View source for Soju

{{Short description|Distilled alcoholic beverage from Korea}}
{{for|other topics with similar names|燒酒 (disambiguation)}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox beverage
| name         = {{lang|ko-Latn|Soju}}
| image        = Soju.jpg
| caption      = Pouring {{lang|ko-Latn|soju}} into a {{lang|ko-Latn|soju}} glass
| type         = [[Distilled beverage|Spirit]]
| abv          = 
| proof        = 
| manufacturer = 
| distributor  = 
| origin       = [[Goryeo]], now [[Korea]]

| introduced   = 
| discontinued = 
| color        = Clear
| flavor       = 
| ingredients  = Distilled [[ethanol]], sweeteners, flavorings
| variants     = 
| related      = {{lang|zh-Latn|[[baijiu]]}}, {{lang|ja-Latn|[[shōchū]]}}
| website      =
| region       = [[Kaesong|Gaegyeong]]
| module       = {{Infobox Korean name/auto
|child=yes
|hangul=소주
|hanja=燒酒
}}
}}
 
'''Soju'''<!-- Do not italicize; it has become a word in English, per [[MOS:KO#English words of Korean origin]] --> (English pronunciation: {{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|oʊ|dʒ|uː}}; {{Korean|hangul=소주}}) is a clear and colorless distilled [[alcoholic beverage]] from [[Korea]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/soju|title=soju|website=[[Oxford Dictionary of English]]|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]]|access-date=14 April 2017|archive-date=May 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517231405/https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/soju|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="MW">{{Cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soju|title=soju|website=[[Merriam-Webster Dictionary]]|publisher=[[Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.|Encyclopædia Britannica]]|access-date=22 November 2014|archive-date=July 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705150907/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soju|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2013/dec/02/soju-popular-beverage-world-south-korea|title=Soju: the most popular beverage in the world|last=Miller|first=Norman|date=2 December 2013|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=13 April 2017}}</ref> traditionally made from rice, but later from other grains and has a flavor similar to [[vodka]].<ref name="wolinski">{{cite web | last=Wolinski | first=Cat | title=The Differences Between Soju, Shochu, and Sake, Explained | website=VinePair | date=29 August 2018 | url=https://vinepair.com/articles/soju-shochu-sake-difference/}}</ref> It is usually consumed [[neat (bartending)|neat]]. Its alcohol content varies from about 12.5% to 53% [[alcohol by volume]] (ABV). Since 2007 low alcohol soju (below 20%) has become the most common type.<ref name="Park">{{Cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2997481|title=Koreans looking for weaker soju|last=Park|first=Eun-jee|date=19 November 2014|website=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=14 April 2017|archive-date=April 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414081835/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2997481|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hall">{{Cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2014/10/17/soju-makers-aim-to-turn-fire-water-into-liquid-gold/|title=Soju Makers Aim to Turn Fire Water Into Liquid Gold|last=Hall|first=Joshua|date=17 October 2014|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=24 December 2014|archive-date=April 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415011526/https://blogs.wsj.com/korearealtime/2014/10/17/soju-makers-aim-to-turn-fire-water-into-liquid-gold/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-soju "How to Party With Soju, Korea's Most Iconic Spirit"] From Bonappetit</ref>

Traditionally, most brands of {{lang|ko-Latn|soju}} are produced in the [[Andong]] region of South Korea, but also in other regions and countries. While {{lang|ko-Latn|soju}} was traditionally made from rice, South Korean [[ethanol]] producers replace rice with other [[starch]], such as [[cassava]] due to significantly lower capital costs. Soju often appears similar to several other [[East Asia]]n liquors while differing in alcohol contents.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wolinski |first1=Cat |title=The Differences Between Soju, Shochu, and Sake, Explained |url=https://vinepair.com/articles/soju-shochu-sake-difference/ |website=VinePair |access-date=30 March 2022 |date=29 August 2018 |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324063237/https://vinepair.com/articles/soju-shochu-sake-difference/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
''Soju'' ({{Korean|hangul=소주|hanja=燒酒|labels=no}}) means "burned [[liquor]]", with the first syllable, ''so'' ({{lang|ko|소}}; [[:wikt:燒|燒]]; "burn"), referring to the heat of [[distillation]] and the second syllable, ''ju'' ({{lang|ko|주}}; [[:wikt:酒|酒]]), meaning "alcoholic drink".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://stdweb2.korean.go.kr/search/View.jsp?idx=195847|title=Soju|website=[[Standard Korean Language Dictionary]]|publisher=[[National Institute of Korean Language]]|language=ko|script-title=ko:소주|access-date=14 April 2017|archive-date=April 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415011618/http://stdweb2.korean.go.kr/search/View.jsp?idx=195847|url-status=dead}}</ref> Etymological dictionaries record that China's shaozhou (shāojiǔ, 烧酒), Japan's shochu (shōchū, 焼酎), and Korea's soju (soju, 燒酒) have the same etymology.<ref>{{Cite news|last=허|first=시명|date=August 13, 2019|script-title=ko:일제 강점기의 베스트셀러 술이 남긴 것|work=[[OhmyNews]]|url=http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/Series/series_premium_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0002561830|access-date=May 23, 2021|archive-date=May 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523131945/http://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/Series/series_premium_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0002561830|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=March 2025}} In 2008, "soju" was included in the [[Merriam-Webster Dictionary]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://gawker.com/5022982/merriam-websters-new-dictionary-words-for-2008|title=Merriam-Webster's new dictionary words for 2008|last=Boutin|first=Paul|date=8 July 2008|work=[[Gawker]]|access-date=22 November 2014|archive-date=September 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910000824/http://gawker.com/5022982/merriam-websters-new-dictionary-words-for-2008|url-status=live}}</ref> Merriam-Webster dated the word's appearance in the American English lexicon to 1951.<ref name="MW" /> In 2016, the word was included in the [[Oxford Dictionary of English]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://public.oed.com/the-oed-today/recent-updates-to-the-oed/june-2016-update/new-words-list-june-2016/|title=New words list June 2016|website=[[Oxford English Dictionary]]|access-date=14 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414082403/http://public.oed.com/the-oed-today/recent-updates-to-the-oed/june-2016-update/new-words-list-june-2016/|archive-date=14 April 2017}} *{{cite web |author=Jonathan Dent |title=New words notes June 2016 |url=http://public.oed.com/the-oed-today/recent-updates-to-the-oed/june-2016-update/new-words-notes-june-2016/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629184023/http://public.oed.com/the-oed-today/recent-updates-to-the-oed/june-2016-update/new-words-notes-june-2016/ |archive-date=2016-06-29 |website=[[Oxford English Dictionary]]}}</ref>

