Korean soju is the world’s best-selling spirit — and if you’re visiting Korea, you will encounter Korean soju whether you plan to or not.
This Korean soju guide covers everything foreigners need to know: what Korean soju actually is, how to drink it properly, what to order, and the cultural rules that separate confident drinkers from awkward tourists.
What Is Korean Soju?
Korean soju (소주) is a clear, distilled spirit that has been Korea’s national drink for centuries. Traditional Korean soju was made from rice, but modern commercial Korean soju is typically made from diluted ethanol derived from grains like wheat, barley, or tapioca.
Korean soju typically contains 16–25% alcohol — stronger than beer, weaker than vodka — making it dangerously easy to drink in large quantities.
Korea consumes more Korean soju per capita than any other spirit in the world. In 2023, Jinro — Korea’s most popular Korean soju brand — sold over 900 million bottles globally, making it the world’s best-selling liquor brand for over two decades straight.
Korean soju is not just a drink. It’s a cultural institution.
Before your first Korean soju experience, make sure you’ve read our Korean BBQ Guide — Korean soju and BBQ are the most iconic food pairing in Korea.
Types of Korean Soju: Which One Should You Order?
Not all Korean soju is the same. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find.
Classic Korean Soju (전통 소주)
The standard Korean soju you’ll find everywhere. Served ice cold in green glass bottles. Jinro Chamisul and Lotte Chum-Churum are the two dominant brands. Jinro has a slightly cleaner taste; Chum-Churum is marginally smoother. Both are excellent and nearly identical to the untrained palate.
Price: ₩1,500–₩5,000 per bottle depending on venue ABV: 16–25%
Flavored Korean Soju (과일 소주)
Fruit-flavored Korean soju has exploded in popularity, especially among younger drinkers and international visitors. Available in strawberry, peach, grape, blueberry, grapefruit, and more.
Flavored Korean soju is typically sweeter and lower in alcohol (12–14%) than classic Korean soju, making it more approachable for beginners. Jinro’s peach and strawberry flavors are the most popular worldwide.
Best for: First-time Korean soju drinkers, people who dislike the classic Korean soju taste
Premium Korean Soju (프리미엄 소주)
Andong Soju is Korea’s most famous premium Korean soju — traditionally distilled from rice at 45% ABV. Complex, smooth, and nothing like the commercial version. Available at specialty restaurants and traditional Korean liquor shops.
Price: ₩20,000–₩60,000 per bottle Best for: Serious drinkers who want to experience authentic traditional Korean soju
Makgeolli (막걸리) — Korean Rice Wine
Not technically Korean soju, but worth mentioning in any Korean soju guide. Makgeolli is a milky, lightly fizzy rice wine with 6–8% ABV. Tangy, slightly sweet, and very refreshing. A great alternative if Korean soju feels too strong.
Korean Soju Etiquette: The Rules Every Foreigner Must Know
Korean soju drinking culture is governed by social rules rooted in Confucian values of hierarchy and respect. Breaking these rules won’t get you thrown out, but following them will earn you enormous goodwill from Korean friends and colleagues.
The Golden Rules of Korean Soju Culture
Never pour your own Korean soju. Pouring your own drink is considered selfish and antisocial in Korean drinking culture. Always pour for others first and wait for someone to pour for you. Keep an eye on everyone’s glass — if it’s empty, fill it.
Use two hands when pouring or receiving. When pouring Korean soju for someone older, use both hands on the bottle. When receiving Korean soju from someone older, hold your glass with both hands or support your right arm with your left hand. This signals respect.
Drink when others drink. Korean soju is a communal experience. When someone proposes a toast (건배! geonbae! — “cheers!”), everyone drinks together. Refusing to drink can feel antisocial, though most Koreans are understanding of non-drinkers.
Turn away from elders when drinking. When drinking Korean soju in the presence of someone older or more senior, turn your body slightly to the side and cover your glass with your hand while drinking. This shows respect and humility.
Empty glasses get refilled. In Korean soju culture, an empty glass is an invitation. If someone’s glass is empty and you don’t refill it, it can seem like you’re not paying attention. Stay alert and keep the table happy.
How to Drink Korean Soju: Step by Step
For many foreigners, the first encounter with Korean soju is overwhelming. Here’s exactly what to do.
Step 1 — Wait for the first pour. The most senior person at the table typically pours the first round of Korean soju. Wait for them to pour before pouring yourself.
Step 2 — Toast before drinking. Raise your glass, make eye contact, and say 건배 (geonbae) — “cheers.” Clink glasses with everyone at the table, holding your glass slightly lower than those of older people as a sign of respect.
