Healthy Tea Drinks to Try in Korea Instead of Water

Healthy Tea Drinks to Try in Korea Instead of Water

— What to Grab at Korean Convenience Stores

"Should I try something other than water?"

If you’re visiting Korea, you might instinctively reach for bottled water at a convenience store.
But did you know that tea drinks in Korea are just as popular—and even healthier in some cases?

Koreans have a deep love for tea, and it’s not just about tradition anymore.
According to recent trends, the MZ generation (Millennials + Gen Z) is leading a “wellness tea wave,” embracing tea as a modern, everyday way to recharge.

So next time you’re thirsty on the go, why not pick up a bottled tea instead of plain water?
Here are some of Korea’s top-selling healthy tea drinks you can find at convenience stores and supermarkets.

"A screenshot of the introduction page on HiteJinro’s website."

1. Hitejinro Black Barley Tea (블랙보리)

A best-seller with over 200 million bottles sold in 4 years
Made with locally grown black barley, rich in flavor and smooth to drink
First of its kind in Korea to use this rare barley variety
Price: ~₩1,500 for 500ml
Available everywhere: GS25, CU, 7-Eleven

"One of my favorite drinks! I highly recommend it after a greasy meal."

2. Coca-Cola “Mate Tea of the Sun” (태양의 마테차)

A zero-calorie yerba mate tea, originally from South America
Known as the “green tea of Brazil”
Light, clean taste brewed from real mate leaves
Great after greasy meals or as a caffeine-free alternative
First introduced to Korea in 2013
Price: ~₩1,500–1,700

3. Coca-Cola “Post-Meal Secret W Tea” (태양의 식후비법 W차)

A functional tea blend of green tea, oolong, and black tea
Enriched with 12.7g of dietary fiber (51% of daily value)
Ideal for digestion and wellness after a meal
Price: ₩1,700 for 500ml
Crisp flavor with zero calories

4. Woongjin Tea Lineup (웅진식품 차 음료)

Clean design + 100% Korean grain emblem
Price: ~₩1,500 for 500ml
Light, caffeine-free, and perfect for hydration
Sky Barley Tea (하늘보리) – pale blue label
Corn Silk Tea (옥수수수염차) – yellow label
Nurungji Tea (누룽지차) – toasted rice tea, deep brown label
Cassia Seed Tea (결명자차) – pink label

"This product gained huge popularity back in the day when a famous actor appeared in its commercial."

5. Namyang “17 Tea” (17차)

A wellness blend made from 17 traditional ingredients:
mulberry leaves, chicory, barley, jujube, lotus root, tangerine peel, etc.
Reformulated in 2018 to reduce additives by 50% and increase Korean-grown ingredients by 30%
Taste is clean and subtle
Price: ₩1,500 for 500ml
A longtime favorite for both young and old

"This tea has been around for nearly two decades, and it’s still a beloved favorite in Korea."

6. Dongwon Boseong Green Tea (보성녹차)

From Boseong, Korea’s most famous green tea region
Uses leaves from farms certified organic in Korea, the U.S., Japan, and Europe
Cold-brewed and aseptically packaged to preserve flavor and freshness
Eco-friendly bottle
Price: ₩1,200 for 350ml
A great way to enjoy authentic Korean green tea on the go

Final Thoughts: Why Tea is a Great Water Alternative in Korea

Most teas in Korean convenience stores are unsweetened, caffeine-free, and affordable
Many are brewed from grains or herbs, making them perfect for hydration without sugar or chemicals
Whether it’s a black barley tea, corn silk tea, or vitamin-rich mate, there’s a flavor for everyone

So next time you’re in Korea and thirsty, skip the plain bottled water and grab one of these healthy teas instead!
Wellness in a bottle — Korean style. 🇰🇷✨