Another name for soju is ''noju'' ({{Korean|hangul=노주|hanja=露酒|labels=no}}; "[[dew]] liquor"), with its first syllable, ''no/ro'' ({{lang|ko|노}}/{{lang|ko|로}}; [[wikt:露#Korean|露]]; "dew"), likening the droplets of the collected alcohol during the [[Distillation|distilling]] process to dewdrops.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://stdweb2.korean.go.kr/search/View.jsp?idx=68412|title=noju|website=[[Standard Korean Language Dictionary]]|publisher=[[National Institute of Korean Language]]|language=ko|script-title=ko:노주|access-date=14 April 2017|archive-date=April 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414163531/http://stdweb2.korean.go.kr/search/View.jsp?idx=68412|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wzJ7_WcLJSwC&pg=PA118|title=Korean Cuisine: An Illustrated History|last=Pettid|first=Michael J.|publisher=[[Reaktion Books]]|year=2008|isbn=978-1-86189-348-2|location=London|pages=118|access-date=October 3, 2020|archive-date=April 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424043424/https://books.google.com/books?id=wzJ7_WcLJSwC&pg=PA118|url-status=live}}</ref> Some soju brand names include ''iseul'' ({{lang|ko|이슬}}), the native-Korean word for "dew", or ''no/ro'' ({{Korean|hangul=로|hanja=露|labels=no}}), the [[Sino-Korean vocabulary|Sino-Korean word]] for "dew".

Soju is sometimes mistakenly referred to as ''[[Cheongju (beverage)|cheongju]]'' ({{Korean|hangul=청주|labels=no}}), a Korean [[rice wine]]. Mass-produced soju is also mistaken for Chinese ''[[baijiu]]'', a grain liquor, and ''[[shōchū]]'', a Japanese liquor.

== History and production ==
{{Further|Andong soju#Brewing}}
[[File:Korea-Dae Jang Geum Theme Park-47.jpg|thumb|''[[Gamasot|Sot]]'' (cauldron), ''soju gori'' (distilling appliance), and different ''hangari'' (earthenware pots) for making traditional soju]]
[[File:안동소주 호리병(andongsoju).jpg|thumb|Famous artisan Park Jae-seo's ''[[Andong soju]]'']]

The origin of soju dates back to 13th-century [[Goryeo]]. The [[Yuan dynasty|Yuan]] [[Mongol Empire|Mongols]] acquired the technique of distilling ''[[Arak (drink)|arak]]'' from the Persians during [[Mongol invasions of the Levant|their invasions of the Levant]], [[Mongol invasions of Anatolia|Anatolia]], and [[Mongol conquest of Khwarezmia|Persia]], and in turn introduced it to the Korean Peninsula during the [[Mongol invasions of Korea]] (1231–1259).<ref name="Cho">{{Cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2632291|title=Moving beyond the green blur: a history of soju|last=Cho|first=Ines|date=20 October 2005|website=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=14 April 2017|archive-date=June 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622154807/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2632291|url-status=live}}</ref> Distilleries were set up around the city of [[Kaesong|Gaegyeong]], the then-capital (current [[Kaesong]]). In the areas surrounding [[Kaesong]], soju is still called ''arak-ju'' ({{lang|ko|아락주}}).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.doopedia.co.kr/doopedia/master/master.do?_method=view&MAS_IDX=101013000881916|title=Soju|website=[[Doopedia]]|publisher=[[Doosan Corporation]]|script-title=ko:소주|access-date=7 December 2008|archive-date=December 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201225111713/https://www.doopedia.co.kr/doopedia/master/master.do?_method=view&MAS_IDX=101013000881916|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Andong soju|Andong]]'' [[Andong soju|soju]], the direct root of modern South Korean soju varieties, started as the home-brewed liquor developed in the city of [[Andong]], where the Yuan Mongols' logistics base was located during this era.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=9bdUAwAAQBAJ|title=Jeonjaengi yorihan eumsigui yeoksa|last=도|first=현신|publisher=Sidae Books|year=2011|isbn=978-89-5940-200-7|location=Seoul|pages=213–224|script-title=ko:전쟁이 요리한 음식의 역사|access-date=April 14, 2017|archive-date=June 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627105939/https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=9bdUAwAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}</ref>

