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Green tea · Volcanic island tea

Jeju Green

Jeju nokcha, 제주 녹차

6.9/10 editor's score

Green tea from Jeju, one of the warm southern regions of Korea famous for high-quality tea leaves. Large tea fields were planted on the island from 1979.

KoreaVolcanicIsland
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Jeju Green, top-down

What you need

3 g leafJeju Green
250 ml water70 to 80°C
Steep 1:002 steeps
LiquorPale green-gold
Served inCeramic teapot and small cups

At a glance

Green tea from Jeju, one of the warm southern regions of Korea famous for high-quality tea leaves.

CaffeineLow to medium~20 to 40 mg, our estimate
Beginner fit8.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestSpringSpring picking.
Pairs withRice cakes, Light fish, TofuLess good with heavy spice
Grown atVolcanic slopes of HallasanJeju Island, Jeju Province
Served inCeramic teapot and small cupsKorean way of serving

About Jeju Green

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe where and how it grows; the taste depends on the picking.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Jeju IslandJeju ProvinceSOUTH KOREA
Known for
High-quality tea leaves 1
Soil
Mainly volcanic ash 2
Fields
Planted from 1979 2
Climate
Humid subtropical 2

More from Jeju Island and South Korea.

History and culture

Suh Sung-hwan began tea fields on Jeju in 1979 to revive the Korean tea tradition 2.

Tea fields on the slopes of Halla Mountain were planted in 1980 2.

A tea research institute opened near the Jeju fields in 2005 2.

Editor's score

6.9/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 7.0Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 6.0Value: 6.5Beginner-friendliness: 8.0Versatility: 7.0Flavour 7.0Heritage 7.0Availability 6.0Value 6.5Beginners 8.0Versatility 7.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Jeju Green~20 to 40 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Our general guide for Korean green tea. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Camellia sinensis grown on volcanic ash soils 2.

How it is made
01Plucking

Spring leaves.

02Kill-green

Heated to stop oxidation.

03Rolling

Rolled.

04Drying

Dried.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafSmall twisted green leaves.
LiquorPale green-gold.
After steeping
Wet leafBright green leaves.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Rice cakes
  • Light fish
  • Tofu

Best avoided

  • Heavy spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and smells.
  • Green tea fades fastest: aim to finish it within 3 to 6 months of opening.
  • Unopened sealed packs can go in the fridge. Let them reach room temperature before opening.
Grades and fakes

Graded by picking date.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Earlier pickings are more prized.
  2. Look for Jeju origin.
FAQ
Why does tea grow well on Jeju?

Sources point to volcanic ash soils that hold moisture well and a humid subtropical climate 2.

Find it inGreen teasTeas from South KoreaJeju IslandKoreaVolcanicIsland

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Korean tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_tea
  2. Wikipedia, "O'Sulloc Tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O%27Sulloc_Tea
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.