Destination: Gimpo Tea Etiquette Museum (Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do)
Let the record show that I don’t have the need to bash a place – if it’s open, if it’s trying to make something interesting or understandable, cool. Having been to enough places where there’s little to no English around, I understand English speakers aren’t exactly the primary target. I’m also fully aware of how one’s mood affects how you see places. In general, I really do aim to give a place the best chance or the benefit of the doubt in cases where something is new.
With those caveats in place, the Gimpo Tea Etiquette Museum (김포다도박물관) sucked. It’s not worth the time or effort to reach, nor is there much to see once you arrive. I write about it here more for posterity’s sake and as a warning to fellow travelers.
The official page makes it sound interesting enough, and upon arriving it’s a gorgeous, if insect-filled, area. The pond above is lovely, but not the reason one travels nearly an hour out of Seoul.
With very little English in the museum, the only saving grace was the kind woman who endeavored to explain a few elements in English. Above is an explanation of how tea is grown, and how it goes from plant to drink.
100 different teacups, anyone?
Some decorative elements to the hanbok.
Some more teacups and a couple kettles for good measure.
A few more teacups.
Matching teacups and kettle.
A few beautiful mother-of-pearl chests, given to the museum as a reward.
It was at this point, back in the main room, that I asked about the schedule for showing off the tea ceremony. There was some hesitation, and it sounded as though it was only done by reservations. That makes some sense, I suppose – there’s quite a bit of preparation required, and it’s probably best to show it to a larger group in any case. With that said, it’s best described as a collection of tea artifacts, and better named a teacup museum. I didn’t see anything actually describing the various ceremonies
In 4 1/2 years, this may mark the second or third post where the recommendation is don’t bother. If you’re in the Gimpo area, head instead to the Joseon-dynasty tomb in the area (Wonjong Jangneung, to be exact), or keep heading west to Incheon.
Ratings (out of 5 taeguks - How do I rate destinations?):
Ease to arrive:
Foreigner-friendly:
Convenience facilities:
Worth the visit:
Name: Gimpo Tea Etiquette Museum (김포 다도박물관)
Address: Gyeonggi-do, Gimpo-si, Wolgot-myeon, Gaegok-ri 832
Korean address: 경기도 김포시 월곶면 개곡리 832
Directions: Sinchon station, line 2, exit 8, look right for the bus stop in the middle of the road. Catch red bus 3000 or 3100 heading toward Ganghwa-do (you can also catch the 3000 from Yeomchang station on line 9). If you’re on bus 3000, get off at 누산삼거리 (Nu-san sam-geo-ri); if you’re on bus 3100, get off at 김포고등학교 (Gim-po go-deung hag-gyo, or Gimpo Elementary School). Either way, you’ll be transferring to green bus 102. Be aware that this bus only comes about once an hour. Ride to the 개곡4리버스대기소 (Gae-gok-4-ri beo-seu dae-gi-so, or the Gaegok-4-ri bus stop). There’s still about 700 meters of so of hiking to the tea museum. Keep walking the same direction as the bus was going, then look for the sign and the first right. Follow the zig-zag road until you arrive.
Hours: 10am-5pm (until 6pm from April to October) – closed Monday.
Admission: 3,000 won
Phone: 031-998-1000
Website: http://cafe.daum.net/iyemyung (Korean only) or http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=819555
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http://atlantarofters.blogspot.com The Sanity Inspector
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