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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Soju

Soju is a clear distilled alcoholic beverage from Korea.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Soju is a clear distilled alcoholic beverage from Korea. It is traditionally made from rice, though modern versions use other grains or starches, and it is commonly served chilled and neat.

What it is

Soju is one of Korea’s best-known alcoholic drinks. It is a distilled spirit that is usually clear, lightly flavoured, and commonly served chilled. Often compared to vodka, soju has a neutral taste but a distinct cultural role in Korean dining and celebrations.

Production and ingredients

Traditional soju was made from rice and a fermentation starter called nuruk. Modern soju can also be produced from wheat, barley, sweet potatoes, tapioca, corn, or other starch sources. This shift allows for lower-cost production while maintaining a clear, clean spirit.

Serving and alcohol content

Soju’s strength varies substantially by style and brand, from low-alcohol commercial versions around 12.5% ABV to stronger traditional styles up to 53% ABV. It is commonly served neat in small glasses, often chilled, and is also used in cocktails or mixed drinks.

In short

  • Soju is a Korean distilled spirit, often compared to vodka.
  • It is not the same as sake; soju is distilled, while sake is brewed.
  • Alcohol content ranges from 12.5% to 53% ABV, with many modern bottles below 20%.
  • Widely available in Canada, especially in areas with Korean communities and served with Korean barbecue.
Canadian angle

Soju is widely available in Canadian liquor stores and restaurants, especially in areas with Korean communities, and is often served with Korean barbecue and other Korean dishes.

Quick questions

What is soju made from?
Traditionally, soju is made from rice and nuruk. Modern soju may also be made from barley, wheat, sweet potatoes, tapioca, corn, or other starchy ingredients.
How much alcohol is in soju?
Soju ranges widely in strength, from about 12.5% to 53% ABV. Many modern commercial bottles are below 20% ABV.
What is the difference between soju and sake?
Soju is a distilled spirit, while sake is a brewed rice beverage. Soju is usually stronger and has a more neutral spirit-like profile.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soju
    Supports: Traditional origin, distilled nature, ABV range, and popular brands such as Chamisul, Cheoeum-Cheoreom, and Good Day.
  2. Good Housekeeping — https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-recipes/cooking/a43510527/korean-soju-liquor/
    Supports: Soju ingredients, ABV range, comparison with sake, and typical serving style.
  3. The Spruce Eats — https://www.thespruceeats.com/korean-rice-liquor-soju-2118527
    Supports: Traditional ingredients, ingredient variations, ABV range, and brand examples.
  4. Bon Appétit — https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-soju
    Supports: Traditional rice-based production, modern commercial styles, common ABV range, and major brand examples.
  5. Uwajimaya — https://www.uwajimaya.com/uwajipedia/soju/
    Supports: Distilled-vs-brewed distinction from sake and modern ingredient changes.