Walk through the streets of Seoul in January. You’ll see people bundled up in heavy coats, scarves pulled up to their noses, and gloves clutching… a plastic cup filled with ice. For many visitors, this looks confusing, even funny. Why would anyone drink iced coffee in the freezing cold?
But for Koreans, the iced Americano (known locally as “아아,” short for 아이스 아메리카노) is more than just a drink. It’s a cultural phenomenon—season-proof, identity-defining, and almost a national habit.
Why Koreans Love Iced Americano (Even in Winter)
There isn’t just one reason why Koreans stick to iced Americanos. It’s a mix of taste preferences, lifestyle, fashion, and even indoor heating. Let’s break down why this drink has become such a cultural icon.
1. The Light and Clean Taste
Hot coffee can feel 답답해 (dahp-dahp-hae), a Korean word meaning stuffy or heavy. An iced Americano, on the other hand, tastes clean and crisp. The melting ice dilutes the espresso gradually, keeping the flavor refreshing. Many Koreans say it feels lighter on the stomach, making it easier to drink multiple cups a day.
2. Perceived Value for Money
In most cafés, an iced Americano costs the same as a hot one—but the cup is larger. Because the ice melts slowly, the drink lasts longer, giving customers the feeling of getting more for their money. This simple psychology makes “아아” a practical choice.
3. Study and Work Flow
Korea is famous for its study culture and long working hours. Students pull all-nighters preparing for exams, and office workers often stay late at their desks. An iced Americano doesn’t cool down like hot coffee, so it’s easier to sip slowly throughout hours of work. It stays steady on a warm desk without becoming lukewarm and unpleasant.
4. Fashion and Ritual
The phrase “얼죽아 (eol-juk-a)” is a popular slang expression meaning “I’ll drink iced Americano even if I freeze to death.” It’s half-joke, half-pride. Carrying an iced Americano has become an urban ritual, a symbol of efficiency, youthfulness, and modern lifestyle. In some ways, it’s not just about caffeine—it’s about identity.
5. Indoor Heating in Winter
Korean homes, offices, and cafés use 온돌 (ondol) floor heating and powerful indoor heating systems. Step inside a café in winter, and you may even need to take off your coat because it’s so warm. In that environment, a cold drink feels perfectly natural—even comfortable.
6. Ubiquity of Cafés
South Korea has one of the highest café densities in the world. From major chains like Starbucks, EDIYA, and Mega Coffee to indie specialty cafés, iced Americanos are available everywhere. Once a habit becomes this accessible, it turns into culture.
The Price of an Iced Americano in Korea
If you’re visiting Korea, you’ll be happy to know that coffee here can fit almost any budget.
- Chain cafés: ₩1,500–₩5,000
- Budget chains like Mega Coffee and Compose Coffee serve generous-sized iced Americanos starting at just ₩1,500.
- Starbucks Korea charges closer to ₩5,000, depending on size.
- Independent cafés: ₩3,000–₩7,000+
- Trendy coffee shops and roasteries often use single-origin beans or seasonal blends. Prices are higher, but so is the quality.
Many locals choose budget chains for daily coffee runs and save specialty cafés for weekends or social outings.
Where to Try Iced Americano in Korea
If you want to experience the “얼죽아” culture firsthand, here are some popular options:
- Mega Coffee / Compose Coffee – Affordable, huge cups, perfect for daily study sessions.
- EDIYA Coffee – A beloved local brand with affordable prices and cozy seating.
- Starbucks Korea – More expensive, but offers a familiar global standard with Korean twists (like seasonal menus).
- Indie Cafés in Seoul – Areas like Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam are filled with small cafés experimenting with beans and brewing methods.
Helpful Apps for Finding and Ordering Coffee
Korea’s café culture is digital, too. Apps make it easy to find new spots, order ahead, and earn rewards.
- Naver Map – Android | iOS
Accurate navigation and café discovery across Korea. - KakaoMap – Android | iOS
Another must-have for finding cafés, especially outside Seoul. - MangoPlate – Android | iOS
Popular for café and restaurant reviews, similar to Yelp. - Starbucks Korea – Android | iOS
Mobile ordering, rewards, and seasonal promotions. - EDIYA Coffee – Android | iOS
Convenient for frequent customers of this local chain.
