In short: Hadong Tea Factory is a tea estate in Ulju-gun, South Korea, operated by Nousbo Co., Ltd and certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Hadong Tea Factory is a tea estate located in Ulju-gun, on the southeastern coast of the Republic of Korea. The estate is operated by Nousbo Co., Ltd and holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership. It produces both black and green teas, reflecting the dual-processing capability found at a number of Korean tea facilities.
Terroir & Climate
Situated at approximately 16 metres above sea level, Hadong Tea Factory occupies a low-altitude coastal position in Ulju-gun, a district in South Korea's Ulsan Metropolitan City. Estates at this elevation in temperate coastal zones typically experience milder winters and relatively stable humidity, conditions that can support steady vegetative growth during the growing season. The proximity to sea level generally means less diurnal temperature variation than would be found in highland tea districts.
Korean tea cultivation operates within a continental monsoon climate characterised by distinct seasons. Plucking in such regions typically begins in late April or early May and continues through the warmer months, with spring harvests often prized for their delicacy. At low coastal elevations, frost risk tends to be lower, but summer heat and humidity can be pronounced. These conditions generally favour robust leaf growth, though the specific character of any harvest depends on cultivar selection, processing decisions, and seasonal weather patterns.
Tea Produced
Hadong Tea Factory produces both green and black teas. Korean green teas from coastal lowland estates often exhibit a fresh, vegetal character with moderate astringency and a clean finish; processing methods—whether steamed or pan-fired—shape the final flavour profile. Black teas from such regions can display malty or slightly sweet notes, though the style and oxidation level vary by producer. At lower elevations, leaf growth tends to be vigorous, which can yield fuller-bodied liquors, particularly in summer pickings. The dual production capability suggests flexibility in meeting different market preferences, though specific cup profiles will reflect the estate's processing protocols and seasonal conditions.
Operator
The estate is operated by Nousbo Co., Ltd, a South Korean company. No other estates operated by Nousbo are currently recorded in this directory, indicating that Hadong Tea Factory may represent the company's principal or sole tea-production facility.
Certifications & Ethics
Hadong Tea Factory holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, an independent organisation that works with tea producers to improve working conditions, environmental stewardship, and social welfare across the supply chain. For buyers, ETP certification indicates that the estate has undergone third-party monitoring against standards covering labour rights, health and safety, and sustainable farming practices. For workers, it implies access to grievance mechanisms and a framework for progressive improvement in workplace conditions, though the specific outcomes depend on ongoing compliance and remediation efforts.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Hadong Tea Factory lies at 35.4213, 129.3401 in Ulju-gun, Korea Republic Of. Its 16 m elevation is the lowest of 2 estates we map in Korea Republic Of. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Nishi Tea Factory — 314 km away · Izumo
- Hannam Tea Estate — 338 km away · Seogwipo-si
- Ocha No Kajihara — 369 km away · Kumamoto
- Atelier Sueyoshi Seicha Llc — 448 km away · Soo-Shi
- Tokkoen Co. Ltd. — 448 km away · Kagoshima-City
Observed Climate at Hadong Tea Factory (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Hadong Tea Factory’s coordinates recorded 1,102 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was August (182 mm) and the driest was January (11 mm). Daytime highs averaged 19.5 °C and overnight lows 10.9 °C over the year; August was the warmest month and February the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,102 mm |
| Wettest month | August (182 mm) |
| Driest month | January (11 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 19.5 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 10.9 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hadong Tea Factory located?
Hadong Tea Factory is in Ulju-gun, Korea Republic Of, at coordinates 35.4213, 129.3401, at an elevation of about 16 metres.
Who operates Hadong Tea Factory?
Hadong Tea Factory is operated by Nousbo Co., Ltd, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Hadong Tea Factory produce?
Hadong Tea Factory is recorded as producing black and green tea.
What certifications does Hadong Tea Factory hold?
Hadong Tea Factory is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Hadong Tea Factory receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,102 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in August (182 mm).
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
