Soju | Korea Food Guide

01 — Overview

Quick Summary

Soju is Korea's most popular spirit. It is clean, smooth and pairs perfectly with any Korean food and occasion.

Key takeaways

Soju (소주) is a clear distilled spirit that originated in Korea.
Most soju is 16.5%–20.1% alcohol by volume.
Best enjoyed chilled, poured for others first, with a toast of “건배!” (Geonbae!).
Regular soju costs ₩1,500–₩2,000; premium soju ₩2,500–₩5,000.

02 — Full Guide

The Complete Guide

What Is Soju?

Soju (소주) is a clear distilled spirit that originated in Korea. It is typically made from rice, barley, sweet potato or tapioca and is known for its clean taste and smooth finish. “Soju” literally means “burned alcohol” in Korean.

Korea's most loved spirit
Light and clean taste
Perfect with Korean food
Affordable and widely available

Popular Soju Brands

Chamisul (참이슬) is the best-selling soju brand in the world.

Chamisul (참이슬) — fresh & smooth
Jinro (진로) — classic original
Chum Churum (처음처럼) — soft & clean
Good Day (좋은데이) — fruit flavored
Saero (새로) — zero sugar soju

Alcohol Content

Most soju has an alcohol content between 16.5% and 20.1%. Lower percentage soju is smoother and easier to drink.

16.5% — low-alcohol soju (lighter taste)
17–18% — regular soju (most common)
19.5–20.1% — stronger soju (fuller flavor)

How to Drink Soju

Soju is a social drink, and the way it is served matters as much as the taste.

Pour soju for others first, not for yourself.
Hold the glass with two hands when receiving.
Make eye contact and say “건배!” (Geonbae!) when toasting.
Drink in one shot, or sip slowly.
Enjoy with good food and good company.

Perfect With

Soju pairs with almost every Korean dish.

Samgyeopsal (grilled pork) — rich pork belly and soju are a perfect match
Spicy dishes — soju cools down the heat
Korean fried chicken — a classic combo
Jeon (Korean pancake) — light and savory

Soju Cocktails

Soju Highball — soju with soda or tonic water
Soju Lemonade — sweet and refreshing
Yakult Soju — smooth and sweet
Fruit Soju — flavored soju for a fruity twist

Where to Buy

Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) — mostly available 24/7
Supermarkets — wide variety and often on discount
Restaurants & bars — available at almost every Korean restaurant
Duty free shops — great for limited edition flavors

Tips for Enjoying Soju

Chill it — soju tastes best cold.
Try different flavors like green grape, peach, plum or grapefruit.
Don't mix beer and soju too fast — take your time.
Drink responsibly and know your limits.

Prices & Nutrition

Prices may vary by location and store.

Regular soju ₩1,500–₩2,000
Flavored soju ₩1,600–₩2,200
Premium soju ₩2,500–₩5,000
Per 100ml: 103 kcal, 0.1g carbohydrates, 0g sugar, 0g fat, 0g protein

Fun Facts & Did You Know

Soju is the most consumed alcohol in Korea.
Koreans drink over 3 billion bottles of soju every year.
Soju was first introduced to Korea in the 13th century.
Modern soju is much smoother and lower in alcohol than in the past.

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