What Kind of Milk Do Koreans Drink? A Guide to Korean Dairy

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2019 study, white milk consumption far exceeds flavored milk consumption in Korea, though flavored varieties are iconic. This nuanced reality reveals that the answer to what kind of milk do Koreans drink is more complex than it might seem, encompassing fresh, flavored, and non-dairy options.

Quick Summary

Koreans enjoy a diverse range of milk, including fresh dairy from major brands like Seoul Milk and famous flavored drinks such as Binggrae's banana milk. The market also features a growing variety of non-dairy options to cater to evolving tastes.

Key Points

Flavored Milk is Iconic: Banana milk from Binggrae, launched in 1974, is a cultural symbol and one of Korea's most popular drinks, though fresh milk has higher overall consumption.
Fresh Milk is a Staple: Brands like Seoul Milk, Maeil, and Namyang dominate the market for fresh, plain milk, which is a common daily beverage for many.
Non-Dairy is Growing: Plant-based milk alternatives, including soy, oat, almond, and coconut milk, are becoming widely available, especially in cafes and for health-conscious consumers.
Market is Innovative: Korean dairy companies frequently introduce unique and seasonal flavored milks to appeal to younger consumers and stay ahead of trends.
Cultural Significance: Milk is consumed for different reasons across age groups; for instance, adolescents drink it for height growth, adults as a meal substitute, and the elderly for bone health.

A Rich History of Korean Dairy

Modern milk consumption in Korea began to gain traction with significant government support in the 1960s to boost national nutrition. Initially, plain milk wasn't widely popular with everyone. To address this, dairy companies developed flavored options, leading to the 1974 launch of Binggrae's now-iconic banana milk, which quickly became a national favorite. This success paved the way for a diverse market that continues to innovate with various flavors and milk alternatives.

The Fresh Milk Market: Major Players and Preferences

Despite the fame of flavored varieties, fresh, plain milk remains a significant part of the Korean diet. Several key brands dominate this market, known for their focus on quality.

Top Fresh Milk Brands in Korea

Seoul Milk: Often called the 'national milk,' Seoul Milk is the oldest and largest dairy brand, produced by a farmer cooperative and widely available.
Maeil Dairies: This major player offers a broad selection of dairy products, including fresh and organic milk.
Namyang Dairy Products: Known for brands like 'Good Taste (GT) Milk,' Namyang emphasizes natural flavor in its extensive dairy range.
Yonsei University Dairy: Offering premium milk from exclusive ranches, Yonsei Dairy is noted for its fresh, rich taste.

The World of Flavored Milks

Flavored milks are a vibrant segment of the Korean market, popular among younger consumers and featuring an array of creative and sometimes unique flavors.

Popular Flavored Milk Varieties

Banana Milk: Binggrae's classic remains a top seller.
Strawberry Milk: A beloved sweet and fruity option.
Melon Milk: Binggrae's melon flavor, relaunched in 2014, is likened to melted melon ice cream.
Coffee Milk: Several brands offer coffee-flavored milk, reflecting Korea's strong coffee culture.
Unique Flavors: The market frequently sees innovative flavors such as lychee peach, pumpkin sweet potato, and mint chocolate.

The Rise of Non-Dairy Alternatives

A growing interest in health, veganism, and lactose intolerance has fueled the expansion of the non-dairy milk market in Korea. These plant-based options are increasingly found in various retail locations.

Common Non-Dairy Options

Soy Milk (두유): A traditional and widely available option in plain and flavored varieties.
Oat Milk: Gaining popularity rapidly, particularly in cafes for lattes.
Almond Milk: Brands like Almond Breeze are becoming common.
Coconut Milk: Available, though less common than others, often imported.

Comparison of Korean Milk Options


Milk Type	Key Characteristics	Popularity in Korea	Common Use
Fresh White Milk	Cow's milk, varying fat content. Emphasis on high domestic quality.	Staple for all ages, though consumption is declining among younger generations.	Drinking, cooking, cereal, coffee.
Flavored Milk	Sweetened and flavored cow's milk (e.g., banana, strawberry). Often comes in single-serving packages.	Iconic, nostalgic, and popular, especially with younger generations.	Drinking as a snack or treat, especially after a bath.
Soy Milk	Plant-based, made from soybeans. Available in both plain and flavored varieties.	Widely available and a popular long-standing alternative.	Drinking, especially for those with lactose intolerance or health concerns.
Oat Milk	Plant-based, made from oats. Creamy texture.	Growing rapidly, very popular in modern cafes.	Coffee-based drinks (lattes), drinking, baking.
Almond Milk	Plant-based, made from almonds. Often available in original and unsweetened versions.	Readily available and gaining market share.	Drinking, cereal, coffee, smoothies.

Milk in Modern Korean Culture

Milk holds diverse cultural roles in Korea. Plain milk is valued for nutrition, especially for older adults' bone health, while flavored milks evoke nostalgia and childhood memories. Iconic packaging, like Binggrae's banana milk bottle, is culturally recognized. The rise of cafe culture has also made non-dairy alternatives increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers. The market is dynamic, constantly introducing new flavors and products. Even classic drinks are reinvented, such as the recent trend of banana milk lattes.

For more information on Korean dairy consumption trends, including the impact of demographic shifts, consult the USDA's annual report.

Conclusion

The Korean milk market is a blend of tradition and innovation. From the widely consumed fresh milk to the culturally significant flavored varieties like Binggrae's banana milk and the growing range of non-dairy options, Koreans have a wide array of choices. The market's evolution, influenced by historical policies and consumer trends, continues to shape consumption patterns, offering diverse milk options for various nutritional, nostalgic, and lifestyle preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Binggrae's Banana Flavored Milk is arguably the most iconic and popular flavored milk in Korea, holding a significant place in the country's culture and memory since its launch in 1974.

Yes, fresh, plain milk is a staple in Korea, and white milk consumption is higher than flavored milk, though its consumption is seeing a slight decline among younger demographics.

Milk is readily available everywhere in Korea, including convenience stores (like CU and 7-Eleven), supermarkets, and department stores. Some premium brands also offer home delivery services.

Yes, non-dairy alternatives have become common, especially soy, almond, and oat milk. They can be found in many cafes, convenience stores, and supermarkets, catering to health trends and dietary restrictions.

Besides banana and strawberry, you can find a variety of unique flavored milks, some seasonal or limited edition, including melon, lychee peach, pumpkin sweet potato, and mint chocolate.

Banana milk's popularity stems from a government campaign in the 1970s to promote milk consumption. Binggrae's banana-flavored version made plain milk more appealing and culturally symbolic, with its nostalgic packaging contributing to its long-term success.

Compared to some other countries, milk prices in Korea can be considered relatively high, but local dairy brands emphasize their quality and high standards to justify the cost.