Introduction
Jinro soju is one of the most famous Korean alcoholic drinks. Soju (소주) is a clear distilled spirit traditionally made from rice, but modern versions are often produced using rice, wheat, barley, or sweet potatoes. It has a clean taste and a relatively low alcohol content compared to many other spirits, making it a popular drink in Korea.
The Jinro brand, made by HiteJinro, dates back to 1924 and is regularly ranked the world’s best-selling spirit brand by volume.
This guide is for adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Jinro Soju at a Glance
- What it is: Korea’s best-known brand of soju, a clear distilled spirit
- Main ingredients: a neutral spirit distilled from grains or starches, diluted with water
- Taste: clean, smooth and slightly sweet; lighter than vodka
- Served with: Korean BBQ, fried chicken, spicy stews and street food
What is Jinro Soju Made Of?
Most everyday soju, including Jinro’s green-bottle soju, is made by diluting a highly purified neutral spirit with water and adding a small amount of sweetener. The base spirit can be distilled from starches such as grains, tapioca or sweet potatoes.
Green-Bottle Soju
The classic soju sold in small green bottles, such as Jinro Chamisul. Chamisul Fresh was lowered to 16% alcohol in 2024, following the trend toward lighter soju.
Flavored Soju
Fruit-flavored soju such as grapefruit, peach or green grape is sweeter and lower in alcohol than regular soju, and is very popular outside Korea.
Traditional Distilled Soju
Traditional soju is distilled from fermented rice, like the famous Andong soju. It is much stronger and is usually sipped slowly.
What Does Jinro Soju Taste Like?
Soju has a smooth and slightly sweet taste with a clean finish. Because most green-bottle soju today is around 16–17% alcohol, it is much lighter than spirits like vodka or whiskey. This mild flavor makes it easy to pair with many types of food.
How Koreans Drink Soju
In Korea, soju is often enjoyed during meals rather than by itself. It is usually served chilled in small shot glasses. People commonly drink it with friends or coworkers while eating grilled meat, seafood, or spicy dishes. Sharing drinks and pouring for others is also an important part of Korean drinking culture.
Soju Etiquette
In Korean culture, people usually pour drinks for each other rather than pouring their own. When receiving a drink from an elder, it is polite to hold the glass with both hands. These small customs are an important part of Korean dining etiquette. Saying no to another glass is perfectly fine, too.
Popular Korean Foods That Pair Well With Soju
Samgyeopsal (Korean Pork Belly BBQ)
Samgyeopsal is one of the most popular foods eaten with soju. The rich and fatty flavor of grilled pork belly, wrapped in lettuce with ssamjang, pairs perfectly with the clean taste of soju.
Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken is another famous pairing. The crispy texture and flavorful sauces such as yangnyeom sauce match well with the refreshing taste of soju.
Spicy Korean Stew (Kimchi Jjigae)
Many Koreans enjoy drinking soju while eating spicy stews like kimchi jjigae, made with well-fermented kimchi. The spiciness of the dish balances well with the smooth flavor of the drink.
Fish Cake Soup and Street Food
Hot eomuk (fish cake) soup and tteokbokki are classic snacks at Korean pojangmacha (street tents) where soju is served.
Koreans often say that soju pairs well with almost everything. Korean barbecue is the classic choice, but many people also enjoy soju with pizza, fried chicken, or even simple snacks. When friends gather and soju is on the table, good food and good company matter most.
Simple Soju Pairing Guide (Plus Somaek for 1)
Quick Pairing Guide
- Rich, fatty grilled meat (pork belly, galbi): plain chilled soju cuts through the richness.
- Spicy stews and tteokbokki: plain soju or a light somaek balances the heat.
- Fried food (chicken, pancakes): somaek or fruit-flavored soju.
- Light seafood and soups: plain soju with a clean finish.
Somaek (soju + maekju, the Korean word for beer) is the most popular soju mix in Korea. This version makes one glass.
Ingredients
- 1 soju shot glass (about 50 ml) chilled soju
- About 150 ml cold light lager
Instructions
- Chill. Make sure the soju, beer and glass are all well chilled.
- Pour the soju. Pour the soju into a small beer glass.
- Top with beer. Slowly add the beer, roughly 3 parts soju to 7 parts beer.
- Stir gently and enjoy with food. Sip it slowly alongside your meal.
Tip: Somaek goes down easily, so pace yourself, drink water between glasses, and never drink and drive.
Drink responsibly. Only enjoy soju if you are of legal drinking age where you live (for example, 21 in the United States, 18 or 19 in Canada depending on the province, and 18 in the UK).
Where to Buy Jinro Soju
Because soju is an alcoholic drink, where you can buy it depends on local laws. In North America it is usually sold through licensed liquor stores; online marketplaces mostly carry soju glasses and accessories.
United States
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Amazon (soju glasses and accessories)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=soju+glasses
H-Mart (soju availability depends on the store and state laws)
https://www.hmart.com/search?type=product&q=soju
Total Wine, a large liquor retailer in the United States that sells a wide range of spirits including Korean soju
https://www.totalwine.com
Canada
Amazon Canada (soju glasses and accessories)
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=soju+glasses
Soju itself is sold through provincial liquor stores such as the LCBO in Ontario.
https://www.lcbo.com
Europe
Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=jinro+soju
How to Store Jinro Soju
Keep unopened soju upright in a cool, dark place, and chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Soju tastes best very cold.
Once opened, close the cap tightly and keep the bottle in the fridge. It is best finished within a few days, as the aroma fades and fruit-flavored soju can lose its freshness.
Jinro Soju FAQ
How strong is Jinro soju?
Jinro’s popular Chamisul Fresh is 16% alcohol, roughly between wine and vodka. Other versions vary, so always check the label.
Is soju the same as vodka?
No. Both are clear spirits, but everyday soju is much lower in alcohol and slightly sweet, while vodka is usually around 40% alcohol and neutral in taste.
Should soju be served cold?
Yes. Soju is traditionally served well chilled in small glasses, which makes it taste smoother and cleaner.
What food goes best with soju?
Grilled pork belly is the classic match, followed by Korean fried chicken, spicy stews and street food like tteokbokki. Soju’s clean taste works with most salty, spicy or rich dishes.
Conclusion
Jinro soju is Korea’s most famous spirit: clean, lightly sweet and made to be enjoyed with food and friends. Serve it cold, pair it with Korean BBQ or fried chicken, and always drink responsibly. For a great pairing at home, try our yangnyeom chicken sauce or tteokbokki recipe.
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