Step 3 — Shoot or sip. Korean soju is traditionally drunk in one shot, not sipped. That said, sipping is completely acceptable for foreigners and non-drinkers. No one will judge you for taking it slowly.
Step 4 — Chase with food. Korean soju is almost always consumed with food — never alone. The pairing of Korean soju with Korean BBQ, fried chicken, or seafood pancake is central to the experience. Check our Korean BBQ Guide for the best food pairings.
Step 5 — Pour for others. After your shot, look around the table and refill any empty glasses. This is how you show you’re engaged and enjoying the company.
Korean Soju Cocktails and Combinations
Korean soju doesn’t always have to be drunk straight. Here are the most popular Korean soju combinations.
Somaek (소맥) — Korean Soju + Beer
The most popular Korean soju combination by far. Mix Korean soju and beer in a ratio of roughly 3:7. The result is light, refreshing, and dangerously drinkable. Some Koreans have elaborate rituals for mixing somaek — spinning the bottle, tapping the glass — all designed to create the perfect foam ratio.
Soju Bomb
Drop a shot glass of Korean soju into a glass of beer. Similar to a boilermaker. Popular at hof bars (Korean beer halls).
Flavored Korean Soju Cocktails
Mix peach or strawberry Korean soju with sparkling water, lemonade, or Sprite for a light, refreshing cocktail. Popular at restaurants catering to international visitors.
Where to Drink Korean Soju in Seoul
Korean soju is available almost everywhere in Korea — but the setting matters.
Pojangmacha (포장마차) — Street Tents The most atmospheric place to drink Korean soju. These outdoor tent bars serve Korean soju, makgeolli, and Korean street food like tteokbokki and sundae. Found throughout Seoul, especially around Incheon and traditional markets. Check our guide on getting from Incheon Airport to Seoul if you want to explore these areas from the airport.
Hof Bar (호프집) Korea’s version of a beer hall. Serves Korean soju, draft beer, and fried chicken. Loud, fun, and very local. Perfect for a casual Korean soju experience.
Korean BBQ Restaurant Korean soju and Korean BBQ is the classic combination. Most Korean BBQ restaurants have Korean soju prominently on the menu. Order a bottle of Jinro Chamisul with your samgyeopsal and you’ve nailed the most iconic Korean dining experience.
Convenience Store Korean soju is sold at every CU and GS25 convenience store for ₩1,500–₩2,000 per bottle — one of the cheapest places to buy it. Many Koreans drink Korean soju outside on benches near convenience stores, especially in warmer months. Check our Korean Convenience Store Guide for more tips.
How Much Does Korean Soju Cost?
| Venue | Price per bottle |
|---|---|
| Convenience store | ₩1,500–₩2,000 |
| Korean BBQ restaurant | ₩4,000–₩6,000 |
| Hof bar | ₩4,000–₩7,000 |
| Upscale restaurant | ₩8,000–₩15,000 |
| Premium Andong Soju | ₩20,000–₩60,000 |
Korean soju is one of the most affordable drinking experiences in the world. A full night out drinking Korean soju with friends rarely exceeds ₩30,000–₩50,000 per person including food.
Korean Soju Brands Worth Knowing
Jinro Chamisul (진로 참이슬) — The most popular Korean soju brand globally. Clean, smooth taste. The green bottle is iconic.
Lotte Chum-Churum (처음처럼) — Slightly smoother than Jinro due to its alkaline water base. The main competitor to Jinro.
Jinro Strawberry / Peach — The best-selling flavored Korean soju. Perfect entry point for beginners.
Andong Soju (안동소주) — Premium traditional Korean soju at 45% ABV. Not for the faint-hearted.
Hwayo (화요) — Ultra-premium Korean soju made from 100% Korean rice. Available at upscale restaurants and specialty shops.
Final Tips for Your First Korean Soju Experience
Start with flavored Korean soju. Peach or strawberry Korean soju is a much gentler introduction than classic Korean soju. Build up gradually.
Eat while you drink. Korean soju hits harder on an empty stomach. The Korean drinking culture of pairing Korean soju with food exists for a reason.
Know your limit. Korean soju rounds come fast and glasses get refilled constantly. It’s completely acceptable to place your hand over your glass to signal you’re done.
Embrace the culture. The rules around Korean soju might seem intimidating, but Koreans are genuinely warm and forgiving with foreigners. Making an effort to follow the customs — even imperfectly — will be appreciated far more than you expect.
Ready to explore more of Korean food culture? Read our Korean BBQ Guide for the ultimate Korean dining experience.