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소주so·ju · Soju
Korea's clear spirit, usually a diluted one, drunk in small glasses with grilled pork or a hot soup.
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것The deal
소주 (so·ju) is the clear spirit on the table. Visit Korea's page on Andong soju (20 February 2025) separates the two kinds. The everyday bottle is a diluted spirit, alcohol distilled from grains such as corn or tapioca and cut with water and flavourings to strength. 안동소주 (an·dong·so·ju) and the other distilled ones start from rice, 누룩 (nu·ruk) and water, come off the still at about 45% and are diluted from there. The page says soju is usually drunk with rich food, 삼겹살 or a hot soup.
More about it
The country drinks less of it each year. Hankyung reported on 3 November 2026 that soju shipments fell 2.8% in 2025 to 793,000 kilolitres and beer 7.2%, and that OB Beer launched 찰랑 (chal·lang), a 15% zero-sugar soju, in late September through about 3,000 restaurants and bars.
The manners are older than the brands. Korea.net's summary of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea entry on drinking (29 January 2014) lists them: receive a cup with both hands, empty it and hand it back; one hand only between people less than five years apart in age; the younger drinker waits for the elder to finish, then drinks with the head turned aside and a hand over the cup. Even a non-drinker takes a sip when offered.
하는 법How to
Order by the bottle. To pour, Korea.net's page says: bottle in the right hand, left hand holding back the right sleeve so nothing touches the food. Refills of water and side dishes are free and the call button on the table brings the next bottle (Visit Korea, About Korean Food).
말Lines
Say this
소주 한 병 주세요.
A bottle of soju, please.
You will hear
참이슬이요, 진로요?
Chamisul or Jinro?
독자People
After reading this, you are
출처Receipts
4 Receipts
- Andong Soju: The Premium Soju Representing Korea, Visit Korea (Korea Tourism Organization), Feb 20, 2025Open
- "소주도 맥주도 안 산다?"…술자리 확 바꿀 '신상' 나왔다, Hankyung (한국경제), Nov 3, 2026Open
- Alcohol in Korean Life [8]: Sul and Manners, Korea.net (Korean Culture and Information Service), from Intangible Cultural Heritage of Korea, Jan 29, 2014Open
- About Korean Food, Visit Korea (Korea Tourism Organization), Apr 3, 2023Open
Last checked Nov 4, 2026.
이어지는 것들Leads to
먹을것 Food and drink · 맛소맥SomaekSoju poured into beer and drunk straight away. The word is the first syllable of 소주 and the first of 맥주.오늘 올라옴 up today
먹을것 Food and drink · 맛막걸리MakgeolliCloudy rice wine, lightly fizzy, about 4 to 6%. The name means freshly filtered.오늘 올라옴 up today말 Words · 말건배GeonbaeCheers, said with the glass raised. The characters mean dry the cup.오늘 올라옴 up today
먹을것 Food and drink · 맛삼겹살SamgyeopsalPork belly, grilled on the table and eaten in a lettuce leaf. The name means three layers.오늘 올라옴 up today장소 Places · 화면포장마차스테디 Steadypo·jang·ma·chaA tent on the pavement with plastic stools, soju and something hot. Every drama has a scene in one.브랜드·매장 Brands and shops · 맛편의점pyeon·ui·jeomA convenience store. In Korea it has a ramyeon cooker, a hot-water tap and a seat by the window.말 Words · 말이모ImoYour mother's sister, and the word customers use for the woman serving them at a restaurant.오늘 올라옴 up today
먹을것 Food and drink · 맛쭈꾸미JjukkumiSmall webfoot octopus, stir-fried in a fiery red sauce or dipped in broth. Spring is the season, when they are full of roe.오늘 올라옴 up today
먹을것 Food and drink · 맛곱창GopchangBeef or pork intestines grilled at the table, with rice fried in the pan to finish. A night-out food with soju.오늘 올라옴 up today
먹을것 Food and drink · 맛족발JokbalPig's trotters braised in soy sauce and ginger, sliced, eaten with salted shrimp. A late-night order with soju.오늘 올라옴 up today
먹을것 Food and drink · 맛감자탕GamjatangPork backbone stewed with potato and ground perilla seed in a red broth. A pot for the table, or a bowl the morning after.오늘 올라옴 up today
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