Founded in 1951, Hankook Tea Co. is a heritage-rich and family-operated tea producer based in Gwangju, Republic of Korea. With over 70 years of artisanal tea craftsmanship, Hankook Tea has built a global reputation for cultivating and crafting high-quality Korean teas that embrace both traditional methods and modern food safety standards.
Core Business
Hankook Tea specializes in the production, refinement, and global distribution of authentic Korean teas. It is one of Korea’s oldest and most respected tea companies, known for sourcing its teas from carefully maintained gardens located on the slopes of Mt. Moak in the Jeolla province. The company vertically integrates its operations — from cultivation and harvesting to manufacturing and packaging — to maintain quality control and traceability.
Product and Service Offerings
Hankook Tea offers a diverse and premium range of products across several categories:
- Powdered Green Tea: Includes ceremonial-grade Gamnong Malcha, culinary grade and premium grade powders ideal for both traditional tea and food/beverage applications.
- Jaksul Green Tea: Features hand-picked teas like Ujeon Gamro, Teuksun, and Jungsun, which are processed according to Korean steaming and pan-firing techniques.
- Hwang Cha: Lightly oxidized Korean yellow tea, such as Hwang Cha Gold.
- Herbal Teas: Includes tisanes such as Persimmon Leaf, Mulberry Leaf, and Lotus Leaf.
- Tea Blends and Lattes: Pre-mixed teas like Earl Grey Latte Sweet Mix, Green Tea Latte, and Hojicha Latte Sweet Mix, ideal for cafés and ready-to-drink applications.
Specialization and USP
Hankook Tea's core USP lies in its blend of heritage craftsmanship with scientific rigor. The company employs ceremonial tea artisans and Korean food masters while also adhering to internationally certified safety standards. Its tea fields are GAP (Good Agricultural Practice)-certified, and its factory is ISO 22000-certified, ensuring both traditional quality and modern compliance.
Moreover, Hankook Tea is one of the few global exporters of authentic Ujeon tea, Korea’s first flush green tea, handpicked before April 20th each year. These teas are sought-after for their delicate flavor profile and rare production cycle.
Financials
Although Hankook Tea is a privately held firm and does not publish full financial disclosures, industry estimates and market engagement reflect robust international growth. The company's growing global distribution network includes partnerships with gourmet and specialty retailers, high-end tea salons, and luxury hotels across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Export and Shipment Records
According to data from trade platforms like ImportYeti and Volza:
- Hankook Tea has executed over 180 international shipments in the past 24 months.
- Primary export markets include the United States, Germany, Japan, and Canada.
- Leading shipment items include powdered green teas and pre-mixed tea blends.
- Consistent buyers include specialty beverage suppliers and Korean food distributors.
This strong export record underlines the company’s capability and reliability in international B2B transactions.
Target Markets
Hankook Tea targets a discerning customer base including:
- Premium tea retailers and specialty grocers
- Cafés and tea houses seeking authentic Korean tea offerings
- Beverage formulators and F&B manufacturers
- Hotels and restaurants offering curated tea experiences
- Wellness and organic-focused outlets
The brand positions itself as a premium, craft-focused supplier catering to both traditional tea drinkers and contemporary wellness consumers.
Capabilities
- Tea garden-to-cup vertical integration
- High production capacity with ISO 22000-certified facilities
- GAP-certified organic cultivation techniques
- Custom blending and private labeling for global clients
- R&D capabilities for flavor innovation in B2B applications
Certifications and Compliance
- ISO 22000: Food Safety Management System certified
- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certified tea gardens
- HACCP-aligned internal quality controls
- Compliant with US FDA food safety and EU import standards
Customer Testimonials
“Hankook Tea’s matcha and lattes have been a perfect addition to our cafe menu. Their quality and consistency are unmatched.”
— Joseph Kim, Owner, Seoul Haus Café, Los Angeles
“We’ve been importing Hankook’s green teas for over a decade. Their ceremonial Ujeon tea is a customer favorite and always in demand.”
— Hiroshi Takada, Tea Retailer, Kyoto
Major Achievements
- Selected as official tea provider for Korean diplomatic events and embassies
- Featured in Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) export promotions
- Multiple generations of family leadership, contributing to cultural preservation and innovation
- Global recognition through exhibitions like FOODEX Japan, Natural Products Expo USA, and Anuga Germany
Hankook Tea Co. continues to uphold its vision of delivering Korea’s tea heritage to the world, one cup at a time — maintaining deep respect for the land, the leaf, and the legacy.