Why Koreans Drink Iced Americano Even in -10°C Winter: The “Eol-Juk-A” Culture

If you walk the streets of Seoul in the middle of a freezing winter, you’

ll notice something strange. People bundled up in thick padded coats, shivering, but still holding a plastic cup of Iced Americano.

In Korea, there is a famous slang term for this: “Eol-Juk-A” (얼죽아). It stands for “Even if I freeze to death, I’ll drink iced coffee.” But why are Koreans so obsessed with iced coffee even when it’s -10°C outside?

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☕ 1. The “Pali-Pali” (Hurry, Hurry) Culture

Koreans live in a fast-paced society. An Iced Americano is the perfect caffeine delivery system. It’s served instantly and can be gulped down quickly to get that immediate caffeine boost. Hot coffee? It takes too long to cool down!

🥘 2. The Perfect “Post-Meal” Cleanser

Korean cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors. After a hot meal like Kimchi-jjigae, nothing beats the refreshing, crisp taste of an Iced Americano. It’s the ultimate palate cleanser.

🔥 3. Overheated Indoor Spaces

While it’s freezing outside, Korean offices and cafes are often kept very warm with floor heating (Ondol). After being in a toasty indoor environment, an iced drink feels incredibly refreshing.

✨ 4. It’s a Lifestyle

For the younger generation, the Iced Americano is a symbol of the modern lifestyle. K-pop stars are often spotted with an iced cup in hand, further solidifying the trend.

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Have you tried being an “Eol-Juk-A” in Korea yet?
Next time you’re in Seoul during the winter, grab an iced coffee, brave the cold, and you’ll feel like a true local!