If you walk the streets of Seoul in the middle of a freezing January -when the wind chill hits -10°C – you’ll witness a strange and fascinating sight. People wrapped in thick “long padding” coats, shivering in the cold, are almost always holding a transparent plastic cup filled with ice.
In Korea, we have a special name for this: Eol-Juk-A (얼죽아). It’s short for “Eol-eo Juk-eo-do Iced Americano,” which literally translates to “Even if I freeze to death, Iced Americano.” But why are Koreans so obsessed with ice in the dead of winter?If you walk the streets of Seoul in the middle of a freezing January – when the wind chill hits -10°C – you’ll witness a strange and fascinating sight. People wrapped in thick “long padding” coats, shivering in the cold, are almost always holding a transparent plastic cup filled with ice.
In Korea, we have a special name for this: Eol-Juk-A (얼죽아). It’s short for “Eol-eo Juk-eo-do Iced Americano,” which literally translates to “Even if I freeze to death, Iced Americano.” But why are Koreans so obsessed with ice in the dead of winter?
[This is the most famous photo from the Korean news showing the ‘Eol-Juk-A’ culture]
1. Media Myths vs. The Real Office Talk
Most news articles will tell you it’s because of Korea’s famous “Palli-Palli” (hurry-hurry) culture—since hot coffee takes too long to drink—or that it’s a way to blast away work stress with a refreshing “brain freeze.” Some even point to the warm “Ondol” (floor heating) indoors.
However, if you look at real life, it’s more about a generational vibe.
• The 20s-30s (Gen MZ): For students and young professionals, an Iced Americano (aka Ah-Ah) is a survival tool and a fashion statement. It’s easy to carry, there’s no risk of burning your tongue, and it has that clean, crisp finish that doesn’t feel “heavy.”
• The 40+ Generation: On the other hand, the older generation often prefers warm drinks, mainly for health reasons—they aren’t big fans of their bodies getting too cold! But unlike in some Western cultures, they aren’t necessarily drinking it hot to savor the complex “aroma” or “notes” of the bean. For many, it’s simply a practical choice to stay warm.
2. Survival Guide: Korean Cafe Slang
Koreans absolutely love shortening words. If you want to sound like a local when ordering with friends, memorize these:
• Ah-Ah (아아): Iced Americano.
• Tta-A (따아) or Tteu-A (뜨아): Hot Americano.
• Ah-Ra (아라) / Tta-Ra (따라): Iced Latte / Hot Latte.
• Ah-Ba-Ra (아바라) : Iced Vanilla Latte (A must-try if you have a sweet tooth!).
• Ttal-Ba (딸바) : Strawberry Banana Juice (The go-to for non-coffee drinkers).
• Ah-Shot-Chu (아샷추): A huge trend among Gen MZ. It stands for “Iced Tea with an Espresso Shot added.” It’s not an Americano, but a sweet and bitter combo that’s strangely addictive.
Pro Tip: While we say “Ah-Ah” to our friends, it’s still more polite to use the full name “Iced Americano, please” when talking to staff!
3. The Numbers Don’t Lie
This isn’t just a small trend. If you look at sales data from giants like Starbucks Korea, the Americano makes up a staggering 70-80% of total beverage sales. Even more surprising? The “Eol-Juk-A” spirit is real. Industry research shows that even in the freezing winter, sales of iced drinks often beat out hot ones. It seems the cold weather is no match for the Korean craving for that icy caffeine hit.
[My go-to order no matter where I go: Ah-Ah]
4. Wrapping Up: Take the “Eol-Juk-A” Challenge!
Are you planning a trip to Korea this winter? Even if it’s snowing cats and dogs, try ordering an “Ah-Ah” at least once. Experience that uniquely Korean sensation of icy coffee hitting your system while you’re bundled up in your coat.
If you have a Korean friend nearby, ask them: “Do you really drink Ah-Ah in this weather?” If that friend considers themselves part of Gen MZ, nine times out of ten, they’ll nod enthusiastically while rattling their ice cubes. Ask for a sip—it’s the fastest way to understand the true soul of modern Korea!