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Learn how to open, pour, and drink soju like a Korean
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Soju, a traditional rice-, wheat-, or barley-based liquor, is a popular drink in Korea (and around the world). While often served chilled, it can be enjoyed warm, cold, or at room temperature. [1] X Research source hhttps://chilledmagazine.com/how-i-learned-to-drink-soju-like-a-korean/ If you’re drinking this beverage in Korea, it’s important to follow the proper etiquette, especially when you’re drinking with people who are older than you. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, as well as provide some other helpful facts about soju, including the proper way to open a soju bottle and what drinking games soju can be used for.
Things You Should Know
- Drink soju cold and neat. The first sip is taken as a shot, while subsequent servings can be sipped.
- Follow Korean tradition by swirling the bottle, slapping the bottom, twisting off the cap, and jabbing the neck with the webbing between your index and middle fingers.
- Pour soju with 2 hands when serving someone older than you, and receive it with 2 hands when someone older is serving you. Turn away from your elder as you take the shot.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
How to Open a Soju Bottle
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Serve the soju cold and neat for the best flavor. Chill the bottle of soju in the refrigerator for a few hours if you are drinking at home. Don’t add ice to the drink because it is typically served as a small pour and taken as a shot. [2] X Research source
- Chilled soju is a popular serving option in the summer months, though it may be served warm during the winter months. It can also be served at room temperature.
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Swirl the bottle around to create a whirlpool inside. Hold the soju near the bottom of the bottle in one hand and vigorously swirl it in a circular motion. It should only take about 2-3 seconds of swirling to create a whirlpool effect inside the bottle. [3] X Research source
- This tradition dates back to the old days when sediment was deposited into the bottles during production. Swirling the bottle is meant to bring the sediment to the top of the bottle. [4] X Research source
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Slap the bottom of the bottle with your palm and twist off the cap. Hold the bottle towards the bottom of the neck in one hand. Then, use your other hand to firmly slap the end of the bottle. After a couple of slaps, twist off the cap. [5] X Research source
- You may also bang the bottom of the bottle against your elbow instead of slapping it with your palm. [6] X Research source
- Some say the purpose of this part also has to do with breaking up the sediment in the bottle.
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Spread your middle and index finger apart and jab the neck of the bottle. Grip the lower portion of the bottle with one hand to hold it steady, and use the webbed area between your middle finger and index finger on your other hand to sharply jab the neck of the bottle. This should be done with enough force to make a little bit of the soju splash out of the bottle. [7] X Research source
- Back in the day, this motion was meant to knock the sediment that was deposited during production out of the bottle so it doesn’t get drank. Even though it’s no longer necessary to do this, it’s still part of soju drinking culture.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat can you mix with soju?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerOne popular soju cocktail involves mixing equal parts soju, yogurt drink, and lemon-lime soda or fruit juice. It also mixes well with a variety of fruit juices, such as watermelon, pomegranate, or apple.
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QuestionIs soju good for your health?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerLike many alcoholic beverages, soju may have some health benefits if you drink it in moderation. For example, one study published in the journal Neurology found that 1-2 shots per day were associated with a reduced risk of stroke. However, drinking too much of it can lead to health problems, such as liver disease, high blood pressure, or digestive problems.
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QuestionIs soju stronger than vodka?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerWhile the two drinks are similar, vodka is definitely stronger. Soju has an alcohol content of about 20-24%, while vodka typically weighs in at 40%!
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Tips
- A variety of Korean foods go well with soju, including (but not limited to) Korean fried chicken, samgyupsal (grilled pork belly), jokbal (boiled pork trotters), haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), and more. [26] X Research sourceThanks
- Soju is made to be paired with food, so be sure to eat while you drink to avoid becoming overly intoxicated. [27] X Research sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Because of the nature of the tradition—the constant pouring of rounds to keep glasses full—it is easy to consume a lot of alcohol and become very intoxicated. Drink responsibly and never drink and drive.Thanks
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References
- ↑ hhttps://chilledmagazine.com/how-i-learned-to-drink-soju-like-a-korean/
- ↑ https://slate.com/human-interest/2013/08/soju-drinking-tips-the-ceremony-mixology-and-regret-of-koreas-worldwide-best-seller.html
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqeKTel7R0&t=0m23s
- ↑ https://thetakeout.com/a-starter-guide-to-soju-one-of-the-world-s-most-popula-1798256991
- ↑ https://thetakeout.com/a-starter-guide-to-soju-one-of-the-world-s-most-popula-1798256991
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7rH2voWgxM&t=31s
- ↑ https://thetakeout.com/a-starter-guide-to-soju-one-of-the-world-s-most-popula-1798256991
- ↑ https://publichistory.humanities.uva.nl/blog/pouring-culture-the-art-of-soju-and-korean-drinking-etiquettes/
- ↑ https://www.kuow.org/stories/How-to-drink-soju-the-traditional-way
- ↑ https://amherstwire.com/14533/lifestyle/one-night-in-seoul-how-to-drink-soju/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqeKTel7R0&T=1m1s
- ↑ https://amherstwire.com/14533/lifestyle/one-night-in-seoul-how-to-drink-soju/
- ↑ https://publichistory.humanities.uva.nl/blog/pouring-culture-the-art-of-soju-and-korean-drinking-etiquettes/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqeKTel7R0&t=1m15s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqeKTel7R0&t=1m22s
- ↑ https://10mag.com/south-koreas-most-treasured-drinking-culture/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqeKTel7R0&t=0m53s
- ↑ https://thetakeout.com/a-starter-guide-to-soju-one-of-the-world-s-most-popula-1798256991
- ↑ https://10mag.com/south-koreas-most-treasured-drinking-culture/
- ↑ https://chilledmagazine.com/how-i-learned-to-drink-soju-like-a-korean/
- ↑ https://publichistory.humanities.uva.nl/blog/pouring-culture-the-art-of-soju-and-korean-drinking-etiquettes/
- ↑ https://publichistory.humanities.uva.nl/blog/pouring-culture-the-art-of-soju-and-korean-drinking-etiquettes/
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJqeKTel7R0&t=0m43s
- ↑ https://www.honestfoodtalks.com/soju-bomb-somaek-korean-drinking-games/
- ↑ https://myhubs.org/2016/06/06/4739/
- ↑ https://mykoreanaddiction.com/soju-food-pairing
- ↑ https://thetakeout.com/a-starter-guide-to-soju-one-of-the-world-s-most-popula-1798256991
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To drink soju, serve it cold and without ice for the best flavor. When you’re ready to serve it, swirl the bottle around for a couple of seconds, then slap the bottom of the bottle with your palm. This will redistribute the sediment at the bottom of the bottle if there is any. Once you’ve done this, twist off the cap and choose the oldest person in the room to pour shots, which is tradition in Korean culture. If you’re pouring the shots, fill everyone else’s glass, then set the bottle down so someone else may fill yours, which is considered respectful. Make sure to hold your shot glass with both hands while receiving the drink, which is also a sign of respect. When everyone has a shot, take them together. To learn how to play Soju drinking games, read on!
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