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Top 20 Must-Try Drinks in Seoul, South Korea

Writer's picture: Desirre A.Desirre A.

Seoul, the heart of South Korea, is a city that never sleeps, brimming with energy, culture, and a vibrant culinary scene.


From bustling street food markets to chic cafes and traditional teahouses, Seoul offers a wide range of beverages to suit every palate.


To fully immerse yourself in the local culture, you must explore the city's unique and diverse drinks. Whether you're looking for something traditional, modern, or a fusion of both, here are the top 20 must-try drinks in Seoul:


1. Soju (소주)

Soju

Soju is Korea's most famous alcoholic beverage, akin to vodka but with a lower alcohol content.


Traditionally made from rice, modern versions can also be distilled from sweet potatoes or barley.


Soju's smooth, slightly sweet flavor makes it a versatile drink. It's often enjoyed straight, mixed with beer (a combination known as "soju bomb"), or used in various cocktails.


Soju is a staple in Korean social gatherings, where it’s customary to pour it for others as a sign of respect.


2. Makgeolli (막걸리)

Makgeolli

Makgeolli is a traditional rice wine with deep roots in Korean history. Farmers often enjoy it after a hard day’s work.


This milky, slightly fizzy drink is fermented from rice and has a sweet, tangy flavor with a low alcohol content.


Makgeolli is typically served in a bowl and pairs excellently with savory dishes like pajeon (Korean pancakes).


In recent years, flavored versions like chestnut or banana makgeolli have gained popularity, adding a modern twist to this ancient brew.


3. Sikhye (식혜)

Sikhye

Sikhye is a traditional sweet rice drink often served as a dessert in Korean meals. It’s made by fermenting malted barley and rice, producing a light, sweet beverage with floating rice grains.


Sikhye is typically served chilled, making it a refreshing treat, especially during the hot summer months. It’s commonly found in traditional markets, festivals, and even in cans at convenience stores across Seoul.


4. Bokbunja (복분자)

Bokbunja is a potent, sweet wine made from Korean black raspberries. This deep red wine is cherished for its rich, fruity flavor and is often touted for its supposed health benefits, including improving stamina and circulation.


Bokbunja is best enjoyed chilled and is popular at celebratory dinners and traditional Korean meals.


5. Baekseju (백세주)

Baekseju, also known as "100-year wine," is an herb-infused rice wine that carries a slightly bitter, sweet taste with earthy undertones.


It's made with a blend of glutinous rice and over a dozen herbs, including ginseng, which is believed to promote longevity and vitality.


This traditional drink is often paired with grilled meat dishes like samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) and is a must-try for those looking to experience Korea’s herbal beverage heritage.


6. Chrysanthemum Tea (국화차)

Chrysanthemum Tea

Chrysanthemum tea is a traditional Korean floral tea made from dried chrysanthemum flowers.


Known for its delicate, floral aroma and light, sweet taste, this tea is often consumed for its health benefits, such as:

  • reducing inflammation,

  • detoxifying the body, and

  • calming the nerves.


It’s a popular drink during the colder months, offering warmth and comfort with each sip.


7. Corn Tea (옥수수차)

Corn Tea

Corn tea, or oksusu-cha, is a caffeine-free drink made from roasted corn kernels. Its naturally sweet, nutty flavor with a subtle hint of roasted corn makes it a comforting drink served hot or cold.


Corn tea is a common household beverage in Korea. It is often enjoyed during meals as a refreshing and hydrating alternative to water.


8. Omija Tea (오미자차)

Omija Tea

Omija tea is made from the omija berry, also known as the "five-flavor berry," due to its unique combination of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavors.


This tea is as complex as it sounds, offering a refreshing and invigorating experience. Traditionally used in Korean medicine, omija tea is believed to boost energy and improve respiratory health. It’s often served chilled and sweetened, making it a popular summer drink.


9. Yuja Tea (유자차)

Yuja Tea

Yuja tea, made from the yuja fruit (similar to a citron), is a sweet, tangy drink often enjoyed for its high vitamin C content.


This thick, honey-like tea is particularly popular in winter, where it's consumed as a natural remedy for colds and sore throats. The bright, citrusy flavor of yuja tea makes it a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed hot or iced.


10. Iced Americano

Iced Americano

Seoul’s coffee culture is second to none, and the iced Americano is perhaps the city's most popular coffee drink.


Made by diluting a shot of espresso with cold water and ice, this drink is favored for its strong, bold flavor without the heaviness of milk or sugar.


It's a staple for Seoulites, especially during the hot, humid summers, and can be found in every cafe across the city.


