The Korean Tea Ceremony

The traditional tea ceremony has been practised in Korea for over a thousand years.
Known earlier as Charye, it is now more famous in the codified version of Panyar-o, literally "dew of illuminating wisdom."
There are several variations, depending on the different events and occasions; the main element is the simplicity of the degustation of tea.
Tea ceremonies represent in Korea a way to find relaxation and harmony in the fast-paced Korean culture.
We could call the Korean tea ceremony a perfect cross between the Chinese and Japanese.
The tea served is generally Korean green tea, and all steps are performed with simplicity and gracefulness.
The basic tea accessories needed are:
teapot with side handle – porcelain or celadon material are preferred; cups and saucers; a bowl decanter and the tea container.
The teapot and cups are warmed with hot water.
Hot water is transferred from the kettle to the decanter to lower its temperature, which would damage the delicate aroma of green tea.
Then the water is poured into the teapot on the tea leaves.
When the tea is ready it is poured equally into the cups.
The guest holds the cup in both hands to see the colour of the tea, inhales the aroma and sips it three times, sipping about a third of the cup each time. Generally, three to five infusions on the same leaves are repeated and enjoyed.