Today, I want to talk about a funny (and slightly crazy) aspect of modern Korean culture.
Have you ever heard the Korean slang term, “Eol-Juk-A” (얼죽아)? It’s short for “Eoreo Jugeodo Ice Americano,” which translates to “I’d drink an Iced Americano even if I freeze to death.” 🥶☕️
*Slang term : 속어(俗語)’, ‘은어(隱語)’, ‘유행어
It’s true! Many young Koreans absolutely love Iced Americano (we call it “Ah-Ah” for short), regardless of the weather. Even when it’s snowing and way below freezing outside, you’ll see people holding giant plastic cups of ice coffee without gloves.
*Regardless of the weather: 날씨와 상관없이, 날씨에 개의치 않고
Why are Koreans like this? Some say it’s because our diet is Salty and spicy so we crave cold drinks. Others say it’s because of Korea’s famous “Ppalli-ppalli” (Hurry, hurry!) culture. We are too impatient to wait for hot drinks to cool down! 😅
*Diet: 한국어에서는 주로 “체중 감량을 위한 식단 조절”을 의미하지만, 영어에서는 그보다 더 넓은 의미로 사용, 일반적인 식습관,식단조절, 특정 활동이나 정보 등을 반복적으로 경험하거나 섭취하는 것을 의미
Honestly, I used to be a proud member of the “Eoljuk-a” club in my 20s,30s. But now? Just thinking about drinking ice in winter gives me the chills. I usually stick to hot coffee.
*stick 고수하다
The Mission: Caffeine Survival at Mega Coffee
However… today I was unbelievably sleepy. I didn’t need flavor; I needed survival juice to wake up. So, I headed to a budget cafe chain called Mega Coffee.
*a budget airline (저가 항공사), a budget hotel 저가 호텔
Guess who greeted me at the door? A cardboard cutout of Son Heung-min (Sonny!), the famous Tottenham soccer player. He is everywhere in Korea! Haha*
*A cardboard cutout 판지로 만든 입간판,판지로 만든 사람 모양의 등신대
I’m going to be totally honest with you guys. Most super-budget cafes in Korea, especially Mega Coffee, serve pretty terrible-tasting Americano. It just tastes like bitter water. 🤫
But I had no choice. I needed the caffeine shock. Plus, the value is unbeatable. A giant 590ml size is only 2,000 KRW (about $1.50 USD)! It’s quantity over quality.
A Sweet Surprise on the Street: Bungeo-ppang!
Clutching my freezing giant coffee, I ran back toward my warm car. Suddenly, I spotted something amazing on the street corner!
It was Bungeo-ppang (붕어빵)!
*Clutching: 아주 세게, 꽉 움켜쥐는 모습 , spot 갑자기 발견하다”, “눈에 띄다
This is Korea’s most beloved winter street snack. It’s a fish-shaped pastry stuffed with warm fillings. The classics are sweet red bean paste or custard cream.
I bought 3 for 2,000 KRW. I love both flavors equally. It’s not gourmet food, but it’s the taste of nostalgia for every Korean.
After surviving the cold with my iced coffee and sweet fish bread, I went home and had a delicious bowl of Jin Ramen for lunch.
Iced coffee, street snacks, and ramen. It was a very typical, very Korean winter day!
*Beloved; 정말 사랑받는”, “아주 소중한”, “애정하는,단순히 인기가 많다는 “Popular”보다 훨씬 감정적으로 깊이 아끼고 사랑한다는 뉘앙스
*stuffed :(속을) 꽉 채운” 또는 **”~로 속이 채워진