11. Honey Grapefruit Tea (허니 자몽차)

Honey Grapefruit Tea

Honey grapefruit tea combines the bitterness of grapefruit with the sweetness of honey, resulting in a well-balanced and refreshing drink.


This beverage is particularly popular in Seoul's trendy cafes, where it’s served either hot or iced. The combination of sweet and tart flavors makes it a delightful pick-me-up at any time of the day.


12. Dalgona Coffee (달고나 커피)

Dalgona Coffee

Dalgona coffee became a global sensation during the COVID-19 pandemic, but its roots are firmly planted in South Korea.


This whipped coffee drink is made by vigorously mixing equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and water into a creamy foam, which is then layered over milk.


The result is a visually striking and deliciously sweet coffee treat that’s best enjoyed by stirring the foam into the milk before drinking.


13. Milkis (밀키스)

Milkis is a one-of-a-kind carbonated beverage that combines the creamy texture of milk with the tangy flavor of yogurt and the fizz of soda.


This sweet, slightly tangy, and highly refreshing drink is a favorite among both locals and tourists.


Milkis comes in various flavors, including original, strawberry, and banana, and is widely available in convenience stores across Seoul.


14. Banana Milk (바나나 우유)

Banana Milk

Banana milk is a beloved Korean drink with a nostalgic place in the hearts of many Koreans.


This sweet, creamy beverage is made by blending milk with banana flavoring. It's a smooth and delightful drink that’s popular among children and adults.


Banana milk is widely available in convenience stores and supermarkets, often recognized by its iconic yellow packaging.


15. Mugwort Tea (쑥차)

Mugwort Tea

Mugwort tea is a traditional herbal tea made from the mugwort plant, known for its earthy, slightly bitter taste.


This tea has been used in Korean medicine for centuries. It is believed to have various health benefits, including aiding digestion and promoting relaxation.


Mugwort tea is often enjoyed hot, particularly in the colder months, providing warmth and comfort.


16. Korean Plum Wine (매실주)

Korean Plum Wine

Korean plum wine, known as maesil-ju, is a sweet and tangy wine made from fermented green plums.


Due to its refreshing and fruity flavor, maesil-ju is often enjoyed as a dessert wine. It is believed to aid digestion and is commonly served after meals in Korean households and restaurants.


It’s best enjoyed chilled and is available in various versions, from homemade brews to commercially bottled varieties.


17. Yakult Soju

Yakult soju is a creative fusion drink combining classic Korean spirit soju with Yakult, a popular probiotic drink.


The result is a sweet, tangy, and slightly fizzy cocktail that’s become increasingly popular in Seoul’s bars and restaurants.


Yakult soju is light and easy to drink, making it a favorite among those who prefer their cocktails on the sweeter side.


18. Ginseng Tea (인삼차)

Ginseng Tea

Ginseng tea is a popular Korean herbal tea made from ginseng root. It is known for its slightly bitter taste and numerous health benefits.


Ginseng is highly valued in Korean culture for its purported ability to:

  • boost energy,

  • improve circulation, and

  • enhance immunity.


Ginseng tea is typically served hot and is often sweetened with honey or jujube to balance its strong flavor.


19. Citron Soju (유자 소주)

Citron soju is a citrusy twist on the traditional Korean spirit, combining the tangy flavor of yuja (citron) with the smoothness of soju.


This sweet, refreshing drink is perfect for those who prefer a lighter, more fruity alternative to regular soju.


Citron soju is often enjoyed chilled and is a popular choice in Seoul’s bars, especially during the summer months.


20. Mulberry Wine (오디주)

Mulberry Wine

Mulberry wine, or odiju, is a traditional Korean wine made from fermented mulberries. This drink has a deep, rich flavor with a hint of sweetness and is known for its high antioxidant content.


Mulberry wine is often enjoyed as a dessert wine or paired with various Korean dishes. It’s a unique drink that showcases the diverse flavors of Korean wine-making traditions.


Best Drinks in Seoul

Seoul’s drink scene offers a fascinating blend of traditional and modern flavors, reflecting the city’s rich culinary heritage and contemporary influences.


As you sip on a glass of refreshing makgeolli or enjoy the unique experience of a whipped dalgona coffee, you'll not only be tasting delicious beverages but also engaging with the stories, traditions, and innovations that make Seoul such a dynamic city.


Each drink offers a glimpse into the soul of Korea, making your journey through Seoul not just a feast for the senses but a cultural exploration as well.


So, the next time you're in Seoul, raise your glass to the city’s incredible diversity of drinks and enjoy the vibrant and refreshing flavors that make Seoul a truly unique destination.

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