Paul Ajosshi: Tea Time

I'm archiving my shots from the last couple of months and I thought I'd post a few that didn't make it into the 10 Magazine article (and one that did).

I had great fun galavanting from tea shop to tea house, trying my best to dig out the tastiest places to sup on a cup of leaves in hot water. All these places are mentioned in the article and are worth a look if you happen to be in the area (Further info/addresses/phone numbers can be found here).

At the Old Tea Shop (옛찻집) in Insadong you're greeted by a flock of feathered friends who perch on branches, sculptures, plates and cups and keep a watchful eye on your snacks.

It's a fun place to bring guests who are looking to try a cup of tea in slightly odd circumstances and is not just for the birds...

I ordered a cup of double harmony tea, perfect for when you're feeling a little down in the dumps, but certainly an acquired taste (think medicinal christmas pudding).

Next slightly more simple fare from the Insadong Traditional Tea House (인사동 전통 찻집). I chose the "Middle Leaves Green Tee", which turned out to have nothing to do with golf.

There's a beauty in the way the saturated leaves rest in the empty pot. Almost seeming to crawl up and out in front of your eyes.

Five flavour tea from Jidaebang (지대방), ice cold, sweet, sour and slightly fizzy. It felt like a naughty treat. The Chilsung Cider of the Korean tea world.

A rather more austere offering from the Da Kyeong Hyang Shil (다경향실), yellow tea made with oxidized tea leaves.

At Tea 22233 in Itaewon I sampled Puer tea along with a slice of homemade mugwort bread. The hippest tea joint I've found in Seoul so far.

Royal milk tea at Trinitea near Ewha University.

It looks like a traditional British cuppa, but has been made with condensed milk. Super sweet and perhaps not to everyone's taste (Though, I will be going back for more).