Korean convenience stores offer a wide range of refreshing and unique beverages that cater to various taste preferences. From fizzy drinks that tantalize your taste buds with a delightful fizz to pulped drinks that provide a burst of fruity goodness, along with sports drinks to replenish energy, and sweet indulgences for those with a sweet tooth, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore a selection of popular Korean convenience store drinks, highlighting their distinct flavors and characteristics. Whether you’re seeking a thirst-quencher, a healthy fruit-based option, or a fizzy and exotic experience, these Korean beverages are sure to pique your interest and satisfy your cravings. Join me on this delightful journey through the fascinating world of Korean convenience store drinks!
Additionally, for those of you who are not in Korea but would like to try these ones, I’ll add an affiliated amazon link. Purchasing through this link will help me getting commission😊. I tried to search for every product, but some of them were not available. Also, the search result could vary due to delivery location.
Sweet drinks🥤
2%
2% is a refreshing drink with a peachy flavor. Its full name is ‘When You Lack 2%,’ signifying its ability to quench your thirst like water does when you lack 2% of water in your body.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3OfsqEl
Galbae (Crushed Pear Drink)
Galbae, short for “blended pear,” is made with real Korean pear puree, giving it a sweet and refreshing taste. You can even feel the pear pulp inside, although it may not be a preferred choice among the younger generation.🤷♀️
Amazon link:https://amzn.to/3KjXwd0
Maesil – Korean Plum Juice
Maesil is a fruit in Korea known for its citric and sweet flavor. This fruit has been transformed into a light, fruity juice that offers a tangy and sweet taste. Additionally, it aids in digestion.
Amazon link:https://amzn.to/3rR7H2f
Achim Haetsal (Morning Sunshine)
Achim Haetsal, translated as “Morning Sunshine,” is commonly known as morning rice. This beverage uses rice as its main ingredient and offers a milky and sweet taste. Some even compare it to sweetened almond milk. What’s your opinion?
Amazon link:https://amzn.to/3ODgA8E
Sikhye
Sikhye is a traditional drink that contains scattered rice. It has a sweet and light grainy taste and is typically made with rice, malt water, sugar, ginger, and pine nuts. It’s commonly found in Korean saunas, where a glass of cold sikhye after a hot sauna session brings a refreshing sensation.
Amazon link:https://amzn.to/44RvIon
Sports Drinks🥤
Powerade
Powerade is a globally recognized sports drink with a berry flavor and a touch of sweetness. Its reputation precedes it when it comes to its taste and effectiveness in replenishing energy during physical activities.
Amazon link:https://amzn.to/3q9vPN4
Gatorade
Another well-known sports drink, Gatorade, offers a lemony flavor with a hint of sweetness. It has gained popularity among athletes worldwide for its ability to rehydrate and provide essential electrolytes.
Amazon link:https://amzn.to/3OATWxs
Pocari Sweat
In Korea, Pocari Sweat is a popular choice for post-workout hydration. Despite its peculiar name, this drink offers a pleasant taste with a slight hint of grapefruit flavor. It’s known for its light and smooth texture.
Amazon link:https://amzn.to/478BiUZ
Toreta
Toreta stands out as a mild sports drink with a hint of citrus but a watery consistency. It serves as a great alternative for those who prefer a less intense flavor profile compared to other sports drinks.
Amazon link:https://link.coupang.com/a/5sq8o
Pulped Drinks🥤
BongBong
BongBong is a renowned grape punch drink in Korea. This sweet beverage boasts a delightful grape flavor with real grapes inside that you can chew while sipping.
Aloe Drink
The sweet aloe drink with mini aloe pulp is a favorite among many. It offers a pleasant taste and a soothing experience with the addition of aloe pulp.
Amazon link:https://amzn.to/4536enK
Coco Palm
Coco Palm sets itself apart from other drinks with its unique addition of coconut jelly. Complementing its sweet fruit juice, this beverage delivers a delightful surprise.
Korean convenience store drinks offer a diverse and exciting range of flavors and experiences. Whether you’re seeking a fizzy sensation, a fruity burst of pulped goodness, a replenishing sports drink, or a sweet indulgence, these beverages cater to every taste preference. From the refreshing and peachy 2% drink to the tangy Maesil plum juice, and from the traditional Sikhye with its sweet rice and malt flavor to the globally recognized sports drinks like Powerade and Gatorade, each beverage offers a unique taste and purpose. Additionally, the pulped drinks such as BongBong with its grape punch flavor and real grapes, the aloe drink with its soothing aloe pulp, and the Coco Palm with its delightful coconut jelly, provide a delightful twist to quench your thirst. Korean convenience store drinks truly embody the spirit of innovation and variety, inviting you to explore and savor the diverse flavors they have to offer. So, the next time you visit a Korean convenience store, be sure to try these fascinating and delicious beverages to enhance your refreshment experience.