Don’t Miss These Foods in Korea #57. Sujeonggwa: The Most Underrated Korean Dessert Drink You Need to Try
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| A refreshing glass of Sujeonggwa served with dried persimmon and pine nuts. This traditional Korean cinnamon and ginger punch is a perfect dessert drink after Korean BBQ, grilled fish, or a traditional Korean meal. |
Don’t Miss These Foods in Korea #57. Sujeonggwa: The Most Underrated Korean Dessert Drink You Need to Try
When people plan their first trip to Korea, they usually search for foods like Korean BBQ, bulgogi, bibimbap, fried chicken, tteokbokki, and kimchi.
But if you ask travelers what they remember most after visiting Korea, the answer is often surprising.
Sometimes, the most memorable food is not the famous one they planned to eat.
Instead, it is something they discovered by accident.
Sujeonggwa is one of those foods.
For Koreans, Sujeonggwa is a familiar traditional drink. It is often served during holidays, family gatherings, and at traditional Korean restaurants.
For foreign visitors, however, Sujeonggwa can be a completely new experience.
It has the sweet aroma of cinnamon.
The gentle spicy kick of ginger.
The rich sweetness of dried persimmon.
And a refreshing finish that feels perfect after a heavy Korean meal.
Many travelers visit Korea without knowing what Sujeonggwa is. Yet after trying it once, they often remember it long after the trip is over.
In this guide, you'll learn what Sujeonggwa tastes like, why foreign visitors love it, where to try it in Korea, and how to enjoy it like a local.
The Day My New Zealand Friend Fell in Love with Sujeonggwa
Not long ago, I traveled to Jeju Island with a friend from New Zealand.
One evening, we visited a restaurant famous for grilled cutlassfish, one of Jeju's most popular local dishes.
The fish was soft, rich, and incredibly flavorful.
We enjoyed it with rice and a variety of Korean side dishes.
By the end of the meal, we were both completely full.
My friend leaned back in his chair and said,
"I don't think I can eat another bite."
Then a restaurant staff member brought us a small glass of dark brown liquid with pieces of ice floating on top.
It was Sujeonggwa.
My friend looked at it and asked,
"What is this?"
"Is it some kind of soup?"
It was a fair question.
For many foreign visitors, a cold brown drink served after dinner is not something they expect.
But everything changed when he smelled it.
"Wait..."
"Is that cinnamon?"
Cinnamon is very familiar to many people in Western countries.
It is used in apple pie, cinnamon rolls, gingerbread cookies, and many holiday desserts.
My friend took a careful sip.
Then his eyes widened.
"Wow."
"This is really good."
A few moments later, he added,
"It tastes like an iced cinnamon tea."
"It has a little spicy kick at the end."
"And there is a deep sweetness that reminds me of caramel or dalgona."
"It feels like mulled wine without the wine, but much lighter and fresher."
The biggest surprise came a few minutes later.
He looked at me and said,
"This is strange."
"My stomach feels much better."
"The fish smell is gone."
"My mouth feels clean again."
"I feel refreshed."
For the rest of his trip in Korea, he looked for Sujeonggwa whenever he visited a restaurant.
That experience made me realize something.
Koreans often see Sujeonggwa as an ordinary traditional drink.
But for foreign travelers, it can become one of the most memorable food experiences in Korea.
What Is Sujeonggwa?
Sujeonggwa is a traditional Korean drink made by slowly boiling cinnamon and ginger in water and adding sweetness.
It is usually served cold and often comes with dried persimmon and pine nuts.
Today, Sujeonggwa is known as a traditional Korean dessert drink, but in the past it was often prepared for holidays, important guests, and special family events.
For Koreans, Sujeonggwa is connected to tradition and family memories.
It is commonly enjoyed during:
Lunar New Year
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
Family gatherings
Traditional weddings
Korean course meals
Visits to traditional tea houses
Because of this, drinking Sujeonggwa is not only about taste.
It is also a small experience of Korean culture.
Why Do Foreign Visitors Love Sujeonggwa?
1. It Tastes Like an Iced Cinnamon Dessert Tea
The easiest way to explain Sujeonggwa is to call it an iced cinnamon dessert tea.
Many people already enjoy cinnamon in cakes, cookies, and holiday drinks.
That familiar flavor makes Sujeonggwa easy to enjoy.
At the same time, the ginger and dried persimmon create a taste that feels completely new.
It is both familiar and different.
That combination is one of the reasons travelers remember it so well.
2. It Is the Perfect Ending to Korean BBQ
Many visitors come to Korea to enjoy Korean BBQ.
Pork belly, grilled ribs, and Korean beef are amazing.
But after a large meal, your mouth can feel heavy from oil and strong flavors.
