Why Koreans Love Iced Americano (얼죽아), Even in Winter
Why Koreans Love Iced Americano: The Culture Behind “Eol-juk-a” (얼죽아)
Koreans love coffee, but perhaps in a slightly different style than what you might expect if you come from Europe or the U.S. While espresso is valued for its intensity, many Koreans prefer the balance and everyday drinkability of an Iced Americano. It has the same bold espresso base, but with water and ice that soften the bitterness, making it easy to sip throughout the day.
In Korea, coffee is not just about taste, it’s a lifestyle. Drinking an Iced Americano allows people to enjoy caffeine, stay refreshed, and match the social rhythm of long chats in cafés. It’s clean, simple, trendy, and perfectly suited for a culture where both aesthetics and convenience matter.
This cultural backdrop helps explain the phrase “얼죽아 (Eol-juk-a),” which literally means “iced Americano even if I freeze to death.” Beyond being a funny expression, it captures something deeper about Korean work culture, lifestyle, and coffee preferences.
What “Eol-juk-a” Really Means
“Eol-juk-a” doesn’t just mean that Koreans stubbornly drink iced coffee in winter. It’s an expression of identity and preference. Even when temperatures drop below freezing, cafés are full of people ordering iced Americanos.
Why? Because for many Koreans, it’s not just a drink, it’s a ritual that fits into their lifestyle.
Why Iced Americano Wins Over Espresso
Appreciation for Coffee, Just Different Styles
Koreans do love coffee, they just enjoy it in a way that suits their taste. Iced Americano keeps the rich espresso flavor but softens its intensity, making it easy to drink anytime.
Balance Over Intensity
Straight espresso can be too harsh for everyday drinking. The diluted, chilled version offers balance, enough caffeine to keep you awake, but smooth enough to sip slowly.
Cultural Context
Coffee in Korea is often social and leisurely. A larger, lighter drink fits long study sessions, office breaks, or chats with friends better than a quick espresso shot.
Coffee as a Lifestyle, Not Just Taste
Iced Americano has become trendy because it’s simple, affordable, and customizable. It reflects a cultural preference for “clean” and minimal” choices that still deliver energy.
Deeper Reasons Behind “Eol-juk-a”
Beyond taste and culture, there are practical reasons Koreans keep choosing iced coffee:
Health and Image: Many believe Americanos are “lighter” and less fattening than lattes or frappes. Some even treat it like flavored water-hydrating, but with caffeine.
Work Culture: Korea is famous for its intense school and office life. Coffee isn’t just a treat, it’s fuel. For many office workers and students, an Iced Americano is the daily recharge that keeps them going.
Habit and Identity: Ordering “an Iced Americano” has become second nature. It’s a cultural signal, almost like saying “I’m part of the Korean coffee crowd.”
Final Thoughts
The phrase “Eol-juk-a” may sound extreme, but it reflects something very real: Korea’s unique relationship with coffee.
It’s about balance, not intensity.
It’s about lifestyle and culture, not just taste.
And it’s about finding comfort in a simple, familiar ritual-even in the middle of winter.
So next time you see someone holding an iced Americano in the freezing cold, don’t just laugh at the phrase “얼죽아.” Instead, see it as a glimpse into how Koreans balance work, health, and culture-with a cup of iced coffee always in hand.