Korean Herbal Tea Culture: A Wellness Tradition for Body and Mind

[mediK / HEALTH IN NEWS] In Korea, traditional herbal teas, known as hanbangcha, are crafted from natural medicinal ingredients like jujube, ginger, licorice, schisandra, and ginseng. These teas are prepared by meticulously cleaning the ingredients and simmering them over low heat for hours to extract their therapeutic properties and aromas, according to cultural sources like ClipArt Korea. Rooted in Korean traditional medicine, or hanuihak, this practice emphasizes harmony between the body and nature, offering a holistic approach to wellness that resonates with modern health-conscious audiences.

Constitutional Medicine: Tailoring Teas to the Body

Korean medicine classifies individuals into four constitutional types—Soeumin, Soyangin, Taeumin, and Taeyangin—based on the balance of organ function and energy flow. Each type has distinct physiological traits, requiring specific foods, lifestyles, and herbal remedies to maintain optimal health. This personalized approach underpins Korea’s tea-drinking culture, where herbal teas are selected to align with one’s constitution, helping to balance energy, alleviate fatigue, reduce stress, and improve sleep. For international visitors, savoring a cup of tea tailored to their constitution offers a unique wellness experience, blending cultural immersion with health benefits.

Herbal Teas for Each Constitution

Soeumin: Jujube, Cinnamon-Ginger, and Ssanghwa Teas

Individuals with the Soeumin constitution often have cold extremities and weak digestion. Warming teas are ideal for them. Jujube tea, with its subtle sweetness, enhances circulation and combats fatigue. Cinnamon-ginger tea warms the body, supporting blood flow and helping prevent colds. Ssanghwa tea, a traditional tonic, boosts energy and strengthens immunity, making it a go-to for vitality.

Soyangin: Pear-Balloon Flower, Schisandra, and Tangerine Peel Teas

Soyangin individuals tend to have excess heat in the upper body and frequent thirst. Cooling teas suit them best. Pear-balloon flower tea soothes the respiratory tract, making it ideal for seasonal transitions or post-cold recovery. Schisandra tea, with its tart flavor, cools the body while relieving thirst and fatigue. Tangerine peel tea aids digestion, alleviating bloating, especially after heavy meals. These teas offer a refreshing respite for active or heat-sensitive individuals.

Taeumin: Burdock, Red Ginseng, and Hovenia Teas

Taeumin individuals often have robust builds and active metabolisms but are prone to fatigue and fat accumulation from stress or overeating. Burdock tea promotes detoxification, supporting vascular health by clearing blood impurities. Red ginseng tea enhances immunity and stamina, aiding recovery from exhaustion. Hovenia tea supports liver detoxification, making it effective for hangover relief. These teas provide a light, rejuvenating effect for Taeumin individuals who enjoy rich foods.

Taeyangin: Quince-Yuzu, Chrysanthemum, and Fresh Arrowroot Teas

Taeyangin individuals have abundant heat and energy concentrated in the upper body, requiring cooling, calming teas. Quince-yuzu tea, with its citrusy aroma, reduces internal heat, soothes throat inflammation, and aids fatigue recovery. Chrysanthemum tea alleviates eye strain and headaches while promoting relaxation with its delicate fragrance. Fresh arrowroot juice cools the body, quenches thirst, and calms the active Taeyangin constitution.

The Art of Korean Tea Ceremony

Korea’s traditional tea ceremony, or dado, is a mindful practice that emphasizes mental clarity and etiquette through the preparation and consumption of tea, as noted by ClipArt Korea. This ritual fosters inner peace and respect, offering a meditative escape from modern life’s hustle. For visitors, participating in dado provides a window into Korea’s cultural heritage while promoting relaxation.

Sipping Tradition in Seoul’s Gangnam District

Even in Seoul’s bustling Gangnam district, traditional herbal teas are finding a modern audience through cafes that blend heritage with contemporary flair. These wellness hubs offer a serene escape, serving teas tailored to constitutional needs.

Eum Gallery (406 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul)

Located near Seonjeongneung Station’s Exit 3, Eum Gallery is a cultural space operated by the National Conference for Intangible Cultural Heritage under the Cultural Heritage Administration. Visitors can explore traditional crafts while enjoying a tranquil cafe setting. Teas like jujube, chrysanthemum, and ssanghwa are served, their herbal aromas harmonizing with the gallery’s artisanal ambiance. This venue offers a serene retreat where Korea’s aesthetic and medicinal traditions converge.



Dahyang (702-13 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul)

Tucked in a Samsung-dong alley, Dahyang—meaning “tea fragrance”—welcomes guests with the scent of natural wood and herbal brews. Offering yuzu, schisandra, and ginger teas, it’s a haven for savoring traditional flavors. Ssanghwa tea and sipjeondaebo-tang (a restorative herbal tonic) are winter favorites, easing physical tension and warming the body. With soothing music and wooden interiors, Dahyang is ideal for solo reflection or intimate gatherings.



Ogada Daechi Branch (919 Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul)

Ogada, meaning “five beautiful teas,” is celebrated as the world’s first herbal tea takeaway cafe. Its Daechi branch combines sleek, modern design with traditional offerings like ssanghwa and pear-balloon flower teas, alongside innovative blends like pomegranate-schisandra and ssanghwa milk tea. This fusion of heritage and modernity makes Ogada a standout for those seeking a contemporary take on Korean tea culture.



A Moment of Balance

Korean herbal teas embody a philosophy of aligning human energy with nature’s rhythms. In Seoul’s traditional teahouses, this ancient wisdom is reimagined for modern life, offering a restorative pause. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a cup of hanbangcha tailored to your constitution is more than a beverage—it’s a moment of wellness, steeped in centuries of tradition.

Oh Ha Eun medi·K TEAM press@themedik.kr

Copyright © 2020 mediK. All rights reserved.