Sudan (beverage) facts for kids

Sudan (Hangul: 수단; Hanja: 水團/水𩜵) is a special traditional Korean drink. It's a type of punch made with small, soft balls of boiled grain cake. These little cakes float in sweet water, often flavored with honey.

People in Korea usually enjoy Sudan during the hot summer months. It's a perfect drink for cooling down and quenching your thirst. Long ago, Sudan was also served during important village rites. Farmers would offer food, including Sudan, to pray for a good harvest and blessings for their future.

Sudan is sometimes thought of as a kind of Hwachae. Hwachae is a general name for traditional Korean fruit punches. When Hwachae is made with rice cakes or other grain balls, it is specifically called Sudan.

Types of Sudan: What's in Your Punch?

There are different kinds of Sudan, each with its own special ingredients. These variations make Sudan a versatile and interesting drink. Let's explore some popular types.

Bori-sudan: The Barley Punch

Bori-sudan (보리수단) means "barley punch." This refreshing drink is made with steamed barley. It also includes mung bean starch, which helps give it a unique texture. A special ingredient is omija juice, which comes from a berry and adds a slightly sour and sweet taste.

Tteok-sudan: Rice Cake Delight

Tteok-sudan (떡수단) is known as "rice cake punch." For this version, thin slices of garae-tteok are used. Garae-tteok is a long, tube-shaped rice cake. These rice cake slices are mixed with mung bean starch and sweetened with delicious honey.

Wonso-byeong: Sweet Filled Balls

Wonso-byeong (원소병) is a "rice ball punch." This type of Sudan features small, ball-shaped tteok (rice cakes). What makes them special is that they have yummy fillings inside! These fillings can be minced jujube fruit or sweet citrus jam. The filled balls then float in a sweet, honey-flavored juice.