What soju actually is
A clear, neutral spirit traditionally distilled from grains (modern mass-market versions are often diluted, lower-proof, and sometimes flavored — citron, grape, and other fruit varieties are widely available alongside the original). It's inexpensive, ubiquitous, and central to Korean social drinking in a way no single spirit is in most countries.
Drinking etiquette that actually matters
- Pour for others, not yourself — the same principle covered in our etiquette guide applies specifically and strongly to soju.
- Turn your head slightly away when drinking in front of someone significantly senior to you — a small gesture of respect that's still commonly practiced, though visitors aren't expected to master it precisely.
- Refilling an empty glass is customary and expected in a group setting — an empty glass tends to get refilled quickly without you asking.
Common pairings and rituals
Soju is almost always paired with food — anju (drinking food) is a whole category of its own, from simple dried squid to full dishes. "Somaek" (a soju-and-beer mix) is a widely popular combination, often mixed tableside with a small ritual flourish depending on the group.
It's genuinely fine to opt out
Declining alcohol is broadly accepted in modern Seoul, especially with visitors — a polite decline is not the social event it might be in a more insistent drinking culture, despite soju's cultural centrality.