Literary Nonfiction. Southeast Asia Studies. Poetry. Translated from the Korean by Brother Anthony of Taize, Hong Keong-Hee, and Steven D. Owyoung. Three ancient texts expressing the essence of the Korean Way of Tea are here translated into English for the first time. The oldest, ChaBu Rhapsody to Tea, by Hanjae Yi Mok (1471-1498), is a sophisticated and delicate celebration of tea. The author was a scholar of considerable attainments who died far too early. The 19th century saw a tea revival among Korean literati. Its main guide was the Venerable Cho-ui (1786-1866). The first of his tea texts, ChaSinJeon Chronicle of the Spirit of Tea, he copied from a Ming Chinese work to serve as a practical guide to tea. The great poem, DongChaSong Hymn in Praise of Korean Tea, for which Cho-ui is chiefly celebrated, is a set of formal poetic stanzas celebrating tea with notes by the author to elucidate the references.
For anyone wishing to learn more about Korean culture, enjoy Korean tea, visit beautiful tea gardens or become an expert in Korean tea, this photo-filled, comprehensive guide to Korean tea and tea gardens is the perfect book. Following a quick and enjoyable read, you will find yourself full of practical knowledge of what makes Korean tea and tea gardens so unique. This is the first-ever English book written on Korean tea and tea gardens. The original Korean version of the book went into the second printing soon after it was first published in 2021. There are more than 240 photos covering 80+ beautiful Korean tea gardens and historical tea culture sites throughout Korea. With contact information included for every tea garden, you will be able to contact, access or visit these gardens in Boseong, Hadong, Jejudo, Gangjin, Jangheung, Haenam and various other regions in Korea. There are maps showing the locations of tea gardens and cultural sites and that will make your travel planning much easier. This book introduces the uniqueness of Korean tea, whereabouts of Korean tea gardens, how to serve and drink tea in the traditional way, cultural history of Korean tea, development of modern Korean tea industry, Korean tea festivals, Korean tea ceramic sites and tea ceremony steps to appreciate Korean tea. Along with gaining knowledge of Korean tea, you can also feel the culture, serenity and beauty of Korea through this thoughtful guide. This new discovery awaits you. Author Yang Seok Yoo also authored The Book of Korean Tea. Co-author Esther Yoo brings the spirit of discovery into this guide from her close connection to culture and her wealth of travel experiences around the world.
"In this charming anthology, freelance journalist and blogger Munichiello provides a refreshing reminder of the days when tea parties evoked thoughts of friendship rather than political differences.--Publishers Weekly ""As for the contents, the author recommends that you get a good cup of tea and sit back to read. I agree totally. This is a book to be taken in with some attention, not rushed through…""--English Tea Store ""An anthology of readings for tea lovers old and new. Five types of stories that will speak to you and inspire you--many written by people you may know!""𓴼The Tea House Times ""Tea shop owners, importers, a farmer, academics, authors, and everyday tea lovers wrote about a moment, decision, career change or trip that involved tea. [Katrina] sent me a copy of the book and I really loved it…""--A Life of Spice blog "
The Tale of Tea is the saga of globalisation. Tea gave birth to paper money, the Opium Wars and Hong Kong, triggered the Anglo-Dutch wars and the American war of independence, shaped the economies and military history of Táng and Sòng China and moulded Chinese art and culture. Whilst black tea dominates the global market today, such tea is a recent invention. No tea plantations existed in the world’s largest black tea producing countries, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka, when the Dutch and the English went to war about tea in the 17th century. This book replaces popular myths about tea with recondite knowledge on the hidden origins and detailed history of today’s globalised beverage in its many modern guises.
Compiled by specialists from the University of Durham Department of East Asian Studies, this new reference work contains approximately 1500 entries covering Korean civilisation from early times to the present day. Subjects include history, politics, art, archaeology, literature, etc. The Dictionary is intended for students, teachers and researchers, and will also be of interest to the general reader. Entries provide factual information and contain suggestions for further reading. A name index and comprehensive cross-reference system make this an easy to use, multi-purpose guide for the student of Korea in the broadest sense.
