Culture & Lifestyle • Beverage

Soju

Soju is a clear distilled alcoholic beverage from Korea.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Soju is a clear distilled alcoholic beverage from Korea. It is traditionally made from rice, though modern versions may also use other grains or starchy ingredients; it is usually consumed neat and varies widely in alcohol strength. In Canada, soju is widely available in liquor stores and restaurants, especially in areas with Korean communities, and is often served with Korean barbecue.

Overview

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.

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.

Alcohol content and serving

Soju’s strength varies substantially by style and brand, from low-alcohol commercial versions to much stronger traditional styles. It is commonly served neat in small glasses and may also be used in cocktails.

Soju is often compared with sake and vodka, but it differs from both in production and typical flavour. Sake is a brewed rice beverage, while soju is distilled.

Key facts

Soju is a Korean distilled spirit, often compared to vodka because of its clear appearance and neutral taste.
Traditional soju was made from rice and nuruk, but modern commercial soju may use other grains or starches.
Alcohol content varies widely, with many modern bottles falling below 20% ABV.
Soju is not the same as sake: soju is distilled, while sake is brewed.

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Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked 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.

Is soju gluten-free?

Not always. Soju may be made from wheat or barley, so gluten-free status depends on the specific brand and ingredients; rice-based versions are more likely to be gluten-free.

How do you drink soju properly?

Soju is commonly served chilled in small glasses and drunk neat, often in small sips or shots. It is also used in mixed drinks and cocktails.

What are popular soju brands?

Popular brands include Chamisul by Jinro, Cheoeum-Cheoreom by Lotte Chilsung, and Good Day by Muhak.

References

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.
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.
The Spruce Eats — https://www.thespruceeats.com/korean-rice-liquor-soju-2118527
Supports: Traditional ingredients, ingredient variations, ABV range, and brand examples.
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.
Uwajimaya — https://www.uwajimaya.com/uwajipedia/soju/
Supports: Distilled-vs-brewed distinction from sake and modern ingredient changes.