Chojeong Sparkling Water: Korea’s Badoit?
It’s not every day you stumble across a naturally carbonated spring.
In France, there’s Badoit. In Italy, San Pellegrino. These are more than just mineral waters — they’re bottled expressions of terroir, tradition, and time. And in Korea, there’s Chojeong.
Tucked away in the countryside of Cheongju, Chojeong is home to a spring that has bubbled for centuries. The name itself — Chojeong, or “spicy well” — refers to the tingly sharpness of the water that rises from underground limestone layers, already infused with natural carbonation. This isn’t a recent discovery. Back in 1444, King Sejong, Korea’s most revered monarch, spent 120 days here drinking this water in hopes of healing his eyes. The spring is now a cultural site, and the story still flows. But while the legacy runs deep, what makes Chojeong interesting today is its edge.
Compared to the softer fizz of European staples, Chojeong Sparkling Water offers a punchier experience. The carbonation is sharper, more electric. Although the spring itself is naturally carbonated, a bit of CO₂ is added during bottling — not unlike Badoit — to ensure consistency and preserve the distinct texture. If San Pellegrino is velvet, Chojeong is denim: raw, crisp, and unapologetically bold. And that boldness? It’s what makes it shine as a mixer. Whether you’re building a highball or stirring up a gin and soda, Chojeong’s strong bubbles don’t disappear halfway through. They stay lively, giving your drink structure and length. Try it with your favorite whisky, or just a wedge of lemon — and you might forget your usual tonic.
You might not find Chojeong Sparkling Water at every convenience store — but it’s easily available online. On Coupang, for instance, you’ll find it in sleek, modern cans, often sold in multi-packs perfect for chilling or mixing. And here’s a timely twist: the current can design features the Tottenham Hotspur squad, thanks to a brand sponsorship. In a moment no one saw coming, Spurs just won the Europa League — their first major trophy in over a decade, and the first of Son Heung-min’s career. For Korean fans, it’s more than a drink. It’s a small, sparkling symbol of pride — sitting right there in your fridge.
Chojeong Sparkling Water may come from a centuries-old well, but it’s finding new life on today’s tables. Not just as a health drink, but as a lifestyle ingredient. A mixer. A conversation piece. A moment in a can. So next time you twist one open and hear that crisp pssshhh, take a second. You’re not just opening a drink. You’re tasting a place — and maybe a little history — that still bubbles up.
