Why Do Koreans Drink Iced Americano in Winter?

Koreans love drinking coffee.

The statistics show that Korea’s annual consumption of coffee (per person) is much higher than that of the world average.

What’s interesting is that Koreans are obsessed with “Iced” coffee regardless of season. The coldness in winter can’t resist their love for an iced coffee.

There’s even a term for those who drink iced coffee in winter. 

얼죽아

It’s a shorten word for “얼어죽어도 아이스” (Ice even if I freeze to death)

Why do Koreans love iced coffee?

Here are the three reasons we think why Koreans love iced coffee.

1. To quench a thirst

Iced coffee sometimes works as “iced water.” For some reason, many Koreans crave coffee when thirsty. Drinking a boiling hot coffee might burn your tongue and throat.

2. To consume caffeine

Many Koreans consider coffee as a labor drink, or energy drink, that helps them to concentrate on work. It’s called “Caffeine Transfusion.” People don’t have time to relax and slowly taste the coffee. They need to be quick.

3. To kill the aftertaste

A refreshing, cold taste of iced americano makes many Koreans to drink coffee after a meal to rinse off the aftertaste.