The Daehan Dawon tea plantations (대한다원) in Boseong are a must-visit for those looking to discover Korea from a cultural perspective or simply enjoy nature. These plantations are among the most well-known in the country, being the largest and oldest in the Boseong county. Located in the south-west, Boseong is close to the city of Yeosu. Based in Yeosu for a few days, we set out to visit the tea plantations, taking advantage of a break in the weather. Indeed, in summer, it’s the rainy season, and it’s not easy to go sightseeing.
The Daehan Dawon Tea Plantations in K-Dramas
The Daehan Dawon tea plantations have gained popularity through their appearances in various K-dramas, showcasing their stunning landscapes and serene beauty. Featured in productions such as “Legend of the Blue Sea” (2017) with actor Lee Min-ho, the plantations provide a picturesque backdrop for romantic storylines. They also appear in “Summer Scent” (2002) and “The Rebel” (2017). I can’t recommend any of these shows since I haven’t watched them myself 🙂
Navigating to the Daehan Dawon Tea Plantations
As we were driving, it was quite easy to find the Daehan Dawon tea plantations using Naver Maps, the GPS app similar to Google Maps. Interestingly, Google Maps doesn’t work in South Korea due to government regulations requiring that data be stored on servers within the country. Naver Maps works well, but it can be less user-friendly if you don’t have the names in Korean, as translations can vary. However, for public transport, it’s very effective and quite easy to use.
Visiting the tea plantations
The ticket office and entrance are easy to find. There is a archway surrounded by blue and pink hydrangeas just a few steps from the car park.
Cedar alley
Once you pass the entrance, you arrive at the Cedar Avenue. You are immediately immersed in nature, surrounded by calm and the pleasant aroma of tea.
Not to be missed: the bamboo forest
I recommend taking a slight detour to the left. You will then see a sign indicating “Bamboo Forest.” A lovely bamboo forest awaits you there, with bamboo stalks rising several metres high. A wooden platform has been installed to provide easy access inside the forest for taking photos.
Route through the Daehan Dawon tea plantations
Several routes are available, each offering a different experience. You can either simply enjoy the rows of tea plants or take a stroll up the hill. It’s a lovely space, not too large, but with enough room to enjoy, even with a crowd.
As we arrived very early and there were almost no people, it was perfect for taking photos without the crowd.
Ocean observatory
We climbed to the top, where the path is no longer paved. However, I must admit that we didn’t have the right shoes for hiking on a dirt trail. But when I saw the other people, they were either in sports gear ready to tackle a summit or in dresses and Crocs… so we felt less out of place with our white shoes. It had rained the previous day, so some parts were a bit slippery. I wouldn’t recommend doing the entire route if it’s raining.
Upon arriving at the observatory, the view didn’t allow us to see the ocean or catch a glimpse of the hills, as rain was already forecasted. Nevertheless, the view of the plantations was lovely. The space isn’t very large, similar to other tea plantations in South Korea, which explains why they hardly export any tea.
Dawon Shimte (gift shop and Café):
At the bottom of the tea plantations, there is a café that offers a wide variety of green tea drinks and desserts, such as matcha and milk ice cream. This place is perfect for resting and relaxing after your walk. We may have overindulged a bit with the matcha latte and the ice cream. Fortunately, we were able to share; otherwise, it would have been a matcha overdose!
Let’s now dive into the history of tea in South Korea to learn more about the context:
History of Tea in Korea
The history of tea in Korea dates back over a thousand years. Introduced during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – AD 935), tea quickly became a central element of Buddhist religious rituals and daily life. However, it lost popularity in favour of Confucianism during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897) but experienced a revival in the 20th century, with a growing interest in Korean cultural traditions. Today, Korean tea is appreciated for its quality and flavour, and visits to tea plantations are becoming increasingly popular, such as those at Daehan Dawon and Osulloc in Jeju.
Tea production
Comme mentionné précédemment, la plantation de thé se trouve à Boseong, à l’extrême sud de la Corée-du-Sud. Cette localisation n’est pas choisie au hasard, car seules les régions du sud du pays bénéficient d’un climat adapté à la culture du thé. Les régions de Boseong, Hadong, et l’île de Jeju sont ainsi les seules en Corée à produire du thé. En raison de la production limitée, le thé coréen reste peu exporté, la majorité étant consommée au niveau national.
Daehan Dawon Teas in Boseong
At the end of your visit, you will have the opportunity to purchase tea. This is why it can be helpful to understand the differences between each type of tea:
Types of Tea:
- Woojeon: a premium tea made from the first young leaves after a harsh winter. This tea is produced in limited quantities and is therefore more expensive.
- Sejak: the most popular green tea (also known as Jakseol). Its leaves are harvested in early May. This is the one I bought at the tea house. I love it!
- Jungjak: a tea made from leaves harvested in mid-May, with a more robust flavour.
- Daejak: a tea made from mature leaves harvested at the end of May. This tea contains more tannins, giving it a slightly tangy aftertaste.
- Yep Cha: a light black tea made from fully matured leaves harvested in June and July.
How to get there
The easiest option is to rent a car and depart from Yeosu or the surrounding areas. Of course, it is also possible to take public transport to get there from other cities.
Additional Information
- Price: 4,000 won (approximately £2.25)
- Opening Hours: Daily, from 9 AM to 6 PM
Adress: Daehan Dawon: 763-65 Nokcha-ro, Boseong-eup, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, South-Korea
Naganeupseong historical Hanok village
We spent the afternoon at the Hanok Village of Naganeupseong. This historic village is located in Suncheon, about a 30-40 minute drive from the Daehan Dawon tea plantations. It is a well-preserved village, renowned for its traditional Korean architecture and cultural heritage. The village offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Joseon Dynasty. Founded in the late 17th century, Naganeupseong served as a military post and holds significant historical importance.