Tea in South Korea has an established but evolving presence shaped by historical traditions, modern café culture, and changing consumer preferences. In cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Jeonju, tea appears through traditional tea houses, contemporary cafés, and specialty shops offering green tea, herbal infusions, and modern tea-based drinks. In other regions, tea may be consumed more casually at home, often in the form of packaged green tea or traditional grain and fruit infusions. Cultural pathways are supported by historic tea traditions, domestic green tea cultivation in areas such as Boseong, and a hospitality culture that values carefully prepared beverages. Factors including café trends, tourism, and the influence of wellness culture shape how tea is experienced by younger generations. Compared with dominant beverages such as coffee, tea often occupies a heritage-oriented niche tied to traditional aesthetics and slower social rituals. Media attention frequently highlights traditional tea ceremonies and regional green tea production. With ongoing interest in both heritage practices and modern tea cafés, tea in South Korea is positioned for selective expansion within the country’s broader beverage culture.
