The Tea Utensils and Tea Culture Unearthed from Temples in the Jungwon region during the Goryeo Dynasty

The Jungwon region currently centers around Chungcheongbuk-do, and includes parts of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do around the Namhan River. At the heart of the Jungwon region is the Namhan River, which unites the area. Particularly during the Goryeo Dynasty, the Namhan River served as a major transportation and shipping route. Many temples were situated along the river and in its vicinity, which played various roles including religious, political, public, and recreational functions. As these temples performed these diverse roles, the tea culture in the Jungwon region naturally flourished alongside. However, the tea culture in the Jungwon region evolved more rapidly compared to other areas, due to its connection with the Namhan River as a transportation route and its close relationship with the Goryeo royal court. Initially, the Tang Dynasty’s “zha” tea preparation method was used, but from the mid-Goryeo period, the Song Dynasty’s “dian” tea preparation method was adopted, marking a significant shift in tea culture. This transition in tea culture can be confirmed through ceramics excavated from temples in the Jungwon region. The tea utensils founded in this region include celadon cups, celadon teapots, and celadon tea dishes, as well as numerous Chinese-made ceramics. Notably, the discovery of black-glazed bowls from the Jian kilns provides important evidence of the prevalence of the “dian” tea preparation method in the Jungwon region. The development and transformation of tea culture in the Jungwon region can be interpreted as a result of the swift influx of Chinese culture through the Namhan River and its close relationship with the Goryeo royal court

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