Alcohol
막걸리 Makgeolli
A cloudy, milky-white rice wine low in alcohol, usually shaken before pouring and often drunk with Korean pancakes.
Spice: Not spicy
Sul (alcohol)
소주 Soju
A clear Korean distilled liquor, poured into small shot glasses and drunk with food, often shared at the table.
- Soju
- Spice: Not spicy
At a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Main ingredients | Distilled alcohol (from grains or starchy crops such as sweet potato), water |
| How it's served | Usually a chilled green bottle, with a small shot glass for each person at the table |
| Spice level | Not spicy — No chili heat. |
| Ask about | Flavored soju varies by brand; check the label on the bottle. |
| On the menu | 소주 (Soju) |
| Also called | Korean soju · Korean distilled liquor |
| Region | Nationwide |
Based on the usual recipe. Restaurants vary, so always tell the staff.
How to drink Soju
Pour for each other
Fill other people's glasses rather than your own, and let them fill yours. When someone older pours for you, hold your glass with both hands.
Toast the first glass
The table often raises the first glass together with a toast, geonbae (cheers). With someone older, it is often polite to turn your head aside as you drink.
Eat anju between glasses
Soju is usually drunk alongside a meal or drinking food (anju), such as grilled pork belly or a hot stew.
How to order it
Order it as 소주. It comes by the bottle, and one person can order a bottle, though it is usually shared at the table.
- On the menu: 소주
- Usually sold: 1 bottle
Where it comes from
Soju came to Korea through Mongol troops in the reign of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo. Andong, Gaeseong and Jeju, where the troops were stationed, became known for it. At first it was drunk as medicine or by kings and scholar-officials. When grain was banned for soju in 1965, soju made by diluting distilled alcohol became the common type.
Sources: Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (encykorea.aks.ac.kr)
Similar dishes
Questions about Soju
What is the difference between soju and vodka?
Strength and taste. Most soju has less alcohol than vodka and tastes slightly sweet. It is usually drunk with food.
Can you drink soju by yourself?
Yes. Adults can order a bottle by themselves, though it is usually shared at the table.
What do you eat with soju?
Grilled meat and stews, most often. Samgyeopsal, the grilled pork belly, is a common partner, and many drinking foods (anju) are eaten with it.
- By Jason Kim (Bumsoo)
- Last reviewed October 10, 2026