Korean beauty trends dominate social media for a reason, techniques like double-cleansing and glass skin are basically cultural superstars.
But did you know the Koreans also take their beauty routines seriously from the inside out?
A few traditional and trendy beverages have earned their place in the daily diet, not just because they taste good, but because they’re believed to support ageing gracefully.
Here are five popular Korean drinks that are part of the secret to that dewy, youthful vibe and how to make them part of your routine, too.
1. Green tea (Nokcha)
When it comes to anti-ageing, green tea is your reliable all-rounder. Known in Korea as nokcha, this classic brew is loaded with antioxidants, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) which help neutralize free radicals and protect your skin from damage.
The Korean twist? Instead of super-hot steeping, they go easy, low temps and short steeping times, to preserve nutrients without bitterness.
How to enjoy it: Brew green tea with water around 70–80 °C for 1–2 minutes. Sip it instead of that extra coffee. You’ll feel the calm warmth, and your skin gets the glow-up bonus.
2. Barley tea (Bori cha)
Consider bori cha the Korean version of iced tea – light, roasted, and nutty, filled with anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s also caffeine-free, which means you can sip it anytime, literally all day long.
Due to its antioxidant and fibre content, bori cha supports digestion, which is a big part of slow-ageing because healthy gut = vibrant skin.
How to enjoy it: Steep roasted barley tea in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Chill it and keep it in the fridge. Comes in handy when you want a refreshing yet good-for-you drink.
3. Honey citron tea (Yuja cha)
When winter rolls in or you just feel like a cosy treat, yuja cha is your go-to drink. It’s a mix of thinly sliced yuja (a citrus fruit similar to yuzu) preserved with honey. This spicy-sweet concoction not only tastes amazing, but it’s also packed with vitamin C and anti-inflammatory flavonoids.
It helps brighten skin and support collagen, the protein our skin needs to stay firm and supple.
How to enjoy it: In a mug, mix a spoonful of yuja jam with hot water. Great comfort drink that doubles as an immunity boost.
4. Rice punch (Sikhye)
Don’t be fooled, Koreans know beauty doesn’t just come from external care. Sikhye, a sweet rice punch made by fermenting malted barley and cooked rice, may help your skin too. It’s rich in enzymes and probiotics thanks to fermentation, making it an easy-drinking beauty drink.
It’s naturally hydrating, might support digestion, and leaves a sweet, subtle experience in your mouth.
How to enjoy it: This one’s often bought premade at Korean markets or food halls. It’s best served cold, just drizzle over ice and sip slowly.
5. Green plum tea (Maesil cha)
Finally, let’s talk about maesil cha, a tangy tea made from green Korean plums known as maesil. These plums offer organic acids that help detox, calm inflammation, and add a hint of alkalinity to your system, all of which support better skin health.
Expect it to be sweet-ish but tart, and packed with natural enzymes.
How to enjoy it: Use plum concentrate (maesil cheong) mixed with water – hot or cold. When life gives you lemons, go Korean and choose green plum. Bonus: it’s easy AF to prep at home if you can source the syrup.
Why these work
Antioxidant power: Every drink above has antioxidants in different forms – green tea, barley tea, fruit bioflavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress, a major cause of ageing.
Gut-health support: Many of these drinks include probiotics or fibre that aid digestion. Good gut = better nutrient absorption = healthier skin.
Hydration matters: Clear, plump, glowing skin is always about hydration. These teas are a great (and tastier) way to stay hydrated without overloading on sugars or caffeine.
Vitamin-packed: From C-heavy yuja to plum cheong, these drinks give your skin the building blocks it needs to maintain collagen and fight pigmentation.
How to start your Korean drink glow-up
Pick one you’re curious about, start small.
Sip it daily, replace one drink (like coffee or sugary soda) every morning or afternoon with your new beauty beverage.
Add a glass of water in between, hydration bonus.
Pair with a clean diet and sunscreen, because beauty is a total package – inside and out.
Bonus points if you do it with a friend. Sharing green tea over gossip? Zero calories, max glow.
Cheers to glowing skin
Ageing happens to all of us -cool, natural, normal. But if you want to slow it down a bit and age with grace? Think about what’s inside, not just what you spread on your face. These five Korean drinks bring gentle, tasty, and natural ways to support glowing, healthy skin.
So go ahead – steep green tea, sip sunflower barley refreshers, treat yourself to citrus honey, indulge in fermented charm, and swirl up plum sweetness. Here’s to glowing skin, happy tummies, and a long, beautiful ride through time. And honestly, what’s better than saying “cheers” to your health with a Korean twist?
