소주

soju · Soju

What it is

Korea's everyday spirit. The familiar green-bottle soju is diluted and has dropped from around 25% in the 1970s–90s to about 16–17% today; traditional distilled soju, made from grain, is much stronger.

Typical strength

about 16–17% (green-bottle soju); traditional distilled soju roughly 20–45%

Strength varies by product; this is a general range, not a specific brand. The legal drinking age in Korea is 19 (counted by birth year).

How people drink it

In small glasses, poured for each other, often with grilled meat. Mixed with beer, it becomes somaek.

How to order

소주 한 병이랑 잔 두 개 주세요.soju han byeongirang jan du gae juseyo.A bottle of soju and two glasses, please.