'Iced' Drinks Popular Even in Subzero Weather
Active Sharing of 'Eoljuka' Memes on SNS
Foreign Media Also Focus on Korea's 'Eoljuka Love'
As the season enters winter and the severe subzero cold continues, a cafe owner has posted a supportive message for customers who visit the store for 'Eoljuka (Ice Americano no matter how cold)' drinks, drawing attention.
A cafe owner posted a message of support for customers who prefer Eoljuka (iced Americano no matter what), drawing attention. [Photo by Online Community]
On the 30th, a post titled "Eoljuka everyone, you must not break down" was uploaded on social networking services (SNS) and online communities, attracting much interest from netizens.
The post included a photo of a paper posted in a cafe store with the phrase "Eoljuka everyone, you must not break down" and a 4-panel comic depicting 'Eoljuka' customers. 'Eoljuka' is a newly coined term derived from the phrase "Ice Americano no matter how cold," referring to Koreans who prefer iced Americanos even in severe cold weather.
A customer named A, who visited the cafe, said, "I don't know if this is an Ice Americano support item, but they also gave me snacks," and verified the snacks received as a bonus when ordering an Ice Americano at the cafe.
Netizens who saw the photo responded with comments such as "Indeed, Eoljuka is the future," "Eoljuka members, don't break down and keep your loyalty," and "Let's not even go near hot Americanos."
A meme of 'Eoljuka (Ice Americano even if frozen to death)' posted on SNS. [Photo by online community]
As the cold wave intensifies, various memes supporting Eoljuka members are actively shared on SNS.
One netizen shared related content titled "Eoljuka Association amendments due to the cold wave," which included the statement, "When the temperature is below minus 10 degrees Celsius and there is a life-threatening situation, ordering a hot Americano is allowed," adding, "But in the end, it still results in an Ice Americano," which brought laughter.
Koreans seek Ice Americano even in the cold... Foreign media also take notice
Comedian Hong Hyun-hee's certification photo of "Eoljuka (Iced Americano even if frozen to death)." [Photo by Hong Hyun-hee Instagram]
Meanwhile, according to Starbucks, the proportion of iced beverage sales in Korea has steadily increased, accounting for 3 out of 4 drinks sold. This represents 77% of the total sales.
Even in January, when the cold is at its peak, iced beverages accounted for 57%, exceeding half, and in February, the proportion rose to 64%. During the summer months of June to August, iced beverage sales dominated with a share of 87-89%.
Koreans' love for Eoljuka has already attracted foreign media attention. Earlier this year, major foreign media reported, "Koreans drink 'Ice Americano' even in the bitter cold of winter," describing this phenomenon with the word 'Eoljukah.'
They further explained it as "a new Korean proverb meaning that one does not give up Ice Americano even if it means freezing to death."
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