Soju is the most consumed spirit in the world by volume, a distinction it has held for over a decade. It is Korea’s national alcoholic drink, a clear distilled spirit traditionally made from rice (now more commonly from sweet potato, wheat, or tapioca) with an ABV typically between 16 and 25%. It is inexpensive, widely available, and central to Korean social drinking culture.
Quick Answer: Soju: Korea’s national spirit. Clear, mildly sweet, typically 16 to 25% ABV. Sold in small green bottles at convenience stores for 1,500 to 2,000 won. Drunk straight from small glasses in social settings, often alongside food. The most famous brands are Jinro (Chamisul), Lotte’s Chum-Churum, and regional variants. Compare with makgeolli guide for the traditional rice wine alternative.
What Does Soju Taste Like?
Modern commercial soju is clean and relatively neutral, with a mild sweetness and a slight burn. It is not as harsh as vodka at the same ABV because it is diluted to a lower alcohol content and often contains small amounts of sweeteners. The flavour is subtle enough to pair with any food, which is central to its role in Korean dining. Flavoured soju (strawberry, grape, watermelon, peach) is increasingly popular and has a fruit-candy sweetness that masks the alcohol more effectively.
Types of Soju
Diluted Soju (Heuk Jinro / Chamisul)
The dominant modern type. Distilled at high proof, then diluted with water to around 16-25% ABV. Smooth, clean, and consistent. This is the soju sold at every convenience store and restaurant in Korea.
Traditional Distilled Soju
Soju is made by traditional pot distillation from grain or sweet potato, producing a more characterful spirit with regional variation. ABV typically 25 to 45%. More expensive and found at specialist bars and traditional restaurants.
Flavoured Soju
Lower ABV (typically 12-14%) with added fruit flavour. Strawberry, peach, grape, watermelon, and green grape are the most common. Very popular with younger drinkers and visitors. The sweetness and lower alcohol content make them easy to drink.
Major Soju Brands
Jinro (Chamisul)
The world’s best-selling spirit by volume. Produced by Hite Jinro, the distinctive green bottle with the frog logo is ubiquitous. Chamisul Original (25% ABV) and Chamisul Fresh (16.9% ABV) are the two main variants. Chamisul Fresh is lighter and slightly sweeter. The Jinro 1924 Premium version uses traditional distillation methods.
Chum-Churum
Lotte Chilsung’s main competitor is Chamisul. Slightly smoother and marginally sweeter than Chamisul due to different water sourcing. Available at similar price points. Regional preference varies: some areas of Korea strongly favour one brand over the other.
Regional Brands
Each Korean region has its own soju brand: Andong Soju (from Andong, North Gyeongsang, the home of Korea’s most famous traditional distilled soju), Hanol Soju (Gangwon Province), and others. These regional brands often have higher ABV and more distinctive flavours than the national brands.
How Koreans Drink Soju
Pouring Etiquette
In Korean drinking culture, you do not pour your own glass. The person nearest to you pours for you, and you pour for them. Hold the bottle with two hands or with one hand supporting the other arm at the wrist when pouring for elders or superiors. Receive your glass with two hands or with a slight bow of the head. Empty glasses are refilled immediately.
Bomb Shots (Somaek)
Somaek is a mix of soju (so) and maekju (beer), a bomb shot in which a shot glass of soju is dropped into a glass of beer—a very popular combination at Korean bars and restaurants. The ratio varies by preference, but a 3:7 (soju: beer) ratio is common.
With Food
Soju is rarely drunk without anju (drinking food). The combination of samgyeopsal, fried chicken (see the Korean fried chicken guide), or tteokbokki with soju is the standard Korean social meal.
Where to Buy Soju
At every Korean convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart24), for 1,500 to 2,000 won per bottle. At restaurants and bars,s for 4,000 to 8,000 won per bottle, at a duty-free zone for international travel. Soju cannot be purchased at convenience stores between midnight and 6 am in Korea.
Soju vs Makgeolli
Soju is clear and neutral; makgeolli is milky and slightly sweet from the live fermentation. Soju is stronger and more widely consumed. Makgeolli is traditionally served in bowls rather than glasses and pairs particularly well with jeon (Korean pancakes).
Nearby Guides
- makgeolli guide
- Korean BBQ guide
- samgyeopsal guide
- Seoul nightlife guide
- jjimjilbang guide
- Korean food guide
- Korea first-time tips
FAQ
Is soju very strong?
Modern commercial soju is between 16 and 25% ABV, which is stronger than beer and wine but weaker than whisky or vodka. The 16% versions (Chamisul Fresh, most flavoured soju) are relatively mild. Traditional distilled regional sojus can reach 40-45% ABV.
Can I bring soju home from Korea?
Yes, within duty-free limits. Soju is subject to the same liquid restrictions on flights as any alcohol. For checked luggage, duty-free limits apply (usually 1-2 litres, depending on the destination country). The distinctive green bottles are a popular Korean souvenir.
What food goes best with soju?
Korean BBQ (see Korean BBQ guide), samgyeopsal (see samgyeopsal guide), fried chicken, and spicy dishes. The neutral sweetness of soju balances spicy Korean food particularly well.
