Visiting Korea, Hong Kong (& Shenzhen)

[yanom]

I will be going to Korea for the first time in May, for a ten-day holiday there, and then spending a few days in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. I wondered if anyone had any tea suggestions for these places, particularly teaware.

For Korea I've seen in the Korean teaware topic a reccomendation of a shop in Seoul. I'm hoping to pick up a teapot and maybe some cups, for making Chinese and Korean green teas.

I also need a teapot or two (or three!) for pu'er and oolongs: for the last six months I've been using one yixing for aged (and some young) sheng pu'er, while using a gaiwan for oolong. It's time to specialise a bit more now. But because I don't know much about teapots, are there any shops in Hong Kong where I can be confident that if I spend $50-$100 dollars on a teapot that the vendor says will be good for, say, aged pu'er, that I'll actually be getting a teapot that is decent and decent for the price?

Or, am I better off just getting teapots online? For instance, I've always wanted a Xi Shi shape teapot and saw this on Yunnan Sourcing: http://www.yunnansourcing.com/store/pro ... oduct=1072 .

Thanks for any help!

[Tead Off]

I will be going to Korea for the first time in May, for a ten-day holiday there, and then spending a few days in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. I wondered if anyone had any tea suggestions for these places, particularly teaware.

For Korea I've seen in the Korean teaware topic a reccomendation of a shop in Seoul. I'm hoping to pick up a teapot and maybe some cups, for making Chinese and Korean green teas.

I also need a teapot or two (or three!) for pu'er and oolongs: for the last six months I've been using one yixing for aged (and some young) sheng pu'er, while using a gaiwan for oolong. It's time to specialise a bit more now. But because I don't know much about teapots, are there any shops in Hong Kong where I can be confident that if I spend $50-$100 dollars on a teapot that the vendor says will be good for, say, aged pu'er, that I'll actually be getting a teapot that is decent and decent for the price?

Or, am I better off just getting teapots online? For instance, I've always wanted a Xi Shi shape teapot and saw this on Yunnan Sourcing: http://www.yunnansourcing.com/store/pro ... oduct=1072 .

Thanks for any help!

It's always difficult recommending teaware to others, especially yixing teapots. Korea is not the place to buy this type of teaware. You need to know your stuff and language can be a problem. Korea will be expensive and you won't find much in the way of Yixing, relatively speaking. HK is a much better source but not inexpensive either but the selection will be much greater. Shenzen is better but you take a risk not knowing anyone. Check this link, http://www.nicolastang.com/forum/viewto ... t=8&p=8#p8

You will be able to see some pottery fairs in Korea in May. Mungyeong Teabowl Festival is great. I think it is 30April-10 May. There will be other pottery festivals. You will have to ask around. There is also the Hadong Tea Festival which shouldn't be missed, early May. Check out my online Korean teaware site in TeaMerchandiser. Then, when you go to Korea, you will have some kind of reference for pricing and style of Korean teaware. You will be surprised at the prices for many things. Korea is a wonderful place to explore. Hope you enjoy yourself.

[wyardley]

I know of a guy who runs a shop in Shenzhen. Haven't visited, but if upon PM me, I'll try to track down his info. He has a good selection of pots and also produces and roasts some of his own tea.

[JeffBrown]

The dates for MunGyeong Teabowl Festival is 28April-6 May.
I got my invitation to participate Wednesday & my plane ticket on Thursday.
...Now doing research on Korea.

[bryan_drinks_tea]

jeff! it's good to see you on TC. you'll be seeing photos of your works up here soon!

[chrl42]

Me too even if I don't purchase Yixings from Korea much, I still know some places where sell. PM me if interested..

[yanom]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

Unfortunately I'll just miss both those festivals in Korea -- I arrive on the 5th and will be staying in Seoul for a couple of days first. Tead Off: I've had a lovely time browsing through those photos. Does Hong Seong Il sell anything directly from Boseong? I've already got a visit to Boseong planned.

[Tead Off]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

Unfortunately I'll just miss both those festivals in Korea -- I arrive on the 5th and will be staying in Seoul for a couple of days first. Tead Off: I've had a lovely time browsing through those photos. Does Hong Seong Il sell anything directly from Boseong? I've already got a visit to Boseong planned.

You can send me a PM.

[Tead Off]

The TeaMaster of Woomung Tea

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Hwagae village, site of Hadong Tea Festival.

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Hadong Tea festival.jpg (35.87 KiB) Viewed 1781 times

[yanom]

Actually thinking about it I really should try to get to the MunGyeong Teabowl Festival: its last day is my first full day in Korea but as long as the jetlag isn't killing me I think I'll go!

[Tead Off]

More photos of the Hwagae area.

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Hwagae morning.jpg (55.4 KiB) Viewed 1719 times

Hwagae breakfast.jpg (33.45 KiB) Viewed 1719 times

[JBaymore]

Actually thinking about it I really should try to get to the MunGyeong Teabowl Festival: its last day is my first full day in Korea but as long as the jetlag isn't killing me I think I'll go!

If you do, I'll see you there also...... I was invited to be there.

best,

...................john

[Tead Off]

Mungyeong Festival

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Mungyeong stroll.jpg (56.57 KiB) Viewed 1654 times

Walkway To festival.jpg (92.58 KiB) Viewed 1654 times

[Tead Off]

Mungyeong entertainment.jpg (74.17 KiB) Viewed 1654 times

Foreign potters tent.jpg (56.99 KiB) Viewed 1654 times

Opening ceremony.jpg (44.85 KiB) Viewed 1654 times

[yanom]

Ahh, those are from last year ... I was starting to wonder if it had already started! Very nice photos.