Camellia sinensis var. sinensis ★★★☆☆

Korean Jaerae

Also known as: Jaeraejong · Korean native cultivar

Korea's seed-grown native landrace — nutty, savoury-sweet green tea (Sejak / Ujeon grades).

Species
var. sinensis
Lineage
Heirloom
Country
South Korea
Year
Traditional
Leaf size
Small
Cup quality
3/5

Korean Jaerae (재래종, "native variety") is the seed-grown landrace that defines traditional Korean tea. Tea was first planted in Korea at Hadong more than 1,200 years ago from Chinese seed, and the country's heirloom bushes remain largely seed-propagated rather than clonally selected, giving a genetically diverse native population. The historic regions are Hadong (Korea's oldest) and Boseong (its largest).

Made into hand-finished green teas graded by picking date — Ujeon (before the spring rains), Sejak and Jungjak — Korean Jaerae gives a gentle, nutty, savoury-sweet cup. Some gardens also plant Yabukita, but the native jaerae landrace is the heart of Korea's artisan tea tradition.

Heirloom
Traditional cultivar predating modern selection programs.
Lineage data & sources
Founder / landrace population — this descends from regional seed-grown or wild tea rather than two named parents, so no specific parentage is claimed.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Teas produced

Green

Flavor signature

NuttySavorySweetVegetalMellow

Growing regions

Origins where Korean Jaerae grows

Brands likely carrying Korean Jaerae

Direct-sourcing operations with focus areas that align with this cultivar's typical growing regions.

Related cultivars

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