22+ Popular Korean Drinks You Will Fall In Love With 2022
Known for its long-standing love affair with alcohol, Korea offers a ton of delicious, flavorful, and aromatic alcoholic drinks. Unlike the fancy grape wines of the French, the Koreans make their wines from rice and local fruits – the signature ingredients of Asian cuisine.
Besides the alcoholic drinks, there are also about 200 different varieties of traditional teas, juices, and grain beverages. So if you’re not in the mood for something boozy, this country will still get your back!
Now, what are you waiting for? Take a look at the drink options I listed below and note down your top choices. Then, once you have the chance to visit Korea, just use this article as a reference, and you’re good to go!
Delightful Alcoholic Korean Drinks That You Must Try Once
Given that Koreans work some of the longest working hours, drinking alcohol is viewed as a way to bond with colleagues and relieve stress. Due to this rising demand, Korea has produced countless tasty alcoholic beverages. Let’s check them out now!
1. Soju – Korean Rice Wine
If you ask the Koreans about their country’s national liquor, they will definitely talk about Soju. This inexpensive drink comes in gleaming green bottles, and it is available in nearly every dining and drinking occasion in Korea.
This best-selling spirit is generally low in alcohol and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor similar to watered-down Vodka. This flavor makes it the perfect pairing with delicious traditional Korean dishes.
Soju is made from fermented rice, although it can also be made from wheat, barley, sweet potatoes, or tapioca. It is thought to have first arisen when the Mongols taught the Koreans how to manufacture alcohol in the 13th century.
Chamisul and Chum Churum are the two major soju brands that dominate the Seoul market. There are also many other regional brands outside of Seoul; some offer handcrafted Soju with higher alcohol content.
2. Cheongju – Korean Rice Wine
Here is another nationwide famous beverage in South Korea – Cheongju! Compared to Soju, this drink is a bit more expensive. However, many locals say it is worth it since Cheongju is tastier and prettier.
To make Cheongju, the locals ferment polished rice many times and filter it to create a clear, crisp, and mildly sweet liquor. This refined rice wine is an essential ingredient in countless Korean recipes, mainly in marinades and sauces.
This traditional liquor used to be served in the royal court. But nowadays, it is available everywhere, especially during ceremonies or other important occasions. The Koreans often drink it hot during the winter and autumn or chill it for summer and spring.
3. Makgeolli – Korean Rice Wine
Known as the oldest alcohol in Korea, Makgeolli is truly a must-try when visiting this country. People often order this alcoholic drink while enjoying a plate of Pajeon – one of the most famous street foods in Korea.
Because this drink goes back to the 10th century, it doesn’t have a clear and crisp appearance like Soju and other modern liquors. However, its classic milky white tint and mildly sweet taste are still very appealing to both young adults and the elderly.
Makgeolli had grown in popularity over the last decade when it made a comeback as a fruit cocktail, a drink prepared with Chilsung Cider (Korea’s equivalent of Sprite). This modernized version of Makgeolli is available in many bars and pubs around South Korea.
4. Bokbunja-Ju – Korean Black Raspberry Wine
The main ingredient of Bokbunja-Ju is Bokbunja berry (a Korean black raspberry). This native berry gives the wine a signature blood-red color and sweet berry flavor.
Bokbunja berry is already known for its health benefits, so it should come as no surprise that this delicious wine is also incredibly good for your health. Research has shown that this drink is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which can aid in heart and liver protection.
A 2008 research in South Korea showed that Bokbunja berry could enhance testosterone levels and sperm counts in mice, confirming that this wine can help with male virility.
This wine is often served chilled and pairs nicely with meat, seafood, and any other traditional Korean dish.
5. Baekse-Ju – Korean Rice Wine
If you consider yourself an old-fashioned wine lover, you have to try Baekse-Ju. This herbaceous yellow wine is prepared with rice and various roots and herbs; the most notable one is ginseng. Other aromatics, such as wolfberry and licorice, will vary depending on the brand.
Baekse-Ju was initially released in 1992 under the name Jibong’yuseol. To maintain its popularity in today’s market, the company has made certain changes to the original recipe. This old-fashioned drink pairs amazingly well with grilled meat and spicy dishes.This fancy rice wine is much pricier than Soju and beer, but this is totally understandable since ginseng is very rare, healthy, and expensive. Some locals even say that drinking Baekse-Ju will help you reach the age of 100 years! Read More…