Korea’s most widely loved romantic tales : Chunhyang and Sim Cheong There are not many old Korean love tales, but everyone knows the story of Chunhyang. In 1892, the first Korean to visit Paris, Hong Jong-u, helped publish a French version of the story of Chunhyang. Titled “Fragrant Springtime” (the meaning of “Chunhyang”), it is the first Korean story ever published in a western language. A couple of years later, a second, more developed novel set in Korea was published, “ A Dead Tree Blossoms.” It includes parts of the story of Sim Cheong and her blind father, but is very different in many unexpected ways. In 1919 an English translation of it was published in the US, but nobody noticed it. In this new book, the French version of “Chunhyang” has been translated into English and is published with the 1919 English text of “A Dead Tree Blossoms” and a couple of other Korean love tales translated a hundred or more years ago. Interestingly, the two main stories both express sharp criticism of corrupt officials and a strong concern for social justice.
Scholars of Choson Korea tend to view Buddhism negatively, or at best ignore it, and at present there is a lack of research on this crucial topic. Through appreciation of the life and thought of Ch'oui Uisun (1786-1866), this study is an attempt to recover and supplement the intellectual history of religious culture in Korea, focusing on late-eighteenth to mid-nineteenth century Buddhism, which is the direct root of modern Korea's traditional spirit. Ven. Jinwol has given us the most complete study yet to be presented in English regarding the extraordinary Buddhist teacher Ch'oui Uisun. As the Confucian dominated Choson dynasty weakened in the face of European and North American cultural and political expansions, the long suppressed Buddhist tradition of Korea became more visible. It was Ch'oui Uisun who best shows the strength of the religion, even after centuries of repression. Known as the "Master of Tea" he surprisingly conjoined the image of "one taste" of tea with meditation and enlightenment. Through his teachings, poetry, and example, Ch'oui Uisun became an exemplar for a Buddhist monastic in the changing world of the early 19th century that we often refer to as "Modern". Maintaining a firm stance within his understanding of the nature of the world, he lived a life that turned away from dualism and sectarian debate. His reminder of this ability to interconnect with all facets of experience, has been often used as a guiding principle by those who came after him. Scholars of Choson Korea tend to view Buddhism negatively, or at best ignore it, and at present there is a lack of research on this crucial topic. Through appreciation of the life and thought of Ch'oui Uisun (1786-1866), this study is an attempt to recover and supplement the intellectual history of religious culture in Korea, focusing on late-eighteenth to mid-nineteenth century Buddhism, which is the direct root of modern Korea's traditional spirit. Ven. Jinwol has given us the most complete study yet to be presented in English regarding the extraordinary Buddhist teacher Ch'oui Uisun. As the Confucian dominated Choson dynasty weakened in the face of European and North American cultural and political expansions, the long suppressed Buddhist tradition of Korea became more visible. It was Ch'oui Uisun who best shows the strength of the religion, even after centuries of repression. Known as the "Master of Tea" he surprisingly conjoined the image of "one taste" of tea with meditation and enlightenment. Through his teachings, poetry, and example, Ch'oui Uisun became an exemplar for a Buddhist monastic in the changing world of the early 19th century that we often refer to as "Modern". Maintaining a firm stance within his understanding of the nature of the world, he lived a life that turned away from dualism and sectarian debate. His reminder of this ability to interconnect with all facets of experience, has been often used as a guiding principle by those who came after him.
Nonfiction. Asian Studies. Tea. Tea drinking is now a global pastime and a delectable variety of teas are much sought after by connoisseurs worldwide. In this meditative volume to understanding, appreciating and serving Korean tea, authors Brother Anthony of Taize and Hong Kyeong-hee share their intimate knowledge of a cultural practice and art form, that at its core embraces universal principles of peace, refinement, and simplicity. THE KOREAN WAY OF TEA is a rich and inviting text, accompanied by full-color photographs of the beauty of Korea, her architecture, nature and people. This introductory guide is a welcome addition for anyone interested in tea and its extraordinary contribution to the Korean cultural tradition.
