Korean drinks go far beyond soju. From fizzy milk soda to traditional rice wine, here are six you can find in the UK that are worth trying — some familiar, some completely unexpected.
Korea's Drink Culture
Korean drink culture runs deeper than soju and beer. Beyond those staples, there is a whole world of soft drinks, traditional beverages, and low-alcohol options that are worth exploring. Many of these are stocked in UK Asian supermarkets and on Amazon, though they remain largely unknown to British shoppers. Each one reflects something about Korean tastes and traditions.
The Soft Drinks
**Milkis** is Lotte's flagship soft drink. Milk-cream soda with a yogurt tang — weird on paper, addictive in practice. The original flavour is the best, though strawberry and melon versions exist. **Binggrae Banana Milk** is arguably Korea's most iconic convenience store drink. The squat, round bottle is instantly recognisable, and the banana flavour is sweet, creamy, and nostalgic in a way that transcends cultural boundaries. It is essentially a banana milkshake in a bottle, and Korea gets through millions of them every week.
The Traditional Ones
**Sikhye** is a traditional sweet rice drink served as a dessert or palate cleanser at the end of a Korean meal. It is lightly sweet, with grains of cooked rice floating in a thin, fragrant liquid. Served cold, it is refreshing in a subtle way that takes a sip or two to appreciate. Paldo's canned version is a good introduction. **Makgeolli** is Korea's oldest alcoholic drink — an unfiltered rice wine with a milky, slightly fizzy character. It is sweet, tangy, and low in alcohol (around 6-8% ABV). Kooksoondang's version is widely available and is traditionally paired with Korean pancakes (pajeon) on rainy days. Yes, there is a specific Korean tradition of drinking makgeolli and eating pancakes when it rains.
Aloe and Soju
**OKF Aloe Vera** drinks are popular across Asia but originated in Korea. The chunks of aloe vera suspended in sweet grape or original flavour liquid make it a textural experience as much as a taste one. It is a polarising drink — some people find the aloe chunks off-putting, others find them addictive. **Soju** needs little introduction at this point, but no list of Korean drinks would be complete without it. Chamisul Fresh is the default and is covered in more detail in our dedicated soju guide.
Where to Stock Up
HMart is the best single source for Korean drinks in the UK, both online and at their London store. Wing Yip stocks a good range of Korean soft drinks at competitive prices. Amazon carries everything listed here, though prices for individual cans are higher than buying in person from an Asian supermarket.
K-Food → Picks
6 Best Korean Drinks You Can Buy in the UK
From Milkis to makgeolli, the best Korean beverages available in Britain.
Korean drink culture runs deeper than soju and beer. Beyond those staples, there is a whole world of soft drinks, traditional beverages, and low-alcohol options that are worth exploring. Many of these are stocked in UK Asian supermarkets and on Amazon, though they remain largely unknown to British shoppers. Each one reflects something about Korean tastes and traditions.
02
The Soft Drinks
Milkis is Lotte's flagship soft drink. Milk-cream soda with a yogurt tang — weird on paper, addictive in practice. The original flavour is the best, though strawberry and melon versions exist. Binggrae Banana Milk is arguably Korea's most iconic convenience store drink. The squat, round bottle is instantly recognisable, and the banana flavour is sweet, creamy, and nostalgic in a way that transcends cultural boundaries. It is essentially a banana milkshake in a bottle, and Korea gets through millions of them every week.
03
The Traditional Ones
Sikhye is a traditional sweet rice drink served as a dessert or palate cleanser at the end of a Korean meal. It is lightly sweet, with grains of cooked rice floating in a thin, fragrant liquid. Served cold, it is refreshing in a subtle way that takes a sip or two to appreciate. Paldo's canned version is a good introduction. Makgeolli is Korea's oldest alcoholic drink — an unfiltered rice wine with a milky, slightly fizzy character. It is sweet, tangy, and low in alcohol (around 6-8% ABV). Kooksoondang's version is widely available and is traditionally paired with Korean pancakes (pajeon) on rainy days. Yes, there is a specific Korean tradition of drinking makgeolli and eating pancakes when it rains.
05
Aloe and Soju
OKF Aloe Vera drinks are popular across Asia but originated in Korea. The chunks of aloe vera suspended in sweet grape or original flavour liquid make it a textural experience as much as a taste one. It is a polarising drink — some people find the aloe chunks off-putting, others find them addictive. Soju needs little introduction at this point, but no list of Korean drinks would be complete without it. Chamisul Fresh is the default and is covered in more detail in our dedicated soju guide.
HMart is the best single source for Korean drinks in the UK, both online and at their London store. Wing Yip stocks a good range of Korean soft drinks at competitive prices. Amazon carries everything listed here, though prices for individual cans are higher than buying in person from an Asian supermarket.
