Koreans love their beverages, and enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ones. While Korea loves its alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks like juices and teas are equally important.
Here is a list of three popular Korean beverages to try:
Soju
Deemed Korea's national liquor, soju is considered a cheap and efficient way to get drunk. Distilled from fermented rice (or wheat, barley or tapioca), the first soju was made with rice, but the Korean government banned using rice in 1965, and producers looked for alternative ingredients. It is believed that soju was born when the Mongols introduced the distilling technique to the Koreans in the 13th century. It is a clear spirit that goes well with most dishes.
Korean plum wine
A traditional Korean liqueur made with green maesil plums, Korean plum wine is also called Maesil Ju. It is sweet, tart and refreshing when served with ice. Maesil Ju can be enjoyed as a dessert wine, an aperitif, mixed into a cocktail, or plain, accompanied by a meal. The Chinese and Japanese also make versions of this wine. However, the Korean version is made with soju and honey.
Aloe vera juice
A juicy plant with many health benefits, aloe vera is also used in the making of juice, especially in Korea. The Korean company OKF champions the production of different fruit-flavored aloe vera juices, which are marketed under the brand name OKF Aloe Vera King Natural. These are usually flavored with fruits like kiwi, peach, orange and coconut. Aloe vera juice is high in antioxidants and may also help with digestive issues.
Other popular Korean drinks include banana milk, yulmu (a savoury cereal), Bacchus (an energy drink also used as a hangover cure), sikhye (a cold rice drink), makgeolli (the oldest known alcohol in the country), cheongju (rice liquor), citron tea, chrysanthemum tea, corn tea and barley tea.