Celebrating 11 Years of Tea at Hyangjeon
11th Anniversary of Hyangjeon: Moments Connected by Tea
In the narrow alleys of Seohakgol, there is a place where the phrase "let's go for tea" feels oddly fitting.
Not for coffee, but for tea.
Today, I visited the tea market celebrating the 11th anniversary of Hyangjeon.
While the number 11 might seem significant, experiencing it firsthand changes that perception.
Welcoming people in the same spot for so long, brewing tea, waiting, organizing, and preparing again—it's not about trends, but a way of life, a testament to perseverance.
That's why I felt compelled to add something more to the words, "Congratulations on your 11th anniversary."
Continuing a tea gathering for 11 years is truly remarkable.
The market was bustling with people, yet it remained calm and quiet.
Even with so many items, it didn't feel overwhelming.
People took their time to look at the teas and teaware, making decisions slowly.
The signs at the venue were also interesting.
Instead of just saying "discount" or "special price," they created a fun order for the market in their unique style.
- How to Use the Market -
Ivory Sticker: New Products
Pink Sticker: Owner's Collection
Green Sticker: B-grade Products
The sections were divided into four areas named 'Ichigo Ichie.'
For tea lovers, seeing these words naturally brings certain meanings to mind.
Ichigo Ichie: The spirit of treasuring each encounter.
Inside a box that might be mistaken for a book, there were Chinese teas.
The areas were organized by price range, and there was a way to select an additional item from a lower tier based on where you purchased.
Purchasing from '회' allows you to choose from '일'; from '일' to '기'; and from '기' back to '일.'
Additionally, in the front '일' area, there was an option for a "choose your own 1+1."
It was a unique rule, but it made the selection process more enjoyable.
As I examined the elegant and refined items, I felt a strange connection to these seemingly worn and small objects.
It was a magical feeling that made me care about the items.
During the tasting session, the quiet atmosphere was accompanied by natural conversations.
It suddenly struck me that what Hyangjeon has preserved for 11 years is this very essence: valuing how we welcome people more than what we sell.
The heart behind this has allowed this place to continue for so long.
I ended up purchasing some small, precious items and a tea tray that was available for self-packaging.
Celebrating 11 years, Hyangjeon embodies the spirit of connections.
These teaware pieces have not just gathered in one moment but have come together over time.
There were teaware from various regions, including Taiwan, China, and Japan.
Each piece has its own unique warmth and texture, making the gathering feel like a small journey.
What impressed me most was the long-standing relationships with various ceramic artists over the years.
Each teapot or cup told a story of where it was made and the journey it took to arrive here.
The time spent listening to these stories enriched the experience immensely.
It's not just about how long they've been around, but the connections they've maintained throughout that time.
The phrase 一期一会 written on the teaware shelf might represent the philosophy or spirit that Hyangjeon has consistently upheld.
As I celebrated the 11th anniversary, I realized that enduring for 11 years amidst many new and vanishing places is not just about being old but signifies a time of consistent choices.
I hope that the heart behind continuing these tea gatherings remains in a corner of Taebaek for a long time.
For some, it might not be a big deal, but knowing that such a place exists brings a sense of comfort to my day.
Images:
Source :https://blog.naver.com/taebaek_city/224152904713
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