5 Korean Drinks That Promote Youthful, Glowing Skin — And How to Enjoy Them Daily
Korean beauty trends dominate social media for a reason. From double-cleansing to the glass skin look, these techniques are cultural icons. But beauty in Korea isn’t just skin-deep—it starts from within.
Alongside meticulous skincare, Koreans swear by traditional and trendy drinks that are believed to support graceful ageing, hydration, and overall wellness. Below are five popular beverages that could be your next beauty secret—plus, how to easily add them to your routine.
1. Green Tea (Nokcha)
Known in Korea as nokcha, green tea is a classic antioxidant-rich drink. It contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a compound that protects skin cells from UV and pollution damage, promoting a youthful glow.
How to enjoy it: Brew at 70–80°C for 1–2 minutes to avoid bitterness and preserve nutrients. Swap your second coffee with green tea for a calmer, skin-loving buzz.
2. Barley Tea (Bori Cha)
Bori cha is Korea’s answer to a caffeine-free iced tea—nutty, toasty, and incredibly refreshing. It supports digestion and reduces inflammation, which are key to vibrant skin and gut health.
How to enjoy it: Steep roasted barley in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Let it cool, then refrigerate. Serve cold throughout the day for hydration with benefits.
3. Honey Citron Tea (Yuja Cha)
Made from sliced yuja (similar to yuzu) and honey, yuja cha is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. It’s especially popular in winter for soothing colds and supporting collagen production.
How to enjoy it: Stir a spoonful of yuja marmalade into a mug of hot water. Sweet, tangy, and skin-brightening—all in one cozy sip.
4. Rice Punch (Sikhye)
Sikhye is a fermented sweet rice punch made with malted barley and cooked rice. Packed with probiotics and natural enzymes, it supports gut health—a key part of clearer skin and better digestion.
How to enjoy it: Best served chilled. Buy premade at Korean grocery stores or try homemade recipes. Pour over ice for a refreshing post-meal treat.
5. Green Plum Tea (Maesil Cha)
Maesil cha is a tart-sweet drink made from fermented green plums. It contains organic acids that detox the liver, reduce inflammation, and improve nutrient absorption—perfect for clearer, brighter skin.
How to enjoy it: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of maesil cheong (plum syrup) with hot or cold water. Think of it as your Korean lemonade—minus the sugar crash.
Why These Korean Drinks Work for Skin and Health
- Antioxidants: Combat free radicals, a key contributor to premature ageing.
- Gut Support: Fermented drinks like sikhye and barley tea promote healthy digestion and absorption.
- Hydration: These teas help you stay hydrated without added sugar or excess caffeine.
- Skin Vitamins: Vitamin C from yuja and plum enhances collagen and skin elasticity.
How to Start Your Korean Drink Glow-Up
- Choose one drink to start with—something easy and enjoyable.
- Replace one sugary drink or coffee with your Korean beverage of choice.
- Drink water alongside to boost hydration.
- Pair with a clean diet and regular sunscreen—inner health + outer care = glow.
- Invite a friend to join you—it’s more fun to glow together!
Cheers to Glowing Skin
Ageing is natural, but ageing well is a lifestyle choice. These five Korean drinks are a gentle, delicious way to support radiant skin from the inside out.
So, go ahead—sip your way to glow with green tea calm, barley tea refreshment, honey-citrus sweetness, probiotic-rich rice punch, and zesty plum power. Health, beauty, and tradition in every cup.
