Koreans love their soft drinks. From fruity sodas to unique teas, you’ll find a wide range of beverages in convenience stores, cafés, and vending machines across the country. If you’re a traveler looking for something refreshing, here are the most popular Korean soft drinks to try.
Korea’s beverage culture is as diverse and exciting as its food scene. From unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else to creative twists on familiar drinks, Korean soft drinks offer travelers a delicious way to stay refreshed while exploring the country.
Here I shared the most popular Korean soft drinks you’ll encounter during your visit.
Traditional Korean Soft Drinks
1. Sikhye (식혜)
This sweet rice drink is Korea’s traditional favorite. Made from fermented rice, sikhye has a unique grainy texture and mild sweetness that’s perfect for cleansing your palate after spicy Korean meals.
You’ll find it in convenience stores, traditional markets, and served as a dessert drink in restaurants.
2. Sujeonggwa (수정과)
A traditional cinnamon punch that’s especially popular during winter months. This reddish-brown drink combines cinnamon, ginger, and persimmon for a warming, spicy-sweet flavor.
It’s often garnished with pine nuts and makes for a perfect post-meal digestif.
3. Hwachae (화채)
Korea’s answer to fruit punch, hwachae comes in many seasonal varieties. The most popular include watermelon hwachae in summer and persimmon hwachae in autumn.
These refreshing drinks often contain pieces of fruit and are perfect for hot Korean summers.
Modern Korean Soft Drink Favorites
4. Milkis (밀키스)
A true Korean classic, Milkis is a mix of soda and milk. That might sound unusual, but it’s sweet, creamy, and surprisingly refreshing.
It comes in flavors like strawberry, orange, and melon—so don’t be afraid to experiment.
5. Chilsung Cider (칠성사이다)
Don’t let the name fool you – this clear, lemon-lime soda is Korea’s equivalent to Sprite. Chilsung Cider has been a Korean favorite since 1950 and offers a crisp, clean taste that pairs perfectly with Korean fried chicken and other local dishes.
6. Bong Bong (봉봉)
This grape soda is famous because it contains real grape pieces inside the can. Kids and adults love it, and it’s a fun drink to try if you’ve never had fruit pulp in soda before.
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Korean Dairy Drinks and Probiotic Beverages
7. Yakult (야쿠르트)
The most famous probiotic drink in Korea, sold in small bottles. You might even see “Yakult ajummas” (ladies delivering them by cart) around neighborhoods.
8. Biofeel (바이오필)
A popular probiotic yogurt drink that comes in various flavors. Biofeel is marketed as a health-conscious choice and has a smooth, creamy texture with a mildly tart yogurt flavor. It’s a great option for health-conscious travelers.
9. Yoplait Petit / Binggrae Yoplait
From the same company that makes the famous banana milk, these yogurt-based beverages offer a creamier alternative to regular soft drinks. They come in various flavors and provide a good source of calcium and protein.
10. Maeil Bio (매일 바이오)
Another popular fermented milk drink brand that emphasizes health benefits. Maeil Bio drinks have a slightly tangy taste and are often consumed for their probiotic properties. They’re particularly popular among health-conscious Koreans.
Final Recommendations
Don’t leave Korea without trying banana milk, experiencing a traditional sikhye, grabbing a Chilsung Cider with your Korean fried chicken, and sampling some of the popular probiotic drinks like Yakult. These beverages aren’t just refreshments – they’re part of the authentic Korean experience that will make your travels more memorable.