Soju is traditionally made by distilling alcohol from [[Fermentation|fermented]] rice.<ref>{{Cite book|url=http://www.davincimap.co.kr/davBase/Source/davSource.jsp?Job=Body&SourID=SOUR002198|title=Eumsik dimibang|last=Jang|first=Gyehyang|year=1670|location=Andong, Joseon Korea|language=ko|script-title=ko:음식디미방|trans-title=Guidebook of Homemade Food and Drinks|quote={{Script/Korean|말을 셰여 장 닉게 글힌 믈 두 말애 가 거든 누록 닷 되 섯거 녀헛다가 닐웨 지내거든 고 믈 두 사발을 몬져 힌 후에 술 세 사발을 그 믈에 부어 고로고로 저으라. 불이 셩면 술이 만이 나 긔운이 구무 가온드로 나 고 불이 면 술이 듯듯고 블이 듕면 노여 긋디 아니면 마시 심히 덜고 우희 믈을 로 라 이 법을 일치 아니면 온 술이 세 병 나니라}}|access-date=April 14, 2017|archive-date=January 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190112092814/http://www.davincimap.co.kr/davBase/Source/davSource.jsp?Job=Body&SourID=SOUR002198|url-status=live}}</ref> The rice wine for distilled soju is usually fermented for about 15 days, and the [[distillation]] process involves boiling the filtered, mature rice wine in a ''[[gamasot|sot]]'' ([[cauldron]]) topped with ''soju gori'' (a two-story distilling appliance with a pipe). In the 1920s, over 3,200 soju breweries existed throughout the Korean Peninsula.<ref name="Schwartzman">{{Cite news|url=https://asiancorrespondent.com/2009/03/90-years-of-soju/|title=90 Years of Soju|last=Schwartzman|first=Nathan|date=25 March 2009|work=[[Asian Correspondent]]|access-date=14 April 2017|archive-date=9 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709154220/https://asiancorrespondent.com/2009/03/90-years-of-soju/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Soju was traditionally a beverage distilled from rice with 35% ABV until 1965, when diluted soju with 30% ABV made from other fermented substances appeared with South Korean government's prohibition of the traditional distillation of soju from rice, in order to alleviate rice shortages.<ref name="Hall"/><ref name="Schwartzman"/> Soju was then made from [[ethanol]] distilled to 95% ABV from sweet potatoes and [[tapioca]], which was mixed with flavorings, sweeteners, and water.<ref name="Cho"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://thestory.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/08/29/2016082900988.html|script-title=ko:증류식 소주 vs. 희석식 소주의 차이|last=Chosun.com Infographics Team|date=29 August 2016|work=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|access-date=13 September 2016|language=ko|trans-title=Differences between distilled vs. diluted soju|archive-date=September 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928021643/http://thestory.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/08/29/2016082900988.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The end products are marketed under a variety of soju brand names. A single supplier (Korea Ethanol Supplies Company) sells ethanol to all soju producers in South Korea. Until the late 1980s, [[saccharin]] was the most popular sweetener used by the industry, but it has since been replaced by [[stevioside]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://thestory.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/08/22/2016082202743.html|script-title=ko:이슬과 땀의 술, 소주 한잔 하실래요?|last=Chosun.com Infographics Team|date=22 August 2016|work=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]|access-date=13 September 2016|language=ko|trans-title=Liquor of dew and sweat: What about a glass of soju?|archive-date=October 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017042435/http://thestory.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/08/22/2016082202743.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The use of other grains and starches led different sojus to have different aroma and flavor.<ref name="wolinski"/>

During the 1970s, the national government of South Korea started to monopolize the soju industries. By the 1970s there were about 300 domestic soju companies. In 1973, the South Korean government began to consolidate various local soju producers. Each province was designated one soju producer per regional market. Each producer was to create a brand of soju that represented its region. By the end of the consolidation, a producer existed for each of the provinces.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-10-20 |title=Moving beyond the green blur: a history of soju |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2005/10/20/features/Moving-beyond-the-green-blur-a-history-of-soju/2632291.html |access-date=2023-10-09 |website=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]] |language=en |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012123950/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2005/10/20/features/Moving-beyond-the-green-blur-a-history-of-soju/2632291.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The government then passed two policies. The first was a mandatory local soju purchase policy. The policy required each provincial alcohol [[Wholesaling|wholesaler]] to purchase more than 50 percent of their soju from within their own [[Provinces of Korea|province]]. The second was the input allocation policy. This policy gave the government the responsibility to administer [[Ethanol|ethanol spirit]], the main ingredient in soju. Each soju company was designated an amount based on their national [[market share]] in the previous year. These policies were created with the intention of protecting local firms and discouraging excessive competition.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Park |first=Hyunhee |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/soju/3EF7E42B451030430E966B2E0EF24B5C |title=Soju: A Global History |date=2021 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-108-84201-3 |series=Asian Connections |location=Cambridge |access-date=January 29, 2022 |archive-date=January 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129052648/https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/soju/3EF7E42B451030430E966B2E0EF24B5C |url-status=live}}</ref>

This decision by the government advanced the efficient control of tax revenue. As a result of this consolidation, a few companies began to dominate the market.<ref name=":0">Son, Jungmin & Kim, Jikyung (Jeanne) & Choi, Jeonghye & Kim, Mingyung, 2017. "Linking online niche sales to offline brand conditions," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 74-84. https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/jbrese/v70y2017icp74-84.html</ref> {{As of|2023|10|post=,}} one firm, [[HiteJinro]], accounts for almost half of the market while 4 smaller companies accounts for another 40 percent.<ref>{{Citation |title=ON GLOBALIZATION, CONVERGENCE, AND DIVERSITY |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt7scd0.14 |work=The Limits of Convergence |pages=213–234 |access-date=2023-10-05 |publisher=Princeton University Press|doi=10.2307/j.ctt7scd0.14|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

Due to the protection by the government's policies, local firms took the majority of market share in their regional markets. In the 1980s and 1990s, there was a [[Free trade|trade liberalization]] trend which led the South Korean government to begin [[Deregulation|deregulating]] the soju industry. The government lifted its restrictions on new [[Liquor license|licenses for alcohol distribution]] in January 1991. It also lifted restrictions on soju production in March 1993. Various restrictions on the production of soju were also removed or weakened. The government also abolished the mandatory local soju purchase policy in January 1992.

