If you’ve ever watched a K-drama and found yourself weirdly invested in the tiny green bottles the characters are always raising while shouting “짠 (Jjan)!”? then you’ve got a pulse! You’re officially Soju-curious now. ☺️ This guide is just for you: someone who doesn’t live in Korea, but loves a good drink and is even a little obsessed with Korean culture.
So, grab a glass (or a paper cup if you’re keeping it authentic), because we’re diving into Korea’s beloved spirit — with memes, cultural tips, and real advice on where you can actually buy soju in the UK (hint: not just in K-BBQ joints).
What Is Soju, Really?
First things first – soju is basically Korea’s national spirit. It’s like vodka’s chiller cousin that somehow manages to be both smoother AND more dangerous. My Korean friend Minho calls it “the social lubricant of an entire nation,” which honestly explains a lot about those emotional K-drama drinking scenes.
Traditional stuff was made from rice, but these days they throw in sweet potatoes, barley, whatever’s cheap. It’s typically around 12-17% alcohol, which is why your first bottle goes down easy and your third makes you text your ex. (Just me? Cool.)
Fun fact that blew my mind: It has been ranked first for two consecutive years as the ‘world’s best-selling spirit’ by Drinks International, a British liquor magazine – it’s still pretty cheap, thank god.
The Soju Social Contract 👩🏫
I first tried soju on the roof of my house with my friends, when I was just a kid and my parents weren’t home (no judgement, we’ve all had a drink or two before we were adults!). I didn’t know what it tasted like, but I kept drinking it anyway.
And of course, I got a little bit tipsy, and my friends and I were dancing and singing along with the soju, feeling like we were flying. We were immediately caught by my parents, but it was all in good fun.
That’s when my parents kindly told me that I should learn to drink from an adult. The next day, with a lingering hangover, I formally learned to drink with my parents, even though I was underage. Soju is such an important part of Korean culture, and it’s something I’ll always remember.
So there’s this whole CULTURE around drinking soju that I’ve pieced together from Korean friends, YouTube, and embarrassing myself at K-BBQ spots:
1️⃣The Pour: Never pour your own. Ever. Let someone pour for you, then return the favor. Hold the bottle with two hands when pouring for someone older/important. (I got scolded for messing this up at my boyfriend’s family dinner. MORTIFYING.)
2️⃣The Toast: When someone yells “짠!” (sounds like “jjan!”), clink glasses and drink. Don’t make eye contact unless you want to seem creepy or flirty.
3️⃣The Twist: Look away when drinking with elders. My friend’s grandmother nearly had a fit when I didn’t do this. Something about respect? I now turn my head so hard I practically face backward.
How to drink Soju & Culture: “혼술,” “짠,” and the Almighty “소맥
Before we get into how to drink soju, let’s talk why people love it. Drinking soju in Korea is rarely about just catching a buzz. It’s a social ritual, a comfort, a bonding experience.
- 혼술 (Honsul): Drinking alone — not as sad as it sounds. Think: one-man show, healing vibes, and reflection with a bottle of Green Grape soju.
- 짠 (Jjan!): Korean equivalent of “cheers!” but with more emotion. Say it with gusto.
- 소맥 (Somaek): Soju + beer = dangerous genius. You layer a shot of soju into a glass of Korean lager. Optional but highly encouraged: making the foam swirl with a chopstick like a mad scientist.
After extensive “research” (drinking), I’ve found these Korean soju moves are genuinely brilliant:
Somaek = soju + beer. Korean magic potion. Drop a shot in your beer, stir with chopsticks until it foams, then down it before the bubbles disappear. Tastes better than it should.
Yogurt Soju = Yakult + soju. Sounds disgusting, tastes like a boozy melted ice lolly. Dangerously good. The little probiotic yogurt drinks mask EVERYTHING.
Frozen Bottle Trick: Stick flavored soju (peach is my go-to) in the freezer for exactly 2 hours. Take it out, shake hard, open carefully. You get this amazing slushy texture that makes you forget you’re basically drinking alcoholic antifreeze.
Soju Cocktails: Koreans are mixing soju with everything from Yakult (yes, the probiotic drink) to tonic water, even cola. It’s BYO adventure.
