How to drink Korean’s national drink: Soju
Drinking is a big part of Korean culture and it is serious business. South Koreans are world’s biggest consumers of hard liquor. And soju, Korean’s national drink, is a key player. One reason why Koreans love to drink soju is because it is so cheap. In a convenient store one 360 ml bottle of soju costs 1700 KRW (USD 1.60). In a bar or restaurant it costs around 3200 KRW (USD 3). Beside Korean’s national drink is cheap, it is available everywhere in Korea. That must be two reasons why the bottle of Jinro soju is the most-sold spirit in the world for the 16th! consecutive year.
Anyway, you can conclude Koreans love to drink soju. When in Korea you want to do it Korean style. There are a set of social rules that are deeply rooted in Korean culture with great emphasis on respect. Here are some etiquette how to drink soju:
· How to shake the bottle
Shake your bottle upside down to get the tornado going. A Korean saying goes there is bad stuff inside and when you shake it brings it to the top.
· How to receive soju
The oldest person will generally pour the first shot. Hold your glass with two hands when receiving your drink. In case you are the older person feel free to use one hand when someone hands you a shot.
· How to pour soju
It is strictly forbidden to pour your own shot. Pour with two hands, especially to an elder person.
· How to shoot the first shot
For the first drink an elder person will pour some soju into a shot glass and hand it to you. Take your shot glass with two hands, turn your face to the side so you are not making eye contact with the person who poured your glass, and shoot it. The two hands are a sign of respect while the turning of the head is more to avoid flashing your teeth which can be seen as disrespectful.
· How to fill empty glasses
Ask the person if he or she would like to have another shot. Pour the drink with two hands and if your glass is empty the person will offer to fill yours afterwards. Remember, do not pour your own glass.
· How to drink together
Nobody drinks alone. You can sip your soju if you want to but drinking together is really a sign to show solidarity and let’s be honest, it is the most fun.
The best way to drink soju is with Korean food. Culturally it is unacceptable to drink alcohol without eating. While soju bars are trending in the US, they don’t exist in Korea. Simply because they are restaurants.
As you can see in the short video above, our local friend Jesus from Busan told us how to drink so-maek. Let me explain that in words to you.
Maekju = beer
So-maek = soju + beer
Fill around 3/4 of your glass with maekju, add a shot glass of soju and use an immersed chopstick as a tuning fork by striking it hard with the other. This trick releases CO2 bubbles by way of cavitation, leaving a swirl in your glass (see video).
Because soju is such an affordable drink and the amount of alcohol is around 20% it is the perfect solution for your drinking games: you won’t get full of it and you won’t get hammered as quickly when drinking scotch or vodka. Are you curious about real Korean drinking games? Here you will find an overview of some of the most played Korean drinking games.
Cheers = Gun-bae!
Written by JJB
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