Between 1993 and 1995, HiteJinro's market share in regional markets outside its own increased and local companies saw a steady decline. As a result of this loss in market share, local soju companies lobbied to reintroduce the protection policies that had been removed. In response, the [[National Assembly (South Korea)|National Assembly of South Korea]] reintroduced the mandatory local soju purchase policy in October 1995. However, the case was challenged and the case was eventually decided by the [[Supreme Court of Korea]] that the policy was unconstitutional and abolished it in December 1996.<ref name=":0"/>

Soju alcohol content has trended downward from the 1970s onward. The [[Alcohol by volume|ABV]] of 30% fell to 25% by 1973, and 23% by 1998.<ref name="Schwartzman"/> Currently, soju with less than 17% ABV are widely available.<ref name="Park"/> In 2017, a typical {{convert|375|ml|adj=mid|sp=us}} bottle of diluted soju retails at [[South Korean won|₩]]1,700 (approximately [[Geary–Khamis dollar|$]]{{International dollars|1700|KOR}}) in supermarkets and convenience stores, and for [[South Korean won|₩]]4,000–5,000 (approximately [[Geary–Khamis dollar|$]]{{International dollars|4000|KOR}}–{{International dollars|5000|KOR}}) in restaurants.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://hankookilbo.com/v/aecd6a4ed9a1421bbff536d974f8d0da|script-title=ko:소주 한 병 1,700원…편의점ㆍ대형마트, 다음주부터 맥주·소줏값 인상|last=권|first=영은|date=5 January 2017|work=[[Hankook Ilbo]]|access-date=14 April 2017|language=ko|archive-date=April 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415011435/http://hankookilbo.com/v/aecd6a4ed9a1421bbff536d974f8d0da|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201701122116005&code=990100|script-title=ko:[박찬일 셰프의 맛있는 미학]소주 5000원 시대|last=박|first=찬일|date=12 January 2017|work=[[Kyunghyang Shinmun]]|access-date=14 April 2017|language=ko|archive-date=June 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615220500/http://news.khan.co.kr/kh_news/khan_art_view.html?artid=201701122116005&code=990100|url-status=live}}</ref>

Several regions have resumed distilling soju from grains since 1999. Traditional hand-crafted ''[[Andong soju]]'' has about 45% ABV. Hwayo ({{lang|ko|화요}}) is a brand with five different mixes constituting an ABV range from 17% to 53%.<ref name="Hall"/> In 2019, [[HiteJinro|''Jinro soju'']] was the largest selling branded [[Liquor|spirit]] in the world.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.liquor.com/articles/korean-soju/|title=Why You Should Be Drinking Korean Soju Right Now|last=Archibald|first=Anna|date=27 August 2015|work=Liquor.com|access-date=14 December 2015|archive-date=April 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414081318/http://www.liquor.com/articles/korean-soju/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Fruit soju|Fruit ''sojus'']] have been produced since 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-03 |title=Exports of Lotte's flavored soju reach 41.9 bil. won over past 6 years |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2023/06/419_333844.html |access-date= |website=[[The Korea Times]] |language=en |archive-date=June 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620214745/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2023/06/419_333844.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Soju is a [[Specialty food|specialty]] in [[North Korea]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Fischer |first=Paul |title=A Kim Jong-Il production: the extraordinary true story of a kidnapped filmmaker, his star actress, and a young dictator's rise to power |date=2015 |publisher=Flatiron Books |isbn=978-1-250-05426-5 |edition=1st |location=New York |pages=2–3 |quote=They drank cognac, champagne, soju (rice liquor), and other North Korean specialties such as ginseng wine, with the roots still twisting inside the bottle, and snake liquor, a thick, venomous asp infusing in each jar of grain alcohol.}}</ref>

== Etiquette==
{{Main|Drinking culture of Korea#Alcohol drinking etiquette}}

The most important rule in Korean drinking etiquette is that the youngest person in the group pours the drinks for their elders. It applies not only to age but also to the hierarchy within a company. When pouring alcohol, both hands should be used to pour. When receiving alcohol, both hands should also be used to hold the glass. It is considered rude to pour oneself a drink.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Berdin|first=Kamilla|date=2018-07-14|title=Drink Like a Korean: Alcohol Etiquette in South Korea|url=https://booksandbao.com/drink-korean-alcohol-etiquette-korea/|access-date=2020-10-19|website=Books and Bao|language=en|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109005423/https://booksandbao.com/drink-korean-alcohol-etiquette-korea/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Bottles and recycling ==
[[File:Soju assortiment in fridge door.jpg|thumb|Bottles of different soju brands.]]
Soju is a popular Korean alcoholic beverage, with over 917 million liters being sold in Korea.<ref>{{Citation |last=Kim |first=Tae Wan |title=Chapter 5 - Korean soju |date=2022-01-01 |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128220764000176 |work=Whisky and Other Spirits (Third Edition) |pages=63–74 |editor-last=Russell |editor-first=Inge |access-date=2023-11-30 |publisher=Academic Press |doi=10.1016/b978-0-12-822076-4.00017-6 |isbn=978-0-12-822076-4 |editor2-last=Stewart |editor2-first=Graham G. |editor3-last=Kellershohn |editor3-first=Julie|url-access=subscription }}</ref> In 1994 Doosan Beverage started using green 360ml bottles to associate Soju with being clean and fresh; being a great success, other brands started using the same bottles.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2022-05-28 |title=[WHY] A look through green-tinted glasses at Korea's soju obsession |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/05/28/why/korea-soju-drink/20220528082411808.html |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]] |language=en}}</ref>

