Soju in the UK: Choosing and Enjoying Korea’s Famous Spirit

Carried by the Hallyu wave, from K-dramas to gastronomy, soju has carved out a prime spot on our tables. This Korean spirit, with its iconic little green bottle, intrigues and charms an ever-growing British audience. The only catch: with a multitude of flavours and brands, it's hard to know where to start. Should you opt for an original soju or a fruit-flavoured version? How should you drink it to appreciate all its subtleties?

Our guide is here to help you make sense of it all. We're sharing our top tips for choosing the soju that suits your taste, whether you're a novice looking to buy soju for the first time or an enthusiast curious about new flavours.

How to Choose Your Soju: Our Practical Tips

Before we get to our selection, here are a few key points to help you find the right soju for you.

1. Alcohol Content: Smooth or Bold?

The alcohol percentage is an excellent starting point. There are two main categories:

• Flavoured sojus: With an alcohol content ranging from 12% to 14%, they are smoother and more approachable. Their fruit aromas (blueberry, grape, peach, etc.) partially mask the taste of alcohol, making them an ideal entry point for beginners.
• "Original" sojus: More traditional, their alcohol content is typically between 16% and 20%. They offer a cleaner, more neutral taste, which can be reminiscent of a very smooth vodka. Perfect for those who appreciate spirits with a more pronounced character.

2. Original vs. Flavoured: A Matter of Taste

Here, it all depends on your preferences and the occasion.

• Original soju is very versatile. It pairs wonderfully with spicy or grilled Korean dishes, like Korean barbecue (samgyeopsal) or fried chicken. Its neutrality also makes it an excellent base for a soju cocktail.
• Flavoured soju, like blueberry soju or grape soju, is most often enjoyed on its own and served chilled. It's the perfect drink for an aperitif or for social gatherings where you want something light and refreshing.

3. The Art of Drinking: Neat, in a Cocktail, or with a Meal?

How you drink it completely changes the experience. Traditionally, it is served neat and ice-cold in small shot glasses. Custom dictates that you never pour your own drink; you fill the glasses of your elders or table companions, who then return the favour.

For a more modern approach, soju is a fantastic ingredient for simple yet impressive cocktails. Mix it with beer (the famous Somaek), a yoghurt drink (Soju Yogurt), or simply with tonic and a slice of lemon for a perfect summer cocktail.

Top Soju Picks

To get you started, we've selected three bottles that perfectly illustrate the diversity of the soju world.

OPPA Soju Blueberry 12% - 360ml

Why we love it This flavoured soju stands out with its apple and pear wine alcohol base, which gives it a very natural sweetness. The blueberry aroma is present but not overly sugary, resulting in a very balanced drink.

Key features

• A moderate alcohol content of 12%.
• An authentic and refreshing fruity flavour.
• A fruit-based alcohol for a smoother mouthfeel.

Who is it for? Ideal for those new to soju or who enjoy sweet and fruity alcoholic drinks. An excellent choice for an aperitif or to accompany a light dessert.

CHUMCHURUM Original Soju 16.5% - 350ml

Why we love it Chum-Churum, meaning "like the first time," is one of the most popular soju brands in Korea. This Original version is renowned for its smoothness and purity, achieved through an alkaline water treatment. Its taste is very clean and leaves a refreshing sensation on the palate.

Key features

• A great classic, emblematic of Original soju.
• An alcohol content of 16.5%, the perfect balance between tradition and modernity.
• A very clean profile, perfect for pairing with Korean cuisine or as a cocktail base.

Who is it for? For fans of spirits with a clean taste and those who want to discover soju in its most traditional form. It's also the bottle to have on hand to prepare an authentic soju cocktail.

7DROPS Soju Green Grape Alc. 12% - 360ml

Why we love it Green grape is one of the most popular soju flavours worldwide. The 7DROPS version captures this taste with a vibrant, juicy quality. It's a very easy-to-drink beverage, with a distinctively pleasant and fruity sweetness.

Key features

• A popular and crowd-pleasing green grape flavour.
• A light alcohol content of 12%.
• Extremely refreshing when served chilled.

Who is it for? The perfect choice for evenings with friends. Its fruity and approachable flavour will appeal to a wide audience, including those not accustomed to spirits.

Looking for Other Flavours?

Our selection is just a glimpse of the many possibilities that soju offers. Peach, grapefruit, strawberry, and plum flavours are just as popular and well worth trying. To explore further, feel free to browse our complete collection.

Discover Our Full Range of Asian Soju Spirits

Frequently Asked Questions About Soju

What does soju taste like?

The taste of soju varies greatly. Original soju has a neutral and subtly sweet taste, often compared to a smoother, less potent vodka. Flavoured sojus, on the other hand, are clearly dominated by their featured fruit (blueberry, grape, etc.), with a very discreet alcoholic finish.

How do you drink soju?

Soju is traditionally drunk neat and chilled, in small shot glasses. It is also increasingly used as a base for cocktails. A very popular method is to mix it with beer (the Somaek cocktail) or with soft drinks like tonic or lemonade.

Where can you buy soju online?

To buy soju online, the easiest way is to turn to platforms specialising in Asian products or online supermarkets with a "world spirits" section. Sites like Joybuy offer a varied selection that makes it easy to compare flavours, brands, and prices to find the soju that's right for you.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly. The sale of alcohol is prohibited to minors under the age of 18.