Top 10 Most Popular Drinks in Korea
There are so many delicious and diverse choices when it comes to Korean food and drinks.
Luckily for you, we stock the best selection of Korean drinks on this side of the globe! We’re sure you’ll find a tasty new refreshment of choice from our selection of soft drinks, teas, traditional alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Not sure where to start? Here are some of the most popular Korean drinks for you to try.
The Best Korean Drinks to Try
- Chupa Chups soda
- Milkis
- Watermelon soda
- Ginseng tea
- Korean rice tea
- Barely tea
- Bubble tea
- Soju
- Makgeolli
- Bokbunjaju
Korean Soft Drinks
Fancy something other than your usual cola or lemonade? Try some of these favourite Korean soft drinks.
Soda
It’s easy to see why soda is so popular in Korea. In fact, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs found that it is consumers' top choice for non-alcoholic drinks. Korean soda comes in every colour of the rainbow with flavours to match, making it an irresistible choice.
Soda is just one of the many popular Korean drinks which is non-alcoholic.
Chupa Chups Drinks
Classically known for their delicious lollipops, we can vouch that Chupa Chups’ range of sparkling fruit-infused sodas will satisfy those craving a sweet, uplifting drink. Just like their lollipops, they have a range of flavours to choose from, including strawberry, melon or mango.
Milkis
If you’re looking for something a little different, Milkis could be the drink for you! This drink combines milk and carbonated water to create a tantalisingly creamy soda. Milkis offers a unique drinking experience perfect for anyone who wants something a little different than their regular fizzy drink.
Sang Il Watermelon Soda
This refreshing Sang Il watermelon soda has a delightful melony twist that is perfect for those hot summer days. The ideal combination of sweet and fizzy, you can’t go wrong with this tasty drink.
Korean Teas
Traditional tea ceremonies are an important ritual many participate in before enjoying a soothing drink of tea. Many Korean teas are also enjoyed cold as bottled drinks.
What are some of the most well-enjoyed types of Korean teas?
Ginseng Tea
If you want to enjoy a warming brew whilst boosting your immune system, ginseng tea is the ideal choice for you. Its herbal properties are said to combat fatigue and leave you feeling energised.
Korean Rice Tea
Brown rice green tea, known as yeonmi-nokcha in Korean, has many health benefits due to its antioxidants, skin nourishing and fat-burning properties. What makes this tea even more special is the mixture of green tea with brown rice, which gives a rich aroma and taste.
Barley Tea
Barley tea, known as boricha in Korea, is a popular drink that’s enjoyed both hot and cold. Barley is a great source of fibre, and the tea is said to alleviate stomach ache and aid better sleep.
Bubble Tea
Although not created in Korea, bubble tea remains a firm favourite across many Asian countries. The drink was created in Taiwan and has since been enjoyed across the world.
Who knew experimenting with milk tea and tapioca pearls would create such a delicious drink? It’s not only delightful to taste, but the texture of the pearls make it a fun experience too. 
Korean Alcoholic Drinks
What if you fancy something a little stronger? The demand for Korean alcohol, including beers and liquors is growing, and for good reason.
Whether it’s soju, makgeolli, or blackberry wine, Korea has a long history of producing world-class alcohol, with the distillation processes dating all the way back to the 13th century.
Soju
Soju is a clear spirit that can be enjoyed neat, mixed with fruit juice, yoghurt or even coffee to add a kick to your favourite cocktail. What’s even better is that it comes in nearly every flavour of fruit that you can imagine, including:
- Plum
- Blueberry
- Cherry
- Strawberry
- Grape
- Pomegranate
To find out more about this popular drink, check out guide; What is Soju?
Makgeolli or Korean Rice Drink
Korean rice wine, also known as makgeolli, has a long legacy in Korea. Following a complex process of fermentation using nuruk, this nutritional drink remains one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the country.
The drink can be sparkling and has a cloudy appearance. More recently, popular additions to the drink include mixing it with banana or yuzu fruit.
You can find out more about how to enjoy this traditional Korean drink with our ultimate guide to makgeolli.
Bokbunja-ju
Korean black raspberry wine or bokbunja-ju is a refreshing drink best served cold. The drink's origins stretch far back to a myth about a monk who lost his way in the mountains and ate berries for nourishment. Despite its mythic origins, this wine continues to grow in popularity and is still enjoyed today.
The bokbunja berry, a type of raspberry, is said to have medicinal properties and a sweet, slightly sour taste, perfect for turning into a decadent wine drink. 
Whether you decide to try something new or already have a firm favourite on your drink shelf, we hope Oriental Mart has inspired you to enjoy some of the most refreshing beverages Korea has to offer.
The even better news is we deliver them straight to your door with our online Korean grocery delivery service. So, when you need the perfect refreshment, stock up on Korean soft drinks, teas and alcohol – there’s a drink for every occasion!
To continue your journey into the world of Asian drinks, why not check out our guide to the most popular drinks in China? 
Written By:
Sara Yang
Sara is based in the UK but loves nothing more than creating and sampling dishes from all around the world. Her favourite is Asian cuisine and she hopes to inspire more people in the UK to try authentic East Asian dishes.