This is where Sujeonggwa shines.
The cold temperature feels refreshing.
The cinnamon and ginger help create a clean finish.
Many Korean restaurants serve it after meals for exactly this reason.
Sujeonggwa is not just a drink.
It feels like the final course of the meal.
3. The Sweetness Feels Rich and Deep
The sweetness of Sujeonggwa is different from soft drinks or sugary coffee.
Because of ingredients like dried persimmon and brown sugar, the sweetness feels deeper and richer.
Some foreign visitors even compare it to caramel or dalgona.
It is sweet, but not in a simple way.
The flavor has more depth than many modern desserts.
4. It Is Both a Drink and a Dessert
One of the most interesting things about Sujeonggwa is what comes inside it.
Many versions include dried persimmon and pine nuts.
Some visitors think these are only decorations.
They are not.
The dried persimmon becomes soft and sweet after soaking in the drink.
The pine nuts add a pleasant nutty flavor.
After finishing the drink, many people enjoy eating these ingredients as a small dessert.
5. It Matches the Healthy Lifestyle Trend
Many modern travelers look for natural foods and traditional recipes.
Sujeonggwa fits that trend very well.
Its main ingredients are:
Cinnamon
Ginger
Dried persimmon
Pine nuts
Because it is made from traditional ingredients, many visitors see it as a more natural alternative to modern sugary drinks.
Sujeonggwa vs. Sikhye
Many foreign visitors ask the same question.
"What is the difference between Sujeonggwa and Sikhye?"
The answer is simple.
Sikhye is a sweet rice drink.
Sujeonggwa is a cinnamon and ginger drink.
Sikhye is soft and mild.
Sujeonggwa is aromatic and flavorful.
If you enjoy cinnamon, Sujeonggwa will probably be your favorite.
If you prefer lighter flavors, you may enjoy Sikhye more.
The best option?
Try both.
When Do Koreans Drink Sujeonggwa?
Unlike coffee or soda, Sujeonggwa is not usually an everyday drink.
It is often connected to special occasions.
Many Koreans enjoy it during:
Lunar New Year
Chuseok
Family celebrations
Traditional weddings
Korean course meals
Visits to traditional tea houses
For travelers, drinking Sujeonggwa is a simple way to experience Korean food culture beyond the most famous dishes.
How to Enjoy Sujeonggwa Like a Local
If there is one tip I can give KorVibe readers, it is this:
Do not drink Sujeonggwa on an empty stomach.
It is best after a large meal.
It pairs especially well with:
★★★★★ Korean BBQ
★★★★★ Grilled pork ribs
★★★★★ Korean beef
★★★★★ Grilled cutlassfish
★★★★★ Grilled eel
★★★★★ Traditional Korean course meals
★★★★ Korean pancakes
★★★★ Japchae
Drink it slowly.
Then eat the dried persimmon and pine nuts.
That is how many Koreans enjoy it.
Where Can You Try Sujeonggwa in Korea?
The easiest places to find Sujeonggwa include:
In Seoul
Insadong
Bukchon Hanok Village
Samcheong-dong
Ikseon-dong
Outside Seoul
Jeonju Hanok Village
Hwangnidan-gil in Gyeongju
Traditional restaurants in Jeju
You can also buy bottled or canned Sujeonggwa at supermarkets and convenience stores.
However, for your first experience, I recommend trying freshly made Sujeonggwa at a traditional tea house.
The flavor is much richer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sujeonggwa contain alcohol?
No. Sujeonggwa is a non-alcoholic drink.
Can children drink it?
Yes. Korean children often enjoy it as well.
Is it vegan?
Most versions are made from plant-based ingredients, but recipes can vary.
Is it served cold?
Usually yes.
Some places may serve a warm version during winter.
What if I don't like cinnamon?
Because cinnamon is the main flavor, people who strongly dislike cinnamon may not enjoy it.
However, many visitors are surprised by how balanced the flavor feels.
Final Thoughts
Many travelers come to Korea looking for famous foods like Korean BBQ, bulgogi, and bibimbap.
But some of the best food memories come from unexpected discoveries.
Sujeonggwa is one of them.
It is sweet.
It is aromatic.
It is refreshing.
And it provides the perfect ending to a Korean meal.
If you see "Sujeonggwa" on a menu during your trip to Korea, don't skip it.
That one glass might become one of your favorite food memories from Korea.
Source & Notes
This article is based on firsthand dining experiences in Korea, traditional Korean beverage culture, observations from Korean restaurants and tea houses, and common dining experiences shared by both Korean locals and international visitors. Ingredients, sweetness levels, garnishes, and serving styles may vary depending on the region, season, and individual recipe.
