☕ Why Koreans Love Iced Americanos (Even in Winter!)

 

A vibrant digital illustration showing young Koreans sitting outside a Seoul café, each holding a large iced Americano. Signs for popular chains like Starbucks and Ediya are visible, with a menu board showing coffee prices in Korean won
A vibrant digital illustration showing young Koreans sitting outside a Seoul café, each holding a large iced Americano. Signs for popular chains like Starbucks and Ediya are visible, with a menu board showing coffee prices in Korean won

When walking through the streets of Seoul, you’ll quickly notice one thing: almost everyone is carrying a cup of coffee. And more often than not, it’s a large iced Americano—yes, even in freezing winter temperatures.

So what’s behind Korea’s obsession with iced Americano?

🧊 The Americano Phenomenon in Korea

  • Strong, low-calorie, and affordable: Compared to sweet lattes or frappes, an Americano is considered a “clean” drink—zero sugar, lots of caffeine, and easy to sip throughout the day.

  • Big size, small price: In Korea, size matters—many coffee chains serve Americanos in larger portions than in Western countries.

  • Cool even in the cold: It’s not unusual to see Koreans holding an iced Americano with gloves on in January. Some even say, “뜨거운 건 몸에 안 좋아요” (“Hot drinks aren't good for your body”).

💸 Americano Prices at Popular Coffee Chains (Iced, Regular Size)

BrandPrice (KRW)Notes
Starbucks₩4,500–₩5,000Often more expensive, but premium feel
Ediya Coffee₩2,800Best value chain, very popular
Mega Coffee₩1,500–₩2,000Large sizes for low cost
Compose Coffee₩2,000–₩2,500Strong iced coffee lovers’ favorite

📝 Note: Prices may vary by region.

🌍 How Does Korean Coffee Culture Compare Internationally?

AspectKoreaUSA/UK/Canada
Coffee of choiceIced Americano (daily)Latte, Cappuccino, Drip Coffee
Drink sizeVery largeMedium to small
Sweetness preferenceLess sweetMore flavored/sweet drinks
Café behaviorLong sitting, studyingGrab-and-go or casual sit-ins
Customization cultureHigh (shots, temperature, ice)Moderate (milk, flavor syrup)

🔥 Fun Facts

  • “아아” is slang for 아이스 아메리카노 (iced Americano) and is beloved by office workers and students.

  • “커피 한 잔 할래요?” (Wanna grab a coffee?) = Common casual hangout phrase.

  • Many cafés offer free Wi-Fi, outlets, and seating—making them second homes for young Koreans.

📎 Related Reads:

☕ Did this give you a better taste of Korean coffee life?
Leave a comment or share it with your fellow caffeine-loving travelers!

Location: 대한민국 서울특별시

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