3 Traditional Korean Drinks You Should Know

Hello! Thanks to the growing popularity of K-food, more people around the world are becoming interested in traditional Korean drinks.

Today, let’s learn three Korean drink names: 식혜 (sikhye), 수정과 (sujeonggwa), and 오미자차 (omija-cha).

1. 식혜 (Sikhye)

식혜 is a traditional sweet Korean drink made with cooked rice and malted barley.

Small grains of rice often float in the drink, giving it a distinctive appearance and texture. It is usually served cold and is especially popular as a dessert drink after a meal.

In English, it can be explained as: a sweet Korean rice drink or Korean sweet rice punch

• 식혜는 달콤해요.
  Sikhye-neun dalkomhaeyo.
  Sikhye is sweet.

2. 수정과 (Sujeonggwa)

수정과 is a traditional Korean drink made by simmering cinnamon and ginger with sugar.

It is usually served cold and may be garnished with dried persimmons and pine nuts. Its sweet flavor is balanced by the warmth and gentle spiciness of cinnamon and ginger.

In English, it can be described as: Korean cinnamon-ginger punch or a traditional Korean cinnamon drink

• 수정과는 계피와 생강으로 만들어요.
  Sujeonggwa-neun gyepi-wa saenggang-euro mandeureoyo.
  Sujeonggwa is made with cinnamon and ginger.

3. 오미자차 (Omija-cha)

오미자차 is a Korean tea made from 오미자 (omija), the red berries of the Schisandra plant.

The name 오미자 literally means “five-flavor berry”:

• 오 (o): five

• 미 (mi): flavor or taste

• 자 (ja): fruit or berry

Traditionally, omija is said to contain five flavors: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and pungent. Of these, its tart and fruity flavors are usually the most noticeable.

In English, it can be explained as: Korean five-flavor berry tea or Schisandra berry tea

• 오미자차는 새콤달콤해요.
  Omijacha-neun saekomdalkomhaeyo.
  Omija tea tastes sweet and tart.

✨ Today’s Korean Words

식혜 (sikhye): a traditional sweet rice drink
수정과 (sujeonggwa): a sweet cinnamon-ginger drink
오미자차 (omija-cha): tea made from five-flavor berries

Which traditional Korean drink would you like to try?

One Korean expression a day, make it yours!

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