In 2009 seven soju companies made a voluntary agreement to start manufacturing soju in the same sized green bottle with the same design, these bottles can then be sold back to and reused by soju manufacturers.<ref name=":1" /> While the program was voluntary, it was beneficial to the companies producing soju by saving 88&nbsp;won per bottle.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |script-title=ko:빈용기보증금 제도개선의 효과 분석 |url=http://www.kci.go.kr/kciportal/landing/article.kci?arti_id=ART002541268 |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=www.kci.go.kr}}</ref> While this simple idea allowed multiple companies to recycle the same bottle, increasing their savings while benefiting the environment, consumer participation needed to be improved. In 2015 South Korea revised an act that promoted recycling and it was found that the return of soju bottles increased significantly. The system was further improved in 2016, and the deposit was increased in 2017; in 2018 the recovery rate of soju bottles was 97.2% compared to 87.9% in 2015.<ref name=":2" />

The return of recyclable materials is driven by South Korea's Beverage Container Deposit System. This system imposes a deposit on recyclable containers that is included in the sale price and refunded upon return.<ref>{{Cite web |title=KECO |url=https://www.keco.or.kr/en |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=www.keco.or.kr |language=en}}</ref> South Korea is recognized as a leading country when it comes to recycling, with Yale's Center for Environmental Law and Policy ranking South Korea as number one with an environmental performance index score of 67.1/100.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Recycling {{!}} Environmental Performance Index |url=https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/component/rec |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=epi.yale.edu|date=May 26, 2022 }}</ref> South Korea attributes their success to volume-based fees for waste management. With this system households purchase government-issued trash bags while recyclables are separated and collected for free.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Park |first=Seejeen |date=2018-04-01 |title=Factors influencing the recycling rate under the volume-based waste fee system in South Korea |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956053X18300084 |journal=Waste Management |volume=74 |pages=43–51 |doi=10.1016/j.wasman.2018.01.008 |pmid=29352634 |bibcode=2018WaMan..74...43P |issn=0956-053X|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Local governments set the price of these bags based on volume and are adjusted to reflect the cost of the waste management process.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Two Decades in Effect: Volume-Based Waste Fee System in South Korea {{!}} Green Policy Platform |url=https://www.greenpolicyplatform.org/national-documents/two-decades-effect-volume-based-waste-fee-system-south-korea#:~:text=The%20VBWF%20system%20is%20a,amounts%20of%20garbage%20they%20generate. |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=www.greenpolicyplatform.org}}</ref>

Some companies started producing different colored bottles in 2019. According to the Korea Times, Soju manufacturing companies [[HiteJinro|Hite]] and Muhak introduced non-standard bottles. This created a dispute between companies with claims that sorting out non standard bottles was costly. This has resulted in a new agreement where companies can trade non-standard bottles for the standard green ones with each other.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-30 |title=How do soju bottles with different colors get recycled? |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2023/12/281_295169.html |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=[[The Korea Times]] |language=en}}</ref>

== Soju outside Korea ==
===China===
There are a number of soju brands directly outside the [[Korean Peninsula]] for the [[Koreans in China|ethnic Korean]] population, and most use rice as the foundation since the price is significantly cheaper than in South Korea. Soju from South Korea, from firms like Jinro,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://drinksdaily.com/2009/11/jinro-brings-new-soju-brand-to-china/ | title=Jinro Brings New Soju Brand To China | work=Drinks Daily | access-date=December 14, 2015 | archive-date=December 9, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209025913/http://drinksdaily.com/2009/11/jinro-brings-new-soju-brand-to-china/ | url-status=dead}}</ref> is also imported.

===Canada===
Liquors in Canada are subject to regulations that vary from province to province.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-s-weird-liquor-laws-1.1004724 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917193102/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-s-weird-liquor-laws-1.1004724 | archive-date=2013-09-17 | title=Canada's weird liquor laws - Canada - CBC News}}</ref> In Ontario, the provincially run [[Liquor Control Board of Ontario]] (LCBO) sells soju, but not all [[LCBO]] locations carry it. However, since the LCBO introduced online ordering in 2016, soju can be ordered for home delivery anywhere in the province.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ontario Newsroom {{!}} Salle de presse de l'Ontario|url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/41225/ontario-launches-online-shopping-through-lcbocom|access-date=2020-10-28|website=news.ontario.ca|language=en|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031025343/https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/41225/ontario-launches-online-shopping-through-lcbocom|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-lcbo-online-ordering-1.3695271 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726200756/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-lcbo-online-ordering-1.3695271 | archive-date=2016-07-26 | title=LCBO launches online sales of beer, wine, cider, spirits - Toronto - CBC News}}</ref>

