Why Koreans Love Iced Americano Coffee and the Surprising Health Benefits of Black Coffee

As an avid fan of both Korean pop music (widely known as K-pop) and coffee beverages, I would like to dissect the reasons behind the habit of Korean people choosing Americano over other coffee drinks that are probably more delicious, such as latte, cappuccino or frappucino with flavored syrups.

In South Korea, Americano is the most popular — even in cold winter. The iced Americano isn’t just a coffee. Rather, it has become a cultural icon. From K-pop idols to 9-5 office workers, it seems like everyone in Korea starts their day with a tall, bitter brew — cold, black, and completely unsweetened. 

But is it just a trend, or is there something more behind this national obsession? As it turns out, black coffee, especially in its icy form, comes with a range of health benefits that might make you want to ditch the cream and sugar for good. 

What Is an Americano and Is It Considered Black Coffee? 

Americano is definitely a form of black coffee. Americano is typically made using high-quality espresso coffee beans, diluted with water, resulting in a smooth, unsweetened brew without milk or creamer. Whether served hot or iced, an Americano contains no added calories or fats, making it part of the broader category of black coffee.

Unlike drip coffee or French press methods, which steep ground beans in water, an Americano starts with espresso and adjusts the strength by adding water. The result is a lighter taste than espresso but still stronger and cleaner than most brewed coffees. When served cold, Americano becomes favorite drink for many Koreans as they usually want a refreshing and minimalist caffeine fix.

The Iced Americano Craze in Korean Culture 

As we can see from above image of Jisoo Blackpink holding Iced Americano drink in cold weather of -11°C.

Unlike in many Western countries where creamy lattes and flavored syrups dominate, Koreans overwhelmingly prefer their coffee black and cold. The iced Americano — a simple mix of espresso and cold water — is seen as elegant, calorie-free, and sophisticated.

It’s not just a taste preference. In Korean pop culture, iced Americano has become almost a personality trait. Many K-pop idols, including BTS’s Jungkook, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and IU, have publicly declared their love for the iced coffee drink and drink them for morning coffee routine. Despite harsh winters, Koreans still line up for their icy brew.

The famous nicknames for them are “A-a” (아아), short for “Iced Americano” in Korean slang. Or “Tta-a“ (따아), short for “Hot Americano”. You can get it easily at any nearby coffee house there.

You can find the explanations for the slang words here.

Why Koreans Drink It Without Sugar or Milk

Part of the reason iced Americano is so dominant in Korea lies in cultural values. There’s a strong societal emphasis on staying slim, especially in the entertainment and beauty industries. 

A sugar-free, zero-calorie drink fits perfectly into that ideal. Therefore, out of so many types of coffee, Americano remains a favorite. It is part of a lifestyle that values minimalism, productivity, and health. And if taken in moderation, it might just give you the same focus and energy boost as your favorite K-pop idols.

Additionally, there’s a minimalist aesthetic to the drink — no frills, no fuss, just pure coffee. In many ways, iced Americano reflects Korean culture itself: efficient, intentional, and stylish.

It’s also a status drink in some circles — a symbol of being hardworking, focused, and image-conscious. Holding one in your hand, especially in Seoul’s urban scene, says something about your lifestyle.

Health Benefits of Drinking Black Coffee, including Americano

Other than the cultural trends, black coffee without milk, sugar offers several health benefits when consumed in moderation:

• Boosts metabolism: Black coffee contains caffeine, which can enhance metabolic rate and increase fat burning — especially if consumed before workouts.
• Rich in antioxidants: Coffee is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in a modern diet, helping protect cells from damage.
• Supports brain function: Moderate caffeine intake is linked to improved mood, memory, and mental focus.
• May reduce risk of certain diseases: Studies suggest black coffee drinkers have a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s.
• Lowers calorie intake: With zero added sugar or cream, black coffee is a great low-calorie beverage for those health-conscious and watching their weight.

Things to Watch Out for

While black coffee offers many benefits, it’s not without cautions:

• Acidity: It can cause acid reflux or stomach irritation for sensitive drinkers — especially on an empty stomach.
• Sleep issues: Drinking too late in the day can affect your sleep quality.
• Anxiety trigger: High doses of caffeine may worsen anxiety in some individuals.

So, like all things, iced Americano is best enjoyed in moderation, ideally alongside food and not before your bedtime.

Black coffee, especially the Korean-favorite iced Americano isn’t just a stylish drink. Rather, it is a smart lifestyle choice for many. Blending cultural coolness with genuine health perks, it represents the perfect balance between aesthetic and wellness. They perk you up, give you alertness and helps you to be more productive. Or, at least that is what I told myself whenever I get my coffee!

Whether you’re a K-pop die-hard fan or just coffee-curious, trying an iced Americano might be your next guilt-free habit.

Just make sure you’re drinking it for you, not just because of blindly following your favorite idol’s lifestyle, and see if it fits your needs. 😉

Keywords used: coffee, coffee beans, iced coffee, espresso coffee, black coffee, types of coffee, americano coffee, coffee house, morning coffee, iced americano.

AK 🙂 – JCDMOLL-001