By Lee Kyung-min

Instant powdered coffee mixed with sugar and cream is the most popular non-alcohol drink for foreign visitors, data showed Monday.

According to a survey by Cosmojin Tour of 926 foreigners who visited Korea between August and September, instant coffee mix topped the list of favored beverages, with 53 percent of the respondents saying so.

The second most popular drink was sikhye or sweet rice punch (26 percent), followed by Japanese apricot tea (11 percent), yulmucha or Job's tears tea (6 percent), and sujeonggwa or cinnamon and dried persimmon punch (4 percent).

According to the tour agency, a French visitor said the drink was convenient, as all they need is water and a cup, without the need to add milk or sugar.

An American respondent also said the inexpensive but tasty drink was suitable as gifts for friends and family back home.

"While coffee itself is not a traditional Korean drink, foreigners seem to find a small pack containing coffee and the right amount of sugar and powdered milk unique and convenient," a company official said.

"The instant coffee mix may represent the Korean culture of ppali ppali and is common here, but tourists from different cultures may find it new."