Guardians of the…Merchants
These wooden totems are “jang sŭngs” (장승), demon wards that protect villages or traveled paths. It is an ancient shaman practice that can be traced back to China and India.…
Difference between Korean Malcha & Japanese Matcha
Powdered tea was the preferred form of green tea consumption by the ancient Chinese during circa 960 AD. Tea was dried and formed together into tight bricks then grinded into…
Here Comes the Empress
Empress Myung-Sung-Hwang-Hu (명성황후), mean grilling like it’s photo day at school. . Myung-Sung ruled the Korean Empire for 22 years (1873-1895) and fought for Korean independence because the empire was…
Street Cars & Cigarettes
First street car in Seoul, 1899. To promote street car use, the passengers were offered free cigarettes along with each ticket purchase. Street cars operated until 1968. Seoul has one…
Green Tea: Natural Nootropic
Caffeine helps keep your body alert and boost brain function throughout the day. It is the stimulant in both coffee and tea, but it is more prevalent in coffee compared…
Wild Bush Tea & Koreans – Going the Distance
Wild bush teas have been growing in Korea for over 1000’s of years. I like to call them ‘survivors’, and its history reflects very similarly to us Koreans as people.…
Health Benefits of Green Tea: Catechin
Green tea, especially loose leaf tea that are organic and not processed, are rich in catechins, which are antioxidants that fight and prevent heart-related issues. Catechins lower cholesterol and blood…
Way of the Korean Tea
Lets talk about how Korean green tea, and how it is harvested, processed, and served! Original image credit to ‘doopedia.co.kr’. English translation added by Merchant of Seoul. 24…
Merchant of Seoul’s Guide to Custom Tea Brewing
Although monks and scholars have written ancient guidelines on how to fully appreciate Korean green tea, Merchant of Seoul heavily recommends every customer to experiment a brewing technique of their…
Jirisan – and the Tale of a Korean Thief
It is of peculiar history how Jirisan became the place known for Korean green tea. It all starts with a thief. His name, Kim De-Ryeum, a man on an envoy…
