The National Intangible Cultural Heritage "Jeda" Comes Alive in Citizens' Daily Lives

Suncheon City to Officially Launch Traditional Transmission Community Revitalization Project

"Cha-Woolryeok Day" Proclamation Ceremony and Reenactment to Be Held at Suncheonman National Garden on the 16th

Suncheon City, South Jeolla Province, announced that it will officially launch the "2026 Traditional Transmission Community Revitalization Support Project."

This project, supported by the National Heritage Administration, aims to promote autonomous transmission activities of the national intangible cultural heritage community item "Jeda" (traditional tea-making) and to establish a sustainable foundation for local cultural heritage.

The Korea Cheontae International Seon Tea Research and Preservation Association (Chairperson Jang Mihyang), which was selected as the project operator for the second consecutive year, plans to run various programs to revitalize the region's unique "Cha-Woolryeok" culture and tea-making methods until December.

Major programs include the Youth Tea-Making School, the Traditional Transmission Community Cha-Woolryeok Reenactment Event, a tea culture experience program for people with disabilities, and the development of desserts using local specialties.

The "Cha-Woolryeok Day Proclamation Ceremony and Reenactment Event," which will mark the official beginning of the project, will be held at Iljiam (Myeongwonjeong) inside Suncheonman National Garden at 9:30 a.m. on the 16th.

About 100 people, including tea enthusiasts and citizens, are expected to attend the event. The program includes the "Cha-Woolryeok Labor Song" and "Tea Leaf Pipe and Daegeum Performance" by the Hongrang Art Troupe, the official proclamation of "Cha-Woolryeok Day," a "Chae-yeop" event (tea leaf picking) at the National Garden's tea plantation, and a demonstration of "Gucheo Gupo Tea" (tea made through nine steamings and nine dryings).

An official from the city stated, "The Traditional Transmission Community Revitalization Support Project will serve as an opportunity for 'Jeda,' our region's valuable intangible heritage, to become a living culture in the daily lives of citizens," adding, "In particular, we plan to modernize and carry on the communal value of the 'Cha-Woolryeok' culture and make Suncheon a center of tea culture."

Meanwhile, the Association plans to participate in the "23rd International Tea Culture Fair," which will be held at COEX Mall in Seoul in June, to widely promote Suncheon's outstanding tea-making culture.