How to drink soju starts with understanding what it is and why it’s so popular, this drink is a traditional South Korean alcoholic drink with a clean, smooth taste and a slight sweetness, often seen as a lighter and easier version of vodka. Fruity flavors feel even more refreshing, almost like fruit juice with a gentle alcoholic finish.
In this article, you’ll learn how to drink this alcohol the right way, as you may have seen in various Korean dramas. Here’s an explanation of how to drink soju, essential rules, etiquette, and games for beginners.
The History of Soju
The story of this traditional beverage is a long journey shaped by culture, tradition, and changing times, turning it into one of the most iconic Korean drinks today.
Early Origins (13th Century)
Soju first appeared in Korea during the Goryeo Dynasty, around the 1300s. The distillation technique was introduced by the Mongols, who had learned it from the Persians.
They built early distilleries in places like Kaesong, Andong, and Jeju, which are still known for traditional alcohol production today. Over time, the local community began to adopt this technique and referred to their rice distillate as soju, which means “burnt liquor.”
Traditional as a Luxury
In the past, this alcohol was considered a premium drink because it was made from rice and required a complex process. During the Joseon era, soju alcohol could reach 40% to 50% ABV, and it was often used for ceremonies, medicine, and special occasions among nobles, making it one of the more exclusive good beverages at the time.
The Rice Ban in the 1960s
In 1965, the government banned rice for alcohol production due to food shortages. Producers adapted by using ingredients like sweet potatoes, cassava, and corn.
They also switched to a dilution method, mixing ethanol with water and sweeteners, which created the lighter, more affordable product we commonly see today. This marked the beginning of the iconic “green bottle,” which went on to dominate the market and eventually overshadow the popularity of traditionally distilled soju.
Modern Soju and Global Popularity
Even after the rice ban was lifted in 1999, the lighter style remained popular. In the 2000s, brands started introducing fruit-flavored options like peach, strawberry, and grape, making Korean soju more appealing to younger drinkers and helping it grow as a globally loved.
The Golden Rules of Korean Soju Etiquette
Understanding the best way to drink soju is not only about enjoying the taste, but also about respecting the social culture behind it. Even when you’re hanging out in your favorite bars, these simple rules still matter:
1. Don’t Pour Your Own Drink
It’s considered impolite, so you should wait for someone else to pour it for you, and always offer to refill their glass in return. And it’s not polite to drink soju straight from the bottle, so always pour it into a glass first.
2. Use Two Hands for Respect
When someone older or more senior pours your drink, hold your glass with both hands as a sign of respect. When pouring for them, use one hand to hold the bottle and the other to support your arm.
3. Look Away When Drinking
If you’re drinking with someone older, turn your face slightly away when taking a sip. This shows politeness and is still commonly practiced, even in popular cocktail bars in town.
4. Finish Before Refilling
Make sure your glass is empty before refilling. If your friend still has a bit left, wait until they finish before offering another pour.
5. “One Shot” Culture
The first round is usually enjoyed together in one go, often called “one shot.” After that, you can drink more slowly while keeping the same pace as the group.
Best Ways to Serve and Drink Soju
Soju is a very flexible drink that can be enjoyed in different ways depending on your preference. While the traditional style is to drink it straight and chilled, there are also modern variations that you’ll often find in clubs around you, making it even more fun to explore.
1. Ice Cold Shot (Classic Way)
The most traditional way is to drink soju straight after chilling it in the fridge for a few hours. It’s usually not with ice, because the cold temperature already softens the alcohol taste and brings out a smoother, slightly sweet flavor.
2. Somaek
This is a popular mix in Korea. You simply add a shot of soju into a glass of cold beer, then gently mix it. The result is a balanced drink that combines the lightness of beer with the strength of the Korean alcohol.
3. Highball
If you prefer something lighter, you can mix this alcohol with soda or tonic water over ice. Adding a bit of lime or lemon makes it more refreshing, especially in warm weather.
4. With Yoghurt Cocktail
This is a sweet and easy-to-drink option. Soju is mixed with a yogurt drink and a splash of lemon-lime soda, creating a creamy and refreshing combination that feels more like a fun dessert drink.
Fun and Easy Soju Drinking Games
1. Flick the Cap
After opening a bottle, twist the small metal tail on the cap until it’s straight but still attached. Each person takes turns flicking it with one finger; whoever manages to break it off wins, and everyone else at the table takes a shot.
2. Titanic (Submarine)
Fill a glass with beer, then gently place an empty shot glass on top so it floats. Players take turns pouring a bit of the alcohol into the floating glass, and the person who causes it to sink loses and has to drink the whole mix.
3. High or Low (Guess the Number)
Inside the bottle cap, there’s usually a hidden number, then one person checks it and gives clues like “higher” or “lower” while others guess. The one who guesses correctly wins, and the players next to them have to drink.
4. Noony-Chi Game (Number Game)
This game is all about timing and instinct, first players count numbers one by one, but if two people say the same number at the same time, they both lose and have to drink. The last person to say a number is also considered the loser.
How to Avoid a Soju Hangover
1. Don’t Drink on an Empty Stomach
Always eat before drinking soju. Foods with carbs and protein help slow down alcohol absorption, so your body can handle it better and you don’t get sick too quickly.
2. Alternate with Water (1:1 Rule)
Soju can dehydrate your body, which often leads to headaches the next day. Try to drink one glass of water for every glass of soju to stay hydrated, especially if you’re enjoying your time in peaceful places in Ubud.
3. Be Careful with Carbonated Mixes
Mixing soju with soda or beer can make it taste better, but it also makes alcohol enter your system faster. This means you can get drunk on soju more quickly than you expect, so it’s better to drink it slowly or mix it with something lighter.
4. Don’t Keep Doing “One Shot”
Drinking everything in one go might feel fun at the moment, but it can overwhelm your body. Try to sip your drink instead and give your body time to process the alcohol.
Ready for Your First Soju Experience at The Jungle Club?
Understanding how to drink soju is not just about the drink itself, but also about enjoying the culture, etiquette, and moments that come with it. From traditional rituals to modern mixes, each way brings a different kind of experience to your table.
Now that you know how to drink soju, it’s time to try it for yourself in a great setting. Visit The Jungle Club and enjoy your favorite soju experience with good vibes, great views, and unforgettable moments.
