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Silence and Sisu: A Guide to the Korean Tea Ceremony (Darye)

· 3 min read
Elena Vance
Elena Vance
Editor-in-Chief & Logistics Expert

In the fast-paced, "Pali-Pali" (Hurry Hurry) culture of Seoul, the tea ceremony stands as a radical act of slowness. Known as Darye ("Etiquette for Tea"), it is less rigid than the Japanese ceremony but more structured than a casual coffee break. It is about "Sisu"—the art of cooling water—and finding peace in the pouring.

Here is how to experience it without feeling awkward.

Silence and Sisu: A Guide to the Korean Tea Ceremony (Darye)

1. The Philosophy: Naturalness​

Unlike the strict choreography of Japan's Chado, Korean Darye emphasizes naturalness and comfort. The goal is not perfection, but harmony with nature. However, there is still a ritual.

2. The Ritual: Why We Cool the Water​

Green tea (Nokcha) is delicate. If you pour boiling (100°C) water on it, you burn the leaves, resulting in a bitter taste.

  • Step 1: The Sisu (Cooling Bowl). The host pours boiling water into a large open bowl. We wait. We listen to the water cool down to about 70°C.
  • Step 2: The Awakening. The cooled water is poured over the tea leaves. We wait 20-30 seconds.
  • Step 3: The Balancing Pour. To ensure every guest gets the same flavor strength, the host pours a little into Cup A, then Cup B, then Cup C... and then backwards (C -> B -> A).

3. Etiquette for Guests​

  • Two Hands: Always receive the cup with two hands.
  • The Senses: Don't just drink. Look at the color (a pale yellow-green). Smell the grassy aroma. Feel the warmth of the bowl.
  • Silence: Darye is often practiced in silence or with hushed tones. It is a time to disconnect from your phone and connect with yourself.

4. Best Places to Experience Darye in Seoul​

  • Suyeonsanbang (Seongbuk-dong): The former home of novelist Lee Tae-jun. It is a stunning Hanok nestled in the mountains. The calmest place in Seoul.
  • Dawon (Insadong): Located inside the Kyung-in Museum. A beautiful open courtyard perfect for autumn days.
  • Osulloc Tea House (Bukchon): For a modern, premium interpretation with incredible views of the Hanok village.

5. Beyond Green Tea: What to Order​

  • Omija-cha: "Five-Flavor Berry" tea. It tastes sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy all at once.
  • Dasik (Tea Snacks): You will often be served small, pressed cookies made of sesame, pine pollen, or beans. They are not sugary; they are earthy and designed to cleanse the palate.

In a city that never sleeps, the tea ceremony is your permission to pause.