Classic Soju & Trendy Soju Brands
🧊 Traditional Legends
Chamisul (참이슬) – HiteJinro
- Alcohol Content: 16.5% (Original), 17.2% (Fresh), ~12-13% (Flavored)
- Region: Seoul (Nationwide)
Chamisul is Korea’s best-selling soju brand, If Korea had a national bottle, it’d be Chamisul. Super smooth, easy to find, and everyone’s go-to.
The “Fresh” version is clean and crisp (filtered through bamboo charcoal), while “Original” has a bit more bite.
You’ll also see fruity versions like peach and strawberry. Great for first-timers or anyone craving the classic K-drama experience.
Chum Churum (처음처럼) – Lotte
- Alcohol Content: 16.5% (Original), ~12% (Flavored)
- Region: Gang-wondo & National
Translates to “Like the First Time,” and it really is a soft, easy first drink. Made with alkaline water, it goes down smoother than you’d expect from something with vodka-level vibes.
Slightly sweeter than Chamisul. If you want something gentle and beginner-friendly, this is your bottle.
Saero (새로) – Lotte
- ABV: 16.9%
- Region: Mokpo, Jeollanam-do
Saero is an awesome new brand. The name itself means “new” and it has a clean, Gen Z-friendly brand identity. It’s a little stronger than the original, but it’s still as smooth as ever.
The fruitiness is lovely and subtle, with hints of apricot. Imagine you’re picking from all the indie brands out there, and you’re after something a bit different from all the usual bottled beers.
Good Day (좋은데이) – Muhak
- ABV: 16.9% (Original), ~12% (Flavored)
- Region: Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do
This one’s all about the flavours, and I just know you’re going to love them! We’ve got grape, lychee, peach, grapefruit… you name it! You know it’s super popular for a reason, right? It tastes like adult juice with a kick!
The original version is light and easy, but let’s be honest — people love Good Day for the fruity ones, and I totally get that!
C1 Soju (씨원소주) – Daesun
- ABV: 16.9%
- Region: Busan
C1 is Busan’s pride and joy! It’s fresh, bold, and made with oxygen-infused water (sounds fancy, right?).
It has a lovely, clean taste that’s slightly stronger. If you find yourself enjoying a drink in Korea’s second city, there’s a good chance this is what you’ll be handed.
Hallasan (한라산) – Hallasan Distillery
- ABV: 17% (Light), 21% (Original)
- Region: Jeju Island
Made with volcanic water from Jeju’s Hallasan Mountain, this one feels premium, doesn’t it? It’s as smooth as silk, but it’s got a bit of a kick to it too, especially in the 21% version.
No fruity distractions here, just clean, powerful soju with island vibes. It’s the perfect way to relax and show off your soju skills.
So, if you ever find yourself in Korea, you’ll be thrilled to know that pretty much every restaurant there has both of these brands Chamisul and Chum Churum, and you can order soju according to your taste.
Even when you’re with friends, if you don’t have the same taste, it’s OK to order Chamisul separately. My personal favourite is Hallasan, which comes in both high and low alcohol versions, so you can always find the perfect drink for you, depending on how you feel that day.
Region & Strength: Not All Soju Is Created Equal
Did you know soju’s alcohol content can vary wildly? While most mainstream bottles clock in at 12-17%, traditional regional varieties (like Andong Soju) can hit a throat-burning 45%.
- Seoul/Modern Style: Lower ABV, smooth, mass-produced.
- Regional/Craft Style: Higher ABV, artisanal vibes, best sipped not slammed.
✨ Trendy Soju 2025
- Won Soju (원소주): Celebrity-backed, craft-distilled, and stylish. Think of it as the Korean Casamigos. Popular with Gen Z, available in limited editions.
- Ildo Soju (일도소주): Made with 100% rice and zero additives. Clean, minimalist branding — and yes, very Instagrammable.