===United States===
The liquor licensing laws in the states of [[California]] and [[New York (state)|New York]] specifically exempt the sale of soju of up to 25% alcohol from regulation relating to the sale of other distilled spirits, allowing businesses with a beer/wine license to sell it without requiring the more expensive license required for other distilled spirits.<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-27-wk-club27-story.html Soju Goes Where Vodka Cannot Tread], ''Los Angeles Times'', June 27, 2002. (Accessed February 2011)</ref> The soju must contain less than 25% alcohol, and be clearly labeled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kusoju.com/faq.html|title=Ku Soju is under construction|website=www.kusoju.com|access-date=August 11, 2011|archive-date=August 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821024901/http://www.kusoju.com/faq.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

This has led to the appearance in the United States of many soju-based equivalents of traditional Western mixed drinks normally based on vodka or similar spirits, such as the soju [[Martini (cocktail)|martini]] and the soju [[Cosmopolitan (cocktail)|cosmopolitan]]. Another consequence is that the manufacturers of similar distilled spirits from other parts of Asia, such as Japanese [[shōchū]], have begun to re-label their products as soju for sale in those regions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sake-world.com/html/shochu-awamori.html|title=What is Sochu?|work=Sake World Homepage|access-date=November 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626213524/http://www.sake-world.com/html/shochu-awamori.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 26, 2012}}</ref>

Jinro's American division partnered with Korean pop star [[PSY]] to promote soju in the U.S., and in 2013 partnered with the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] to sell soju at its games.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Dreisbach | first1=Tom | url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/09/22/224522548/move-over-vodka-korean-sojus-taking-a-shot-at-america | title=Move Over Vodka; Korean Soju's Taking A Shot At America | website=NPR.org | date=September 22, 2013 | publisher=NPR | access-date=December 14, 2015 | archive-date=December 10, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210060432/http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/09/22/224522548/move-over-vodka-korean-sojus-taking-a-shot-at-america | url-status=live}}</ref>

==Brands==
[[File:Korean drink-Soju-01.jpg|thumb|225px|A bottle of ''[[Chamisul]]'' ({{Korean|hangul=참이슬|labels=no}}) soju]]

