[Discovering ‘Eoljukah’]
Iced Americanos Defy Winter Cold
In Seoul’s winter, a couple stands out. They wear heavy coats but drink iced Americanos. This image has gone viral, symbolizing ‘Eoljukah’ fans. These fans love iced Americanos, even in freezing weather.
Seoul Mornings: Iced Americanos Are a Must
Near Hongik University, a line forms on a cold morning. Office workers and students all leave with iced Americanos. Kim Hae-in, 32, says, “It’s a morning necessity, not just a want.”
‘Eoljukah’: A Growing Trend
A decade ago, ‘Eoljukah’ began. Young people drank iced Americanos, even in the cold. Now, cold drinks outsell hot ones. Starbucks Korea reports 77% of their winter sales are iced Americanos.
Korea’s Unique Coffee Culture
Koreans love coffee, consuming 405 cups per person annually. That’s 2.7 times the global average. The ‘Eoljukah’ trend is unique to Korea. In the U.S., hot coffee still dominates. In Europe, adding water to espresso is rare, let alone ice.
Global Spotlight on ‘Eoljukah’
French agency AFP featured ‘Eoljukah’. They called it “South Korea’s unofficial national beverage.” It’s more popular than hot coffee in winter. The term ‘Eoljuka’ may soon appear in major English dictionaries.
The Appeal of ‘Eoljukah’
Why ‘Eoljukah’? It’s about quick, burn-free coffee drinking. In Korea, coffee is functional, not just social. Iced Americanos fit well with busy lifestyles. AFP links ‘Eoljukah’ to Korea’s fast-paced culture.
Hot vs. Ice: The Coffee Choice
Hot coffee needs time to cool. It can become bitter if it cools too much. Iced Americano keeps a consistent taste. It gets milder as the ice melts. Coffee shops prefer selling it due to its consistency.
Iced Americano: A Youth Favorite
Youth aged 10-30 love iced Americanos. They find it refreshing, like cola or water. It’s a great match for Korea’s spicy food. Iced Americano has become a popular choice in bars too.
‘Eoljukah’: Bonding Korean Youth
‘Eoljukah’ unites Korean youth. Celebrities also join in, endorsing it every winter. For example, comedian Lee Seung-yoon drank it after breaking through a frozen lake.
Indoor Life and Iced Americanos
In Korea, people spend more time indoors. Warm drinks are less needed in winter. Iced Americano helps cool down in heated moments. It reflects the MZ generation’s independent spirit.
Health Insights: Ice Cravings
Doctors say craving ice might mean iron deficiency. This condition is called ‘pagophagia’. Chewing ice can increase brain blood flow. It might be a response to stress or nutritional needs. Psychologist Jeff Rotman suggests cold drinks can block intense emotions.
Competition for Bigger ‘Iced Americanos’
Coffee chains compete to offer larger iced Americanos. Starbucks and others have released nearly 1-liter sizes. These large drinks are now common on streets, resembling IV bags.
Reference: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/023/0003811945?sid=102