Cultural Expressions Around Iced Americano
Korean internet culture has turned iced Americano into a symbol of personality. Here are a few fun expressions you may encounter:
- 얼죽아 (eol-juk-a): “I’ll drink iced Americano even if I freeze to death.”
- 뜨아 (tteu-a): Short for 뜨거운 아메리카노 (hot Americano). Often contrasted with 얼죽아 types.
- 아아충 (a-a-chung): A playful label for people obsessed with iced Americanos.
These expressions show how deeply coffee culture is woven into Korean identity. Ordering a drink isn’t just about taste—it can signal your lifestyle and personality.
The Social Side of Iced Americano
Coffee in Korea isn’t only about caffeine; it’s about connection. Cafés are where friends meet, students gather to study, and business deals happen. The iced Americano has become the default “let’s grab a coffee” drink, chosen by people who want something simple, affordable, and widely available.
It’s also a conversation starter. Many Koreans will ask, “Are you 얼죽아 or 뜨아?” (iced vs. hot Americano type). Your answer can spark lighthearted debate, like choosing between Coke and Pepsi.
Tips for Foreigners Ordering Coffee in Korea
- If you want an iced Americano, just say “아이스 아메리카노 주세요” (ah-ee-seu ah-me-ri-ka-no ju-se-yo). Most baristas also understand “아이아” or simply “아아.”
- Sizes are usually “Tall / Grande / Venti” in big chains, but local cafés may just offer small and large.
- Asking for less ice or less water is common—say “얼음 조금만” (less ice) or “물 조금만” (less water).
Top 10 Must-Try Korean Coffee Drinks Beyond Iced Americano
While the iced Americano may be king in Korea, cafés here are incredibly creative. If you want to branch out and taste more of Korea’s café culture, here are ten popular drinks worth trying:
1. Dalgona Latte (달고나 라떼)
- Price: ₩4,000–₩6,000
- Where to Try: Independent cafés in Seoul like Ikseon-dong and Hongdae; some branches of EDIYA Coffee also serve it seasonally.
2. Sweet Potato Latte (고구마 라떼)
- Price: ₩3,500–₩5,500
- Where to Try: Common at EDIYA Coffee, Mega Coffee, and university-area cafés.
3. Einspänner (아인슈패너)
- Price: ₩4,500–₩7,000
- Where to Try: Specialty shops like Anthracite Coffee Roasters, Fritz Coffee Company, or indie cafés in Gangnam and Itaewon.
4. Black Sugar Latte (흑당 라떼)
- Price: ₩4,000–₩6,000
- Where to Try: Chains such as Paik’s Coffee and dessert cafés influenced by bubble tea trends.
5. Green Tea Latte (그린티 라떼)
- Price: ₩4,000–₩6,500
- Where to Try: Widely available at Starbucks, Twosome Place, and Paris Baguette cafés.
6. Vanilla Cream Cold Brew
- Price: ₩4,500–₩6,500
- Where to Try: Signature drink at Starbucks Korea and found at many artisan coffee shops.
7. Cafe Mocha (카페 모카)
- Price: ₩3,500–₩6,000
- Where to Try: Ubiquitous—EDIYA Coffee, Mega Coffee, Starbucks, and indie cafés alike.
8. Korean-Style Drip Coffee (핸드드립 커피)
- Price: ₩5,000–₩9,000 depending on beans
- Where to Try: Specialty roasters like Fritz Coffee, Coffee Libre, and Terarosa.
9. Strawberry Latte (생딸기 라떼)
- Price: ₩4,500–₩6,500
- Where to Try: Seasonal hit at Mega Coffee, boutique cafés, and dessert-focused shops in spring.
10. Yuja Tea / Yuja Ade (유자차 / 유자에이드)
- Price: ₩3,500–₩5,500
- Where to Try: Available at most bakeries and cafés, including Angel-in-us, Starbucks, and small neighborhood cafés.
Bottom Line
The winter iced Americano mystery isn’t much of a mystery once you’re in Korea. The drink matches the country’s fast-paced, efficient, and style-conscious rhythm. It’s practical for long work hours, refreshing indoors, and deeply embedded in urban identity.
So whether you’re visiting for a week or living in Korea long-term, don’t be surprised if you find yourself joining the 얼죽아 club. Your hands may be cold, but your workflow—and your vibe—won’t be.