[[Jinro]] is the largest manufacturer of soju, accounting for half of all white spirits sold in South Korea.<ref name="CNN">{{cite web | url=http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/drink/soju-most-sold-drink-world-930177/ | title=It's official: Jinro soju is the world's best-selling liquor | publisher=Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. | access-date=December 15, 2015 | archive-date=April 17, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417014149/http://travel.cnn.com/seoul/drink/soju-most-sold-drink-world-930177/ | url-status=live}}</ref> Soju accounts for 97% of the category. Global sales in 2013 were 750 million bottles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.thewhiskyexchange.com/2015/05/jinro-soju-the-world-leader/|title=Jinro Soju – the world leader|date=20 May 2015|publisher=The Whiskey Exchange|access-date=December 14, 2015|archive-date=December 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222110009/https://blog.thewhiskyexchange.com/2015/05/jinro-soju-the-world-leader/|url-status=live}}</ref> The most popular variety of soju is currently [[Chamisul]]<ref name="CNN" /> (참이슬 - literally meaning "real dew"),{{Citation needed|date=August 2008}} a quadruple-filtered soju produced by Jinro, but recently ''Cheoeum-Cheoreom'' (처음처럼, lit. "like the first time") of Lotte Chilsung ({{Korean|hangul=롯데칠성|labels=no}}) and Good Day ({{Korean|hangul=좋은데이|labels=no}}) of Muhak ({{Korean|hangul=무학|labels=no}}) are increasing their [[market share]]. However, the popularity of brands varies by region. In [[Busan]], Shiwon Soju (시원 소주-"refreshing soju") is the local and most popular brand. Yipseju (잎새주 - "Leaf Soju"/"Maple Soju") is popular in the [[South Jeolla Province]] region.<ref name="Pop">{{cite web | url=http://www.soompi.com/2015/06/01/the-most-popular-soju-by-region-in-south-korea/ | title=The Most Popular Soju by Region in South Korea | date=June 2015 | publisher=Viki Inc. | access-date=December 14, 2015 | archive-date=August 3, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803073210/http://www.soompi.com/2015/06/01/the-most-popular-soju-by-region-in-south-korea/ | url-status=live}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=March 2025}} The [[Daegu]] Metropolitan Area has its own soju manufacturer, Kumbokju, with the popular brand Cham ({{Korean|hangul=참|labels=no}}).<ref>{{cite web|url-status=dead |url=http://etrade.daegu.go.kr/co/kumbokju/GC02333375/CA02333376/Charm_Soju.html|title=Charm Soju|work=EtradeDaegu|access-date=November 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129044725/http://etrade.daegu.go.kr/co/kumbokju/GC02333375/CA02333376/Charm_Soju.html |archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> Further north in the same province, Andong Soju is one of Korea's few remaining traditionally distilled brands of soju.<ref>{{cite web |last=Dunbar |first=Jon|date=2011-10-26|url-status=dead|url=http://www.hansik.org/zh/restaurant/recommendRestaurantView.do?currentPage=2&fboardId=1064 |title=Andong Soju Traditional Food Museum - Review|access-date=2011-11-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402111713/http://www.hansik.org/zh/restaurant/recommendRestaurantView.do?currentPage=2&fboardId=1064 |archive-date=2012-04-02}}</ref> On the Special Self-Governing Province of [[Jeju Province]], Hallasan Soju is the most common brand, being named after the island's main mountain [[Mt. Halla]].<ref name="Pop" /> Also, there is pureun-bam<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.mk.co.kr/newsRead.php?year=2017&no=463498|script-title=ko:신세계, 제주소주 브랜드명은 '푸른밤'…소주 사업 본격화|last=방 |first=영덕|website=[[Maeil Business Newspaper]]|date=July 11, 2017|language=ko|access-date=2019-03-15|archive-date=April 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424043425/https://www.mk.co.kr/news/business/7895103|url-status=live}}</ref> (푸른 밤/meaning: blue night) made by Jeju-soju.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jeju-soju.co.kr/|script-title=ko:제주소주|website=제주소주|language=ko|access-date=2019-03-15|archive-date=December 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212001430/https://jeju-soju.co.kr/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In [[South Gyeongsang Province]] and [[Ulsan]], the most popular is Good Day ({{Korean|hangul=좋은데이|labels=no}}), produced by Muhak in [[Changwon]].<ref name="Pop" /> However, as soon as one crosses the border from [[Ulsan]] north to [[Gyeongju]] in [[North Gyeongsang Province]], it is almost impossible to buy White Soju, and the most popular brands are [[Jinro|Chamisul]] and Cham. Since 2015, the new trends of soju include fruit soju and sparkling soju, which have become increasingly popular in Korea, especially for young people.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.newspim.com/news/view/20160322000201|title=the sparkling soju and fruit soju are new trends|last=kang|first=pilsung|date=2016-03-22|work=|access-date=|via=|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040153/http://www.newspim.com/news/view/20160322000201|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-10-31|script-title=ko:[재계 3.0시대 (10)주류업계] 트렌드 주도하는 주류업계 2·3세들|url=https://news.joins.com/article/18975390|access-date=2021-04-16|website=[[JoongAng Ilbo]]|language=ko|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416094703/https://news.joins.com/article/18975390|url-status=live}}</ref> Sae-ro, a sugar-free soju, is also popular among young people.<ref>{{Cite web  |date=2024-05-12 |script-title=ko:연매출 1000억…제로 슈거 소주 트렌드 이끄는 롯데칠성 '새로' |url=https://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2024051210351287383 |access-date=2024-09-13 |website=[[Money Today]] |language=ko}}</ref>
[[File:TokkiSojuGoldLabel.png|thumb|A bottle of Tokki Soju Gold at their estate bar in Seoul, Tokki Bar]]
New American producers are entering the market. Some, like [[Tokki Soju]] and West 32 Soju, with initial market penetration in major markets like New York, are finding critical success. Tokki Soju won double gold for their barrel-aged soju, Tokki Soju Gold, in the San Francisco Spirits Competition 2021 and 2022. West 32 Soju won a gold medal at the 2017 New York International Spirits Competition.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://west32soju.com/|title=Home|work=West 32 Soju|access-date=2017-04-25|language=en-US|archive-date=April 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426020100/http://west32soju.com/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nyispiritscompetition.com/2017-winners/|title=2017 Winners – New York International Spirits Competition|website=nyispiritscompetition.com|language=en-US|access-date=2017-05-22|archive-date=June 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617141438/https://nyispiritscompetition.com/2017-winners/|url-status=live}}</ref> Minhwa Spirits, located in Doraville, Georgia, is a Korean-American craft distillery and brewery known for producing artisanal soju and makgeolli using traditional ingredients and methods.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minhwa Spirits is reshaping the narrative around Korean alcohol |url=https://www.atlantamagazine.com/drinks/the-owners-of-minhwa-spirits-want-to-reshape-the-narrative-around-korean-alcohol/ |website=Atlanta Magazine |date=2024-04-22 |access-date=2025-08-11}}</ref> Their flagship Yong Soju (40 % ABV) won Double Gold at the 2024 and Best in class at 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition<ref>{{cite web |title=2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Results |url=https://thetastingalliance.com/results/?events=145073 |website=San Francisco World Spirits Competition |access-date=2025-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Results |url=https://thetastingalliance.com/results/?events=6370 |website=San Francisco World Spirits Competition |access-date=2025-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2025 Top Shelf Awards Gala Winners Announced |url=https://thetastingalliance.com/posts/celebrating-excellence-2025-top-shelf-awards-gala-winners-announced |website=San Francisco World Spirits Competition |access-date=2025-08-11}}</ref> and was named Soju of the Year at the 2024 USA Spirits Ratings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yong Soju 2024 Soju Of The Year |url=https://usaspiritsratings.com/en/videos/medal-winners/yong-soju-2024-soju-of-the-year-61.htm |website=USA Spirits Ratings |access-date=2025-08-11}}</ref>

A new all natural soju distilled in Germany called ISAE is also entering the premium soju market. It is distilled according to the German Purity Law ([[Reinheitsgebot|the Reinheitsgebot]]) for grain spirits of 1789 and uses 100% regional winter wheat and organic rice.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://isaesoju.com/|title=ISAE all natural Soju|work=Isae Soju by Kyopo spirits|access-date=2018-07-26|language=en-US|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726201753/https://www.isaesoju.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Recently, soju has been produced for the younger generation. It mainly contains fruit flavor and produces and sells soju with low frequency.<ref>{{Cite web |script-title=ko:진격의 K과일소주…주류 수출 30% 육박 |url=https://news.nate.com/view/20240919n31818 |access-date=2024-09-20 |website=[[Nate News]] |language=ko}}</ref>

==Consumption==
[[File:Hard liquor consumption.svg|thumb|right|On average, South Koreans drink the most hard liquor of any nationality.]]

