Yulmu Tea: The Comforting Korean Grain Drink That Feels Like a Warm Hug
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| Yulmu (photo by easyn) |
If you are new to Korean cuisine, you may already know popular drinks like green tea or barley tea. But there is another warm, creamy, deeply comforting Korean beverage that many locals grew up drinking—Yulmu Tea, also known as Job’s Tears Tea or yulmu-cha (율무차).
Unlike traditional leaf teas, yulmu tea is made from powdered roasted grains, giving it a soft, milky, nutty flavor that is both nourishing and incredibly soothing. It is a staple in Korean homes, cafés, and even office pantries. Many Koreans especially love it during cold seasons because of its warmth, thickness, and its reputation as a “strengthening” drink.
Today, I’m excited to share not only what yulmu tea is, but also how it became a quiet part of Korean daily life, how it tastes, how it’s made, and my own personal memory with it. And yes—there’s a recipe you can easily try at home.
What Exactly Is Yulmu Tea?
Yulmu tea (율무차) is a Korean drink made from roasted and finely ground Job’s tears—a type of grain similar to barley but with a softer, creamier profile. The ground grains are mixed with hot water to create a smooth, slightly thick beverage that resembles a blend of tea, porridge, and grain milk.
You might see it in different forms:
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Instant powdered yulmu tea packets (most common today)
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Traditional roasted yulmu grains ground into powder
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Café versions often sweetened and served as a latte-style drink
Yulmu tea is popular because:
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it’s warming and filling
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it has a nutty, comforting flavor
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it’s caffeine-free
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it’s considered good for digestion and vitality
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it’s easy to prepare
It’s the kind of drink Koreans often crave when they need warmth—not just physically, but emotionally.
A Special Memory of Yulmu-cha
When I think about my first encounter with yulmu-cha, the memory always begins with the soft hum of an old Korean vending machine. As a child, I often followed the adults in my family when they went to get a warm drink, usually coffee. Of course, coffee wasn’t an option for me, but there was one button on the machine that stood out — the only caffeine-free drink on the menu. That button was “Yulmu-cha.”
I still remember the thrill of watching the paper cup drop, the warm, nutty aroma rising as the machine filled it. One sip, and I was hooked: sweet, creamy, and unexpectedly toasty, like a comforting hug in a cup. While the adults enjoyed their coffee, I proudly held my own little treat. Before long, every time I spotted a vending machine, I tugged at someone’s sleeve asking, “Can I have yulmu-cha?” It quickly became my special drink — the one that made me feel a little grown-up, yet perfectly content in childhood.
Flavor Profile: What Does Yulmu Tea Taste Like?
If you’ve never tried yulmu tea before, imagine this:
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nutty like almond milk
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creamy like light porridge
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smooth like grain-based latte
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naturally sweet without any added sugar
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gentle and warming, not sharp or bitter
It feels more like a comfort drink than a traditional “tea.” It warms your chest and stomach gently as you sip.
Its unique richness comes from the ground grain itself—unlike other teas, where flavor is infused from leaves or herbs, yulmu tea blends part of the grain directly into the water.
Why Yulmu Tea Is Loved in Korea
✔ 1. It’s filling and nourishing
A warm mug of yulmu tea can feel like a small snack. Many office workers in Korea drink it when they’re too busy for a proper breakfast.
✔ 2. It’s caffeine-free but energizing
Because it’s made from grains, it gives gentle, steady energy without the jitters of coffee.
✔ 3. It’s incredibly easy to prepare
Instant yulmu tea packets make it possible to enjoy it anywhere—at work, at home, or in cafés.
✔ 4. It’s warm comfort in a cup
Yulmu tea is especially loved:
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on cold rainy days
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during winter
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after stressful days
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when a warm, soft drink feels better than coffee
✔ 5. It has a long history in Korean traditional cuisine
Job’s tears have been used for centuries in Korean cooking, both for food and medicinal teas.
Health Perception in Korea
While not considered a “medicine,” yulmu tea is often believed to help:
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warm the body
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support digestion
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provide nutrients
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soothe fatigue
Especially among older generations, it is seen as a “strength-giving drink.”
How Yulmu Tea Is Made: Traditional vs. Modern
Traditional Method
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Job’s tears grains are thoroughly cleaned.
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They are roasted slowly until fragrant and golden.
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The roasted grains are finely ground into powder.
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Hot water is added and stirred until creamy.
This method is still used by some cafés and traditional households, but it requires effort and time.
Modern Method
Most Koreans today buy instant powdered yulmu tea.
Just add hot water—and it’s ready.
The instant version is extremely convenient, making it a favorite drink at work.
How to Make Yulmu Tea at Home
Here’s an easy recipe anyone can follow.
Homemade Yulmu Tea (Job’s Tears Tea)
Ingredients
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½ cup Job’s tears (raw grains)
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Water for rinsing
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Optional: 1–2 teaspoons honey
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Optional: a pinch of salt (Koreans sometimes add this for balance)
Instructions
1. Rinse the grains
Wash the Job’s tears thoroughly under water.
2. Roast the grains
In a dry pan, roast the grains over medium heat for 10–15 minutes.
Shake the pan occasionally so they roast evenly.
You’ll smell the nutty aroma when they’re ready.
3. Grind into powder
Use a coffee grinder or food processor to grind the roasted grains finely.
4. Brew the tea
Add 1–2 tablespoons of powder into a cup.
Pour hot water and stir thoroughly.
5. Adjust the taste
Add honey for sweetness or a pinch of salt for a deeper grain flavor.
Tips for the Best Yulmu Tea
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Do not burn the grains—burnt yulmu tastes bitter.
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Finer powder creates a creamier texture.
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Use water just below boiling to avoid clumping.
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Stir well—this tea contains real grain, so a little settling is normal.
Yulmu Tea in Korean Cafés
Many Korean cafés offer yulmu tea, especially traditional-style shops or cafés that serve grain lattes.
It is often:
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foamy
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creamy
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slightly sweetened
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topped with extra roasted grain powder
Some cafés even serve iced yulmu latte, which is surprisingly refreshing.
Yulmu Tea in Korean Homes
Many people keep instant yulmu tea packets in their kitchen cabinets.
It’s a popular choice for:
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a quick morning drink
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a warm bedtime drink
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a comforting snack replacement
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something soothing on stressful days
Because the flavor is mild, even people unfamiliar with grain teas find it easy to enjoy.
Yulmu Tea for Beginners: Why You Should Try It
If you’re new to Korean teas, yulmu tea is a great entry point.
Here’s why:
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It tastes familiar—like warm cereal milk
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It’s caffeine-free
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It’s nutritious
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It’s quick to prepare
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It feels comforting and calming
It’s especially perfect for cold seasons, or anytime you need a warm moment of calm.
A Personal Closing Thought
Even now, I often brew a cup of yulmu tea at night when I want something warm but don’t want caffeine. The creamy, roasted aroma instantly slows down my thoughts. It reminds me of peaceful evenings in small Korean cafés, where time feels slower and the world feels softer.
If you’re looking for a drink that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of Korean tradition into your day, I hope you’ll give yulmu tea a try.
