📚 UMU: A Unique Jeju Dessert Experience with Traditional Agar Pudding
If you’re exploring Jeju’s Old City Tapdong, don’t miss UMU, a charming café offering puddings made from agar (우뭇가사리)—a traditional Jeju ingredient. Combining Jeju’s rich seafood culture with modern flavors, UMU has quickly become a must-visit spot for dessert lovers. The café’s minimalist white exterior and beautifully presented puddings make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Here’s everything you need to know about this delightful dessert experience and how it ties into Jeju’s cultural history.
📍 Location & Basic Information
- Location: Tapdong, Jeju City (Main Branch)
- Operating Hours: Daily, 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Specialties: Agar-based puddings with six unique flavors
- Instagram: @jeju.umu
💡 Tip: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid long waits, especially in the afternoon when it gets busy with tourists.
🚀 The Story Behind UMU
UMU’s concept is rooted in Jeju’s traditional use of agar (우뭇가사리), which is derived from a type of red algae harvested by Jeju haenyeo (female divers). Historically, Jeju locals used it to make a cooling summer dessert or as a healthy gelatin substitute. UMU modernized this tradition by transforming it into a silky pudding with contemporary flavors.
UMU’s mission is simple: to combine tradition with creativity while highlighting Jeju’s unique ingredients. The name "UMU" itself reflects its playful take on "우뭇가사리," the core ingredient.
🌿 What Makes UMU Pudding Special?
UMU offers six different flavors of agar-based puddings, each with a distinct taste and texture.
1. Udo Peanut Flavor
Made with peanuts from Udo Island, this pudding is rich and nutty. Udo, a small island off the coast of Jeju, is famous for its sweet and fragrant peanuts. If you have time, a trip to Udo is worth it—you’ll find beautiful beaches, electric bikes to rent, and unique white coral sands.
2. Matcha Flavor
This flavor is perfect for matcha lovers. The thick, almost mousse-like texture delivers a bold, earthy flavor that lingers on the palate. Unlike typical matcha desserts, UMU’s version is deeper and more intense, showcasing the high quality of the matcha used.
3. Earl Grey Flavor
With its soft, jelly-like texture, the Earl Grey pudding is light, fragrant, and incredibly smooth. It’s like drinking a cup of premium Earl Grey milk tea in pudding form. If you prefer floral and slightly citrusy flavors, this is your best pick.
💡 Our Favorite: While the Earl Grey was wonderfully soft and aromatic, the Matcha flavor won our vote for its complex taste and satisfying texture.
🧁 Other Flavors You Must Try
- Custard: Classic and creamy, perfect for those who love traditional pudding.
- Chocolate: Rich and indulgent, with a smooth finish.
- Vegan Option: A plant-based alternative that retains the same great texture.
Each pudding is handmade daily, ensuring freshness and quality. However, because of the pudding’s delicate nature, it’s recommended to consume it within 30 minutes for the best taste and texture.
🌿 The Tradition of Agar in Jeju
Agar, known as 우뭇가사리 in Korean, has been part of Jeju’s culinary culture for centuries. Traditionally used in cold summer soups or as a natural gelatin substitute, it’s prized for its health benefits—being low in calories and high in fiber. Jeju’s coastal waters provide the perfect environment for harvesting this unique seaweed, which is processed and transformed into nutrient-rich desserts.
💡 Fun Fact: Agar-based desserts have become increasingly popular among health-conscious eaters worldwide due to their digestive health benefits and natural origin.
📸 Photo-Worthy Experience
UMU’s clean, minimalist design and beautifully plated puddings make it a favorite among Instagram enthusiasts. When I visited, I saw several foreign tourists taking photos and videos of their desserts, eager to share their experience.
💡 Photo Tip: Take your pudding outside and capture it with the café’s white exterior for a perfect shot. The natural light will enhance the colors and textures of your dessert.
📍 Additional UMU Locations
UMU also has another branch in Hallim, perfect for those exploring the western side of Jeju:
- Address: 542-1 Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si
Check their Instagram page for updates on new flavors and seasonal offerings.
🌟 UMU Visit Tips
- Arrive early: The café gets busy in the afternoon, especially on weekends.
- Consume within 30 minutes: The pudding’s texture is best when eaten fresh.
- Try multiple flavors: The Matcha and Earl Grey are popular, but don’t miss the Udo Peanut for a true taste of Jeju.
- Take it slow: Enjoy your dessert on the café’s patio and soak in the relaxed Jeju vibe.
📍 Plan Your Visit
- Operating Hours: 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Locations: Tapdong (Main Branch) and Hallim
- Instagram: @jeju.umu
💡 Pro Tip: After enjoying your pudding, take a walk to Dongmun Market or visit Arario Museum—both are just a short distance from UMU.
UMU isn’t just a café; it’s a taste of Jeju’s culture, history, and creativity in every spoonful. Whether you’re a dessert lover or a curious traveler, make sure to stop by and experience this unique side of Jeju. 😊
