How to Brew Jeju Sejak: A Guide to Korean Green Tea

Quick answer

To brew Jeju Sejak, use water at 160°F (71°C) and steep for 2 minutes. Use about 2 grams of leaf per 8 ounces of water. Adjust to taste, but this ratio and timing brings out the tea's sweet, grassy notes without bitterness.

Jeju Sejak is a Korean green tea grown on the volcanic soil of Jeju Island. It's harvested in early spring, giving it a delicate, slightly sweet flavor with fresh, grassy notes. Unlike some green teas that can turn bitter quickly, a proper brew highlights its smooth character.

This guide walks you through each step, from measuring the leaves to pouring the water, so you can get the most out of your Jeju Sejak. Whether you're new to Korean green tea or looking to refine your technique, these practical tips will help you brew a balanced cup every time.

What Makes Jeju Sejak Special

Jeju Sejak is a type of Korean green tea, specifically a 'sejak' grade, which refers to the early spring harvest. The young leaves are picked before they fully open, giving the tea a tender texture and a flavor profile that's often described as sweet, nutty, and slightly grassy. The volcanic soil and maritime climate of Jeju Island contribute to its unique mineral notes.

Unlike some green teas that are pan-fired to stop oxidation, Jeju Sejak is typically steamed, which preserves its bright green color and fresh, vegetal flavors. This processing method means that water temperature and steeping time are especially important; too hot or too long, and the tea can become astringent and lose its delicate charm.

• Look for leaves that are uniform and bright green, a sign of quality and fresh processing.
• Store your Jeju Sejak in an airtight container away from light and heat to maintain its freshness.

Gather Your Equipment

To brew Jeju Sejak properly, you'll need a few basics: a teapot or infuser, a thermometer (or a kettle with temperature control), a scale (optional but helpful), and a timer. A ceramic or glass teapot is ideal because it doesn't retain old flavors and allows you to see the color of the brew.

If you don't have a thermometer, you can approximate 160°F by bringing water to a boil and letting it sit for about 5 minutes with the lid off. Or, use a kettle with a temperature setting to take the guesswork out.

• Use filtered water for the cleanest taste; tap water with high mineral content can affect the flavor.

Measure the Leaves

The general guideline is about 2 grams of Jeju Sejak leaves per 8 ounces of water. If you don't have a scale, use about 1 heaping teaspoon. The exact amount can be adjusted based on your preference: more leaves for a stronger cup, fewer for a lighter one.

Because Jeju Sejak leaves are light and fluffy, measuring by volume can be inconsistent. If you want precision, a small digital scale is a worthwhile investment for any green tea enthusiast.

• Start with a slightly lower leaf ratio if you're new to green tea; you can always add more next time.

Heat the Water to the Right Temperature

Water temperature is critical for Jeju Sejak. Boiling water will scorch the delicate leaves, resulting in a bitter, harsh cup. The ideal temperature is around 160°F (71°C). This is lower than what you'd use for many other green teas, reflecting the tender nature of the early harvest leaves.

If you're using a kettle without temperature control, let the water rest after boiling. A good rule of thumb: after the boil, wait 5-7 minutes, or until the water has stopped steaming vigorously. You can also use a thermometer to check.

• If you don't have a thermometer, a quick tip: the water should feel hot but not painful when you touch the side of the kettle.
• Never use boiling water for Jeju Sejak—it will ruin the flavor.

Steep for the Right Time

Pour the heated water over the leaves and start your timer. The recommended steeping time for Jeju Sejak is 2 minutes. This allows the leaves to unfurl and release their flavor without extracting too much bitterness.

After 2 minutes, strain the tea or remove the infuser. If you prefer a stronger cup, you can extend the steep to 2.5 minutes, but be careful—it can quickly become astringent. Conversely, if you like it milder, steep for 1.5 minutes.

• Set a timer to avoid oversteeping; it's the most common mistake when brewing green tea.

Enjoy and Re-steep

Once the tea is strained, it's ready to drink. Jeju Sejak has a pale yellow-green liquor with a fresh, grassy aroma and a smooth, sweet finish. Sip it plain to appreciate its delicate flavors; milk and sugar would mask them.

Jeju Sejak leaves can typically be re-steeped. Try a second steep with slightly hotter water (170°F) and a shorter time (1 minute). The flavor will be lighter but still enjoyable. This is a great way to get more value from your leaves.

• Don't discard the leaves after one steep—Korean green teas like Jeju Sejak often reveal different notes on a second brew.

5 Steps to a Perfect Cup of Jeju Sejak

1. Measure the leaves: Use 2 grams (about 1 heaping teaspoon) of Jeju Sejak per 8 ounces of water. Place the leaves in your teapot or infuser. Consistency in measurement is key to repeatable results.
2. Heat water to 160°F (71°C): Bring water to a boil, then let it cool for 5-7 minutes, or use a temperature-controlled kettle. Do not use boiling water. Correct temperature prevents bitterness and preserves delicate flavors.
3. Pour and steep for 2 minutes: Pour the hot water over the leaves and start a timer. Steep for exactly 2 minutes. Oversteeping is the most common mistake; set a timer to avoid it.
4. Strain and serve: Remove the infuser or strain the tea into a cup. Enjoy the pale yellow-green liquor without any additions. Drink plain to taste the tea's natural sweetness and grassy notes.
5. Re-steep for a second cup: Add more water at 170°F (77°C) and steep for 1 minute. The flavor will be lighter but still pleasant. Re-steeping gets more value from your leaves and reveals different flavor dimensions.

Products to Enhance Your Green Tea Experience

• Supreme Matcha: Supreme Matcha comes from the same Uji-area gardens as our ceremonial Jobetsugi, picked in the second season, so the cup is lighter and more forgiving than a first-crop ceremonial. Stone-milled from Tencha to a fine, bright green powder. If you enjoy the fresh, grassy notes of Korean green tea, you might also appreciate the smooth, umami-rich flavor of a quality matcha. Supreme Matcha is a great introduction to Japanese green tea and can be used for a simple latte or iced drink.
• Watermelon Mint Fresh Brew Iced Tea: This brew starts with a base of soothing green tea, then layers in crisp mint atop juicy strawberry and watermelon flavors. Best enjoyed freshly brewed and poured over ice. For a refreshing twist on green tea, this iced blend offers a fruity alternative. It's a convenient way to enjoy green tea on a warm day, and the mint adds a cooling sensation that complements the green tea base.

Brewing Jeju Sejak is about respecting the delicate leaves: use the right temperature, time your steep, and enjoy the subtle flavors. With a little practice, you'll be able to brew a consistently smooth and satisfying cup of this Korean green tea. If you want to explore other green teas, consider trying a matcha or a refreshing iced green tea blend.