Your Guide to Buying Korean Drinks in the UK

From the vibrant streets of Seoul to supermarket aisles across the UK, the popularity of Korean drinks has surged. Driven by K-dramas, K-pop and a global appetite for new flavours, these beverages offer a refreshing departure from the usual. But as you look to buy Korean drinks online in the UK, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or even make a purchase you'll regret.

As the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to help you navigate the options and avoid common pitfalls. Many shoppers find themselves disappointed by drinks that don't match their expectations. Let's look at a few frequent issues:

1. The "Fruit Flavour" Trap: You see a can adorned with luscious peaches or grapes, but the first sip tastes more like a sweet shop than an orchard. Many popular Korean soft drinks rely on artificial flavourings, which can result in a synthetic aftertaste and miss the authentic fruitiness you were hoping for.
2. The "Tea" Misconception: You buy a jar of citron tea expecting a ready-to-drink Korean iced tea, only to find a thick, marmalade-like preserve inside. These traditional fruit preserves, or cheong, are delicious but require preparation, which can be a surprise if you were looking for instant refreshment.
3. Hidden Sugars and Sweeteners: While some Korean beverages are known for their delicate, subtle flavours, others can be unexpectedly high in sugar or contain artificial sweeteners. The front of the packaging rarely tells the full story, leaving you to decipher the ingredients list.

By understanding what to look for, you can choose a drink that truly delights your palate.

Decoding the Label: 3 Checks for an Authentic Taste

A few moments spent reading the label can make all the difference. Here are three key areas to focus on to ensure you get the quality and flavour you're paying for.

1. Fruit Juice vs. 'Flavour': What's Really in Your Can?

To avoid the synthetic taste trap, check the ingredients list for real fruit content.

• Look for: Terms like "juice concentrate", "pulp" or "puree" listed high up. For example, a quality Korean juice like Haitai Bongbong is popular because it contains real grape pulp, giving it a distinctive texture and natural taste.
• Be mindful of: The word "flavour" or "flavouring" on its own. While not always a bad thing, if it's the only source of the fruit taste, the drink may lack the authentic profile you're seeking.

2. Ready-to-Drink, Concentrate, or Alcohol? Know Your Format

Korean beverages come in several formats, and knowing the difference is crucial.

• Ready-to-Drink (RTD): This is the most common format for soft drinks, juices and teas. Cans and bottles like Lotte Milkis or Woongjin drinks are designed for immediate consumption.
• Concentrates (Cheong): Jars labelled as citron tea, lemon tea or passion fruit tea are typically thick preserves. You mix a spoonful with hot or cold water to create your drink. They offer great value and customisable sweetness.
• Alcoholic Beverages: Korea has a rich tradition of alcoholic drinks. Jinro soju, a clear, distilled spirit, is arguably the most famous. Makgeolli is another classic—a milky, lightly sparkling unfiltered rice wine with a lower alcohol content and a unique sweet-tart flavour profile. Always check for the ABV (%) if you are looking for a non-alcoholic option.

3. Navigating Sweetness: From Natural Sugars to Zero-Calorie Options

Your preference for sweetness is personal, so it pays to know what you're getting. The ingredients list will specify whether a drink uses cane sugar, fructose or artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame. For those seeking a less sweet or savoury option, traditional grain teas like scorched rice or corn silk tea are excellent choices, often containing zero sugar and zero calories.

Recommended Korean Drinks

To help you start your journey, we've matched a few standout options to different tastes and preferences.

MATCH FOR: The K-Drama Fanatic

Lotte Milkis Drink 250ml x 3pcs

Why This Fits Their Persona: If you've seen it in a K-drama, this is probably it. Milkis is an iconic "milk soda" that combines a creamy, yoghurt-like flavour with light carbonation. It's a fun and accessible starting point for anyone curious about popular Korean soft drinks.

How It Avoids the Trap

Its unique profile is its main selling point. It's not pretending to be a simple fruit juice; it's proudly a creamy, fizzy drink, so your expectations are met.

Key Advantage & Pros

Offers a unique flavour and texture combination not found in typical Western soft drinks. It's particularly refreshing alongside spicy food.

MATCH FOR: The Home Café Enthusiast

Dooraewon Citron Tea 580g

Why This Fits Their Persona: Perfect for those who enjoy the ritual of making their own drink. This citron concentrate allows you to create a comforting hot tea for a cold evening or a refreshing iced drink in the summer, all from one jar.

How It Avoids the Trap

By understanding this is a concentrate (*cheong*), you avoid the "tea misconception." It's not a ready-to-drink product, but a versatile base for many beverages.

Key Advantage & Pros

Highly versatile and offers great value for money. A single jar can make many drinks, and you can control the sweetness and strength to your exact liking.

MATCH FOR: The Social Host

Jinro Chamisul Green Grape Korean Soju

Why This Fits Their Persona: A must-have for any Korean BBQ night or social gathering. Flavoured soju, especially green grape, is incredibly popular and approachable for guests who may be new to the spirit. It's smooth, easy to drink and made for sharing.

How It Avoids the Trap

This is clearly an alcoholic beverage, so there's no confusion with soft drinks. The green grape profile is its intended flavour, not a misleading claim.

Key Advantage & Pros

The 13% ABV makes it lighter than many spirits. It's smooth enough to be served chilled on its own or mixed into simple cocktails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between soju and makgeolli?

Soju is a clear, distilled spirit, typically made from rice, sweet potato or tapioca. It has a clean, neutral taste (unless flavoured) and a higher alcohol content, usually between 13% and 25% ABV. Makgeolli, on the other hand, is an unfiltered fermented rice wine. It is milky in appearance, lightly sparkling and has a lower alcohol content (around 6-8% ABV) with a distinctive sweet and tangy flavour.

Are most Korean soft drinks very sweet?

Sweetness levels vary widely. Drinks like Lotte Milkis or fruit sodas are intentionally sweet, similar to many Western soft drinks. However, Korea also has a strong tradition of savoury and lightly sweetened beverages. An aloe vera drink is often only gently sweet, while grain-based drinks like Woongjin's Morning Rice or Five Grain Tea offer nutty, savoury profiles with little to no sugar.

How do I prepare and store Korean citron tea?

To prepare, simply add one or two spoonfuls of the citron tea concentrate from the jar into a mug. Top with hot water for a warming winter drink, or with cold sparkling water and ice for a refreshing summer cooler. Because it is a preserve, an unopened jar can be stored in a cool, dry cupboard. Once opened, it must be kept in the fridge and is typically good for several months.