A Sip of Korea,
Made to Share
Soju 101 — a five-minute guide to Korean drinks, and how to pick the right bottle for your table.
문화
What is soju?
Soju is Korea's national spirit — a clear, clean drink of around 16–17%, served ice-cold in small shot glasses, always alongside food.
The name means “burned liquor,” because soju is distilled, not brewed. The technique reached Korea in the 13th century along the Mongol trade routes from Persia — and Koreans adapted it to rice.
In Korea, you never
pour your own glass.
That's the rule.
Your friend pours for you, you pour for them.
Two hands, always.
It's why soju comes in a bottle, not a glass — it was never meant to be drunk alone. Order a bottle, pour for each other, and you're doing it right.
Meet the bottles
Five bottles, five personalities. Every one of them was chosen to go with something on our menu.
Good Day SojuOriginal flavour
Clean, light and slightly sweet, with a crisp finish. Made by Muhak near Busan at a gentler strength — which makes it the best first soju.
Best withTraditional Tteokbokki · Traditional Kimbap · Yangnyeom Fried Chicken
Good Day SojuFruit flavours — peach & more
Fruity, sweet and easy-drinking, with a gentle aroma. If soju sounds intimidating, start here.
Best withCreamy Onion Fried Chicken · Rose Tteokbokki · Traditional Hotteok
Chamisul SojuOriginal — fresh
Crisp, smooth and slightly dry. The No.1 soju in Korea, made by Hite Jinro and filtered through bamboo charcoal — the bottle on every table in Seoul.
Best withGrilled Pork Belly · Grilled Australian Beef · Kimchi Soup
MakgeolliOriginal — traditional rice wine
Korea's oldest drink — a milky, gently sparkling rice wine brewed by farmers for over 1,500 years. Creamy, tangy, lightly sweet. It cools tteokbokki heat better than water ever will.
Best withFried Kimbap · Kimchi Stir-fried Pork Rice · Traditional Tteokbokki
MakgeolliFruit — peach
Fruity and smooth with a gentle sweetness — lighter than most beer. The one to end the meal with.
Best withRose Tteokbokki · Ice Cream Hotteok · Sweet & Sour Pork
The pairing rule is simple
How strong is it, really?
Much gentler than you'd think — roughly half the strength of vodka. That's why soju is drunk in small shots with food, over a long meal. Not fast.
What's your soju today?
Two questions. One bottle. Answer honestly — the table is counting on you.