Korea is known for its variety of mouth-watering dishes full of protein and nutrition. These dishes are often paired with traditional Korean drinks. For centuries there have been more than 200 drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic Korean beverages. They are all divided into categories: tea (cha), boiled water (tang), fermented sour grain juice (Jang), thirst water (galsu), suksu, sweet rice drink (sikhye), fruit punch (hwachae), honeyed water (kkumul), persimmon drink (sujeonggwa), juice (jeup) and milk-based on the ingredients mixed in it. All the non-alcoholic Popular Korean drinks are called eumcheongnyo.

Bokbunja Ju

Bokbunja ju (복분자주) is a berry wine. It is made by fermenting water with wild Korean black raspberries. This Korean traditional drink is not much sour and is ideally paired with food. The alcohol content of this wine depends on the brand. Some varieties of the wine also contain extracts from rice and reishi mushrooms. It is among the most South Korean drinks.

Soju

A Korean original drink, soju (소주) is one of the most popular South Korean drinks. If translated, soju means burned liquor, it is made from distilled fermented rice grains mostly. For a variation, soju can also be made from potato starch. It is always consumed neat and is often found at a cheaper price, cheaper than water in many places. Not only in South Korea but soju is one of the most consumed North Korean drinks. According to the tradition, the youngest of the family or even the person at the lowest position must pour the drink to all the members using both their hands. The ones on the receiving ends should also take the drink with both hands.

Cheongju

Cheongju (청주; 淸酒) or also commonly known as chungju is Korean traditional alcohol or clear rice wine. It is one of the traditional Korean drinks which translates to medicinal rice wine. The Cheongju drink or clear rice wine was served to the royals while the milky rice wine was enjoyed by the commoners. It has been written in ancient books that even though this is Korean rice alcohol, after getting drunk from this people sober up quickly without any problems. The Cheongju beverage is also available in different flavours namely, chrysanthemum, pine sprouts, rhododendron, ginseng and lotus leaves.

Banana Milk

Banana milk (바나나우유) is a drink that reminds every Korean of their childhood. This drink was introduced to promote the consumption of milk among the citizens. It was believed that people would buy this drink, wanting to try the taste of fruits in milk. Bananas were very expensive in Korea a long time ago but as the prices dropped and banana milk started to gain recognition, it has become of the most popular drinks in Korea.

Beer

Beer (맥주; 麥酒) or maekju was introduced in Korea in the early 20th century and is now a very commonly consumed South Korean beverage. Beer is also largely consumed in North Korea. It is one of those North Korean drinks that is considered affordable luxuries. Over the years many breweries have been established on both sides of the border. In South Korea beer is mostly consumed with fried chicken and is enjoyed by all age groups above the age of 18. Beer has achieved a place in the list of Korean traditional alcohol.

Omija tea

Omija tea (오미자차) is a berry-flavored tea. What makes this drink stand out is its flavor or better yet, its flavors. This berry when made into tea gives out five flavors – sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter. This traditional Korean drink is one of the most popular drinks in Korea due to its medicinal benefits, it can help cure colds or other respiratory illnesses and also restore your liver. Other than that, it is also used to put flavor in makgeolli. Omija tea can be consumed by itself or by pairing with honey or other hwachae.

Makgeolli

Makgeolli (막걸리) is one of the oldest Korean rice drink. It has a milky appearance and is now becoming very popular among the young generation in cocktails. This Korean traditional drink is viscous and tastes bitter and tangy. It has been in existence since the three-kingdom era. It did lose its popularity when there was a shortage of food but then gained its popularity back when people started to recognize its benefits and its cultural importance.

Sikhye

Sikhye (식혜) is one of the Korean beverages that are served as a dessert due to its sweet taste. It is always served in a bowl. Sikhye korean drink is made when malt water is poured onto cooked rice while serving some grains of cooked rice and pine nuts are put in the bowl. The regional variations of this Korean traditional drink contain chunks of radishes, carrots, and powdered red peppers. It is said to relieve hangovers and help in digestion due to its dietary fibers and anti-oxidants.

Sujeonggwa

Sujeonggwa (수정과) is one of the most popular drinks in Korea and a cinnamon punch made with dried persimmons. It has a very dark colour and is made on a low flame. It was initially made by the women of the royal palace on New Year’s Day and the recipe has changed over the years. It has now many variations that include the use of persimmons, pears, lotus petals, miscellaneous fruits and pumpkin.

These are some of the traditional Korean alcohols, Korean beverages, Korean rice drink and some of the most popular drinks in Korea. These South Korean drinks and North Korean drinks have made their place in the prestigious list due to their benefits and unique tastes. Some have a great history behind them and some have come up with interesting new variations. Be it the Cheongju drink or the simplest tea, each drink has a personality that no one can resist.

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