Soju is Korea's national drink and the world's best-selling spirit by volume. Here are four bottles you can find in the UK, from classic to fruit-flavoured, and what to expect from each.
What Is Soju?
Soju is a clear, colourless spirit that sits at the heart of Korean drinking culture. Traditionally distilled from rice, most modern soju is made from a blend of starches (sweet potato, wheat, barley) and diluted to around 16-20% ABV. That puts it roughly between wine and vodka in strength — strong enough to feel but smooth enough to drink in small shot glasses throughout a meal. In Korea, it outsells every other spirit on earth by a considerable margin.
Classic Soju
**Chamisul Fresh** by HiteJinro is the world's top-selling soju and the default order in Korean restaurants. It is clean, slightly sweet, with a soft burn that disappears quickly. At 17% ABV, it goes down easily — perhaps too easily, which is why Korean drinking sessions can escalate. Serve it chilled in small glasses and sip or shoot, depending on the occasion. **Chum Churum** by Lotte is the main rival. It is filtered through alkaline water and tastes marginally smoother than Chamisul, with a slightly lower ABV. The difference is subtle, and brand loyalty in Korea runs deep — asking someone whether they prefer Chamisul or Chum Churum is a bit like asking a Brit about their builder's tea brand.
Fruit Soju
Fruit-flavoured soju has exploded in popularity over the past decade. **Jinro Strawberry** is the most popular variant — it reduces the ABV to around 13% and adds a sweet strawberry flavour that makes it taste more like an alcopop than a spirit. **Good Day Peach** from Muhak is similarly sweet and fruity. These are designed to be more approachable, particularly for drinkers who find classic soju too harsh. They work well over ice or mixed into a cocktail. Just be aware that the sweetness masks the alcohol content, and they are still considerably stronger than beer.
How to Drink Soju
There is a whole etiquette around soju in Korea. You never pour your own glass — someone else pours for you, and you pour for them. When receiving a pour from someone older, hold your glass with both hands. When drinking in front of an elder, turn your head to the side. These customs are not strictly observed in British Korean restaurants, but knowing them adds to the experience. Soju is best served ice-cold and paired with Korean barbecue, fried chicken, or any rich, flavourful food.
Where to Buy
HMart and Japan Centre are usually cheaper than Amazon for soju, and if you are in London, the Korean shops in New Malden stock the widest range. Some Waitrose stores now carry Chamisul in the spirits aisle. Be aware that UK prices for soju are significantly higher than in Korea, where a bottle costs the equivalent of about one pound fifty.
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Best Soju Available in the UK
A guide to the best soju brands you can actually find in Britain.
HMart and Japan Centre are usually cheaper than Amazon for soju, and if you are in London, the Korean shops in New Malden stock the widest range. Some Waitrose stores now carry Chamisul in the spirits aisle. Be aware that UK prices for soju are significantly higher than in Korea, where a bottle costs the equivalent of about one pound fifty.
There is a whole etiquette around soju in Korea. You never pour your own glass — someone else pours for you, and you pour for them. When receiving a pour from someone older, hold your glass with both hands. When drinking in front of an elder, turn your head to the side. These customs are not strictly observed in British Korean restaurants, but knowing them adds to the experience. Soju is best served ice-cold and paired with Korean barbecue, fried chicken, or any rich, flavourful food.
03
Fruit Soju
Fruit-flavoured soju has exploded in popularity over the past decade. Jinro Strawberry is the most popular variant — it reduces the ABV to around 13% and adds a sweet strawberry flavour that makes it taste more like an alcopop than a spirit. Good Day Peach from Muhak is similarly sweet and fruity. These are designed to be more approachable, particularly for drinkers who find classic soju too harsh. They work well over ice or mixed into a cocktail. Just be aware that the sweetness masks the alcohol content, and they are still considerably stronger than beer.
02
Classic Soju
Chamisul Fresh by HiteJinro is the world's top-selling soju and the default order in Korean restaurants. It is clean, slightly sweet, with a soft burn that disappears quickly. At 17% ABV, it goes down easily — perhaps too easily, which is why Korean drinking sessions can escalate. Serve it chilled in small glasses and sip or shoot, depending on the occasion. Chum Churum by Lotte is the main rival. It is filtered through alkaline water and tastes marginally smoother than Chamisul, with a slightly lower ABV. The difference is subtle, and brand loyalty in Korea runs deep — asking someone whether they prefer Chamisul or Chum Churum is a bit like asking a Brit about their builder's tea brand.
01
What Is Soju?
Soju is a clear, colourless spirit that sits at the heart of Korean drinking culture. Traditionally distilled from rice, most modern soju is made from a blend of starches (sweet potato, wheat, barley) and diluted to around 16-20% ABV. That puts it roughly between wine and vodka in strength — strong enough to feel but smooth enough to drink in small shot glasses throughout a meal. In Korea, it outsells every other spirit on earth by a considerable margin.