Soju Brand Comparison Table
| Distillery | Flagship Soju Brand | ABV | Taste Profile | Main Ingredients | Based In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HiteJinro | Chamisul (참이슬) | 16.5–17.2% | Clean, dry, classic | Water, neutral spirits, rice | Seoul / Nationwide | Korea’s No.1 selling soju |
| Lotte Liquor | Chum Churum (처음처럼) | 16.5% | Soft, slightly sweet | Rice, potato, neutral spirits | Gang-wondo/ Nationwide | Uses alkaline water for smooth finish |
| Muhak | Good Day (좋은데이) | 16.9% | Fruity, sweet, easy to drink | Potato, neutral spirits | Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do | Famous for fruity flavors, youth-favorite |
| Boryung Brewery | Won Soju (원소주) | 22% | Premium, crisp, deeper flavor | 100% Korean rice | Seoul (craft distillery) | Celebrity-backed, upscale distilled soju |
| Daesun Distilling | C1 / Daesun Soju(씨원 소주) | 16.9% | Refreshing, slightly fizzy feel | Neutral spirits | Busan | Regional pride, iconic in the south |
| Hallasan Soju | Hallasan (한라산) | 16.9% / 21% | Smooth, clean, slightly crisp | Pure Jeju water, neutral spirits | Jeju Island | Both low- and high-proof versions |
💡 Quick Notes for UK Drinkers:
- Lower ABV (12–14%) versions are trending in Korea now — so look for “light” labels if you want a gentler buzz.
- Brands like Good Day, Chum Churum, and Chamisul also come in fruit flavors like peach, grape, and apple.
- Won Soju is the “craft gin” of soju: pricier, minimal branding, and sippable neat.
- Hallasan is Jeju’s pride — smooth, volcanic-island vibes in a bottle.
- You can find many of these online in the UK at H Mart UK, Amazon UK, or specialty K-food stores.
Where to Buy Soju in the UK (No Restaurant Required!)
Here’s where to snag a bottle or two online:
- H Mart UK – The K-food mega mart. They stock everything from Chamisul to fruity Good Day sojus.
- Amazon UK – Good for basics, but selection varies.
Don’t bother with Tesco or Sainsbury’s – their “Asian section” doesn’t go beyond soy sauce and instant ramen.
A Quick Word on Anju — Korean Drinking Snacks
No one drinks soju on an empty stomach — that’s just asking for regret. Enter 안주 (anju) — food that pairs perfectly with booze.
Tteokbokki(떡볶이): Spicy rice cakes to match the fire in your throat.
Fried Chicken (양념치킨): Crispy, sweet, and spicy. Your liver might hate you but your taste buds will love you.
Kimchi Pancakes (김치전): Salty, chewy, and glorious.
Odengtang(오뎅탕): Fish cake soup, you can eat it spicy or not
Samgyeopsal (삼겹살): Grilled pork belly , Meaty, smoky, and a total crowd-pleaser
Budae Jjigae (부대찌개): A spicy “army stew” made with spam, sausage, ramen, and cheese.
Want to impress your Korean friends? Say: “Soju without anju is like tea without biscuits.” (It’s not a real saying… yet.)
Soju FAQ — You Asked, We Drank
1. What is soju made of?
Traditionally rice, but modern brands also use sweet potato, wheat, or barley.
2. What does soju taste like?
Neutral with a slightly sweet finish. Some say it’s like watered-down vodka, but nicer.
3. Is soju stronger than vodka?
Not usually. Most soju is around 12-17% ABV, while vodka is 40%. But don’t let the numbers fool you.
4. Can you mix soju with anything?
Absolutely! Try beer (for somaek), soda, fruit juice, or Yakult.
5. Is soju gluten free?
Usually yes — especially if it’s made from rice or sweet potato. But always check the label, because some cheaper brands may use wheat-based alcohol.
6. How much alcohol is in soju?
It ranges from 12% to 25%, depending on the brand. Most flavored sojus are around 12%, while traditional ones like Andong Soju can go up to 45%. So… tread carefully.
Final words of soju wisdom
- NEVER drink it without food. The Koreans call drinking snacks “anju” for a reason. Get some fried chicken, spam & cheese, or those little fish cake things.
- The hangover is REAL. Something about how it’s made leaves you feeling like death if you overdo it. Drink water between bottles or hate yourself tomorrow.
- The flavored ones are just as strong as the regular ones, despite tasting like juice. I learned this the hard way at a work dinner. My boss still brings it up.
So there you have it – everything I’ve learned from my slightly concerning soju journey. If you see me in a Korean restaurant twisting bottle caps with my elbow (it’s a whole thing, look it up), come say hi. First round’s on me.
P.S. If anyone asks where you learned all this, just say “my Korean friend.” Works every time.
A Pinch of Korea 
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