Although [[beer]], [[Whisky|whiskey]], and [[wine]] have been gaining popularity in recent years, soju remains one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in Korea because of its ready availability and relatively low price. More than 3 billion bottles were consumed in South Korea in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200501/200501300012.html |title=Cigarette Sales Surge to Historic High |work=[[The Chosun Ilbo]] |access-date=June 29, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017104535/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200501/200501300012.html |archive-date=October 17, 2007}}</ref> In 2006, it was estimated that the average adult Korean (older than 20) had consumed 90 bottles of soju during that year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Let's Have a Soju Tonight |url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/culturenlife/culturenlife_newworlds_detail.htm |publisher=[[KBS (Korea)|KBS World]] |access-date=January 1, 2008 |archive-date=March 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100309062915/http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/culturenlife/culturenlife_newworlds_detail.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2014, it was reported that South Koreans of drinking age consumed an average of 13.7 shots of spirit per week, the highest per capita consumption of alcoholic spirits of any country.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://qz.com/171191/south-koreans-drink-twice-as-much-liquor-as-russians-and-more-than-four-times-as-much-as-americans/ | title=South Koreans drink twice as much liquor as Russians and more than four times as much as Americans | date=2 February 2014 | publisher=Quartz | access-date=December 14, 2015 | archive-date=February 8, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140208074557/http://qz.com/171191/south-koreans-drink-twice-as-much-liquor-as-russians-and-more-than-four-times-as-much-as-americans/ | url-status=live}}</ref> However, due to the lower concentration of alcohol in soju compared to other hard spirits<ref name="Park" /> and the lack of an international standard for the volume of a shot, this does not necessarily imply a larger consumption of alcohol from hard spirits.{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}}

===Cocktails===
[[File:Soju Cola.jpg|thumb|A "soju cola" prepared by floating soju on top of [[cola]] with the aid of a napkin]]

While soju is traditionally consumed [[Straight (bartending)|straight]], a few cocktails and mixed drinks use soju as a base spirit. Beer and soju can be mixed to create ''[[somaek]]'' ({{Korean|hangul=소맥|labels=no}}), a [[portmanteau]] of the words soju and maekju (맥주  beer).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://drinkpirate.com/soju-and-beer-cocktail-somaek/ | title=Korea's favorite soju and beer cocktail – how to make somaek | work=Drink Pirate | date=15 August 2021 | access-date=September 30, 2021 | archive-date=September 30, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930192042/https://drinkpirate.com/soju-and-beer-cocktail-somaek/ | url-status=live | last1=Dean | first1=Tim }}</ref> Flavored soju is also available. It is also popular to blend fruits with soju and to drink it in "slushy" form.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.allkpop.com/buzz/2014/06/slushie-soju-a-new-way-for-koreans-the-1-alcoholic-consumers-in-the-world-to-enjoy-their-favorite-beverage | title=Slushie Soju, a new way for Koreans (the #1 alcoholic beverage consumers) in the world to enjoy their favorite beverage | publisher=6Theory Media, LLC | access-date=December 14, 2015 | archive-date=December 22, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222123452/http://www.allkpop.com/buzz/2014/06/slushie-soju-a-new-way-for-koreans-the-1-alcoholic-consumers-in-the-world-to-enjoy-their-favorite-beverage | url-status=live}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=March 2025}} Another very popular flavored soju is yogurt soju ({{Korean|hangul=요구르트 소주|labels=no}}), which is a combination of soju, yogurt, and lemon lime soda.<ref>{{cite web |title=koreataste.org |url=http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/blogging-en/drinking-in-korea/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620170744/http://www.koreataste.org/lang/en/en/blogging-en/drinking-in-korea/ |archive-date=2012-06-20}}</ref>

A ''[[poktan-ju]]'' ({{Korean|hangul=폭탄주|labels=no}}) ("bomb drink") consists of a [[shot glass]] of soju dropped into a pint of beer (similar to a [[Boilermaker (beer cocktail)|boilermaker]]); it is drunk quickly.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=%2FST%2Fdb%2Fread.php%3Fidx%3D2462 | title=Heavy-Drinking Culture Challenged in S. Korea | publisher=The Seoul Times Company | access-date=December 14, 2015 | archive-date=December 22, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222110303/http://theseoultimes.com/ST/?url=%2FST%2Fdb%2Fread.php%3Fidx%3D2462 | url-status=live}}</ref> This is similar to the Japanese [[sake bomb]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.instructables.com/id/Sake-Bomb/ | title=Sake Bomb | publisher=Autodesk Inc. | access-date=December 14, 2015 | archive-date=July 8, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708091016/http://www.instructables.com/id/Sake-Bomb/ | url-status=live}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Asia|Korea|Liquor|Drink}}
*''[[Andong soju]]'' from [[Andong]] region
*''[[Awamori]]'', of Okinawa
*''[[Baijiu]]'', of China
*[[Korean alcoholic beverages]]
*[[Beer in South Korea|Korean beer]]
*[[Korean cuisine]]
*''[[Lao khao]]'', of Laos and Thailand
*''[[Makgeolli]]'', of Korea
*[[Rice wine]]
*[[Rượu đế]], of Vietnam
*''[[Sake]]'', of Japan
*''[[Shōchū]]'', of Japan

== Citations ==
{{reflist}}

== General and cited references ==
* {{cite book|first=Hyunhee|last=Park|title=Soju: A Global History|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2021|isbn=9781108895774|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/soju/3EF7E42B451030430E966B2E0EF24B5C}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wiktionary}}
* [http://www.trifood.com/soju.html Popular alcohols from Korea] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129010245/http://trifood.com/soju.html |date=November 29, 2010 }}

{{Korean food and drink}}
{{Rice drinks}}

[[Category:Soju| ]]
[[Category:Alcoholic beverages]]
[[Category:Korean distilled drinks]]
[[Category:South Korean cuisine]]