Analysis of Jakseolcha and Joseon Tea Culture Reflected in the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty

The Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty is the most important document of the Joseon Dynasty and contains official court records of the period. This study examines the use of Jakseolcha and Ginsengcha teas during the Joseon dynasty. Eighteen ‘Jakseolcha’ references were discovered in the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty from the second year of King Taejong (1402) to the fourteenth year of King Injo (1636). Jakseolcha is referenced as an indigenous product, a gift to a Chinese envoy, a tribute to China, a traveling allowance for the Joseon diplomatic mission to Japan, and a Joseon custom. Chinese envoys often requested Jakseolcha and Joseon teas from the Joseon court, and Jakseolcha appears to be of high quality based on demands from Chinese envoys. A considerable amount of Jakseolcha was sent abroad to China and Japan. References to Jakseolcha disappeared after 1636, and Ginsengcha appeared to take its place. Nonetheless, other court documents show the continued use of Jakseolcha for tea ceremonies and royal banquets, whereas Ginsengcha was largely used by kings and the royal court for its medicinal effect. Diplomatic activities with China and Japan during the Joseon period maintained the importance and quality of Jakseolcha.