Boseong Tea Fields
Since arriving in Korea, I have been bookmarking, screenshotting and favoriting places that I want to explore while we live here. The tea fields of Boseong have been on the top of that list for a while, and I decided somewhat on short notice to make an overnight trip to see them as the weather has been so beautiful. I love going to places like this during the week because it’s typically way less crowded so I can take my time and enjoy the scenery.
Views looking up as you first walk into Daehan Dawon
I opted to drive from Pyeongtaek to Boseong which took about three and a half hours and I arrived a little before 4 PM. This was perfect since it allotted me about two hours to explore the grounds at Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation before they closed at 6 PM.
Upon walking into the plantation, I was struck by the enormity of the grounds. The rolling hills of tea plants are one of the most remarkable sights that I’ve seen in Korea to date, truly beautiful. I briefly glanced over the map I was handed when I paid my entrance fee and opted to take the scenic sea view path up and around the tea fields. After I passed the tea/ice cream shop, I made a left and started my hike around. I should note that in typical Erin fashion, I left my sneakers at home and made the trek up and down the rocky climb in extremely flat sandals. My advice would be to definitely wear shoes that are great for walking and climbing, your feet will thank you.
The scenic walk up to the top took about 15 minutes or so through the shade of the woods and trickling little streams of water on either sides. At the top of the climb, there was only one other person who left soon after I arrived so I had the sweeping views of the tea fields and mountains off in the distance to myself.
Views from the top of Daehan Dawon
Aerial views of the tea fields
I learned that in South Korea, they harvest the tea leaves three to four times a year. The five different types of teas created from those leaves are:
Woojeon-premium tea made from the first young leaves after a harsh winter. This tea is limited in quantity.
Sejak-most popular green tea (also called Jakseol). The leaves are collected at the beginning of May.
Jungjak-made from leaves collected in the middle of May and has a more robust taste.
Daejak-made from ripened leaves collected at the end of May and contains more tannins creating a tangy aftertaste.
Yep Cha-a light black tea made from fully ripened leaves collected in June and July.
The sun starting to retreat behind the fields as I slowly walked down the hillside
One of my favorite images from by time at Daehan Dawon
Cedar trees lining the fields
Grabbed some green tea ice cream on my way out and said goodbye to the now empty fields as they closed
For my overnight stay in Boseong, I opted to stay in a traditional hanok in the countryside. If you haven’t stayed in one during your time in Korea, I highly recommend trying it for at least one night. Hanok are traditional Korean houses that were first designed and built in the 14th century under the Joseon Dynasty.
My favorite thing about traveling is stumbling upon the unexpected. The only thing on my list to see when I hopped in my car for this little adventure was the tea fields, but what I experienced was so much more. I set my alarm for 4:30 AM the following morning so I could make the scenic thirty minute drive back to the tea fields and catch the sunrise. On my way that morning I stopped and pulled the car over on the side of the road and observed this breathtaking scene. I just stood there in the crisp morning thankful that I had gotten up early to witness this fleeting moment.
Sunrise and fog in the countryside of Boseong
I eventually drove over to the tea fields but was greeted with dark clouds and a very thick fog floating over the fields- that was a bust but I didn’t care. I was still floating from the exquisite natural mural I had witnessed earlier and I happily hopped back in my car and drove back towards the hanok.
From my brief time living in Korea, I have learned that there is no shortage of beautiful flowers throughout the seasons. From early spring until winter sets in, there are a variety of florals for all seasons continuously in bloom. When I drove by this flower field close to my hanok, I parked and spent thirty minutes photographing them and taking in their beauty.
After I packed up my things up at the hanok, I ventured towards Songgwangsa Temple nearby. Songgwangsa has extensive grounds, over 80 buildings and a museum on site. The temple itself claims to have produced many high monks over the years. I spent about an hour there before grabbing a coffee on my way out to fuel my drive home. Of note, Songgwangsa is one of the temples you can opt to do a Templestay at here in Korea.
Songgwangsa Temple
Aside from the tea fields, driving around the lush countryside of Boseong was so picturesque that I found myself hopping out the car a few times to grab photos. This trip is my inspiration for continued exploration of Korea, you never know what is waiting for you!
Driving around Boseong
Boseong Tea Field (Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation)
Address: 763-65, Nokcha-ro, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
Naver: 전라남도 보성군 보성읍 녹차로 763-65
Cost: 4,00 won per adult
Parking: Large lot on site
Hours: 9 AM-6 PM (summer), close at 5 PM during the winter
Misc: Small bamboo forest when you first enter, souvenir shop and ice cream/tea shop on site
Suncheon Songgwangsa Temple (송광사 (순천))
Address: 100, Songgwangsaan-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
Naver: 전라남도 순천시 송광면 송광사안길 100 (송광면)
Cost: 3,000 won for adults, 2,000 won for students (young children free)
Hours: Summer 06:00 AM-7:00 PM, winter 07:00 AM-6:00 PM
Parking: Large lot on site
