the prestige of Hadong tea.
At this special event, join us to discover the unparalleled taste and quality of Hadong tea while immersing yourself in the elegance and depth of Korea’s tea culture. Explore the rich history of Korean tea, uncover the delicate art of tea brewing, and experience the essence of the tea ceremony with master artisans.
🔳 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Tea Master’s Performance • Live demonstration by Hadong’s master artisans
Hadong Green Tea Tasting • A premium tasting experience all audiences
Hadong Green Tea Pairing Special dishes curated by Chef Kiki
Special Performance of Korean Traditional Wind Instrument by Woosung Jung
🔳 ABOUT THE DEMONSTRATORS & PERFORMER
Demonstrator: Jirisan Hadong Yeonwoo Tea / Jung-min Seo
Seojeongmin is a third-generation tea producer in Hadong, dedicated to crafting organic, handcrafted teas while upholding the belief that "honest tea never betrays the trust of its customers." Following in the footsteps of his grandmother and mother, he continues the family’s legacy of traditional tea-making.
By blending time-honored techniques with modern innovations, he has earned multiple accolades, including two Grand Prizes at the Korea Tea Competition, recognizing the exceptional quality of his teas.
Designated as New Knowledge Farmer No. 468 for his contributions to green tea, he is committed to researching and developing a diverse range of teas, including herbal, mugwort, barley sprout, and balloon flower teas. With a deep sense of responsibility, he strives to refine his craft and pass on his expertise to future generations.
Demonstrator: Dojae Tea / Wan Jun Kim
Tea Master Kim Wan Jun is the second-generation successor of the family business and is committed to promoting Korean tea culture. He has actively participated in numerous international tea events, including the Las Vegas World Tea Expo, the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, the Brussels Tea Festival, and the Prague Tea Festival, striving to showcase the excellence of Korean tea to the world.
Dojae Tea is a traditional tea farm located in Hwagae-myeon, Hadong County, with a legacy of over 30 years in tea cultivation and production since 1992. The farm is dedicated exclusively to organic and handcrafted teas, specializing in green tea and black tea. These teas are crafted using the high-heat traditional roasting method, preserving their unique flavor and aroma.
Performer Woosung Jung
Woosung Jung is a certified trainee of Korean Intangible Cultural Asset Daegeum Jeongak. He plays various wind instruments including the Daegeum, Sogeum, Danso, and Taepyeongso, as well as percussion instruments like the Janggu and Buk.
He has worked as a traditional music performer and educator in Korea, China, and Chicago in the United States, where he has operated local Ensembles such as the Danso Ensemble, Instrumental Ensemble, Janggu Ensemble, and Military band (Chwitadae).
Currently, he is active in the New York/New Jersey area, performing at various venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and Jordan Hall. Additionally, he teaches a diverse group of students through online classes,
reaching not only various regions within the United States but also Korea, China, Japan, and Australia.
Chef Kiki
Chef Kiki (Kiran Kim) is a New York-based chef known for blending French techniques with diverse international flavors. With experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and global culinary events, she creates artistic and immersive dining experiences. She specializes in conceptual food events that merge gastronomy with art, pushing the boundaries of flavor and presentation.
🔳 HADONG COUNTY
The Hadong County Office serves as the administrative center for Hadong County (Hadong-gun), located in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Situated at 23 Guncheong-ro, Hadong-eup, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, the office oversees various governmental functions and services for the county's residents.
Hadong County is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Notably, Pyeongsa-ri Village in Agyang-myeon was recognized as one of the "Best Tourism Villages" by the United Nations World Tourism Organization in 2022, highlighting its cultural and natural significance.
Additionally, the county is celebrated as Korea's first tea producer, offering traditional hands-on programs like tea making and pottery classes at the Hadong Tea Cultural Center.
The Hadong County Office is dedicated to preserving the county's unique cultural identity while promoting sustainable development and tourism. Efforts include supporting local businesses, enhancing cultural and artistic environments, and creating attractive tourism content that reflects Hadong's distinct character.
For more information about Hadong County and its administrative services, please visit at www.hadong.go.kr