What Do Koreans Drink? All About Soju and Beer!

[K-Alcohol Tour] Must-Try Drinks on Your Korea Trip! (A Guide to Soju, Beer, and Somaek)

Hello and welcome. This is Editor K, here to guide you through the vibrant world of Korean culture. Today, we're diving deep into a topic that's an essential part of any trip to Korea: the local drinking scene. What kind of alcohol do Koreans love the most? What's the deal with that iconic green bottle you've seen in K-dramas? This guide will answer all your questions, from the Korean alcohol market to the best ways to enjoy your drinks.

1. The Two Pillars of the Korean Alcohol Market: Soju and Beer

It's no exaggeration to say that the Korean alcohol market is dominated by two beverages: Soju and Beer. According to statistics, these two drinks command an overwhelming share of the total market.

• Soju: The undisputed number one, holding about 50-55% of the market share. It truly deserves its title as the 'national liquor'. Its popularity stems from its affordable price and clean taste that pairs well with any food.
• Beer: A close second, with a market share of about 35-40%. The culture of 'Chimaek' (Chicken and Maekju/Beer) is especially famous worldwide.
• Other Liquors (Whiskey, Wine, Traditional Spirits, etc.): These share the remaining 5-10% of the market. Recently, interest in unique whiskeys, wines, craft beers, and traditional liquors has been growing, and their market share is gradually increasing.

2. The Soul Drink of Koreans, Top 2 Soju Brands

Soju, the clear spirit in a green bottle, is a drink that accompanies Koreans through life's ups and downs. It's a distilled liquor typically made from fermented rice, sweet potatoes, or tapioca, with an alcohol content between 16-20%. The soju market is a competitive field led by two major corporations.

1. HiteJinro: Market share of approximately 65%

   • Chamisul: The quintessential Korean soju brand. It comes in two main varieties, 'Fresh' and 'Original (Classic)', and is known for its clean and smooth taste, achieved through multiple filtrations with bamboo charcoal.
   • Jinro is Back: This brand gained explosive popularity among the younger generation with its 'Newtro' (New-Retro) concept, reinterpreting a classic soju bottle design. It boasts a milder and smoother finish than Chamisul.

2. Lotte Chilsung: Market share of approximately 20-25%

   • Cheoeum Cheoreom: This brand emphasizes its incredibly smooth taste, which it attributes to being made with alkaline-reduced water. It has recently gained more popularity with the launch of its sugar-free soju, 'Saero'.

3. Soju's Eternal Partner, Top 2 Beer Brands

Most popular Korean beers are 'Pale Lager' style, emphasizing a crisp and refreshing taste. They pair especially well with spicy and salty Korean dishes. The beer market is also a battlefield for two corporate giants.

1. Oriental Brewery (OB): Market share of approximately 45-50%

   • Cass: A brand that fiercely competes for the title of 'national beer'. It has long been loved for its zesty carbonation and crisp, refreshing flavor, projecting a young and dynamic image.

2. HiteJinro: Market share of approximately 35-40%

   • Terra: A powerful competitor that changed the game in the beer market upon its launch. It has built a 'clean lager' image by highlighting its use of pure Australian malt, its signature green bottle, and its dense foam. It has a richer, maltier taste compared to Cass.

4. The Perfect Guide to 'Somaek', the Korean Boilermaker

'Somaek' is a uniquely Korean way of drinking, a simple cocktail made by mixing soju and beer. It's beloved by many because it mellows the bitterness of soju while retaining the refreshing quality of beer, making it a smooth yet potent drink. While there are many recipes, here's how to make it using the classic 'golden ratio'.

[Somaek: The Golden Ratio and How-To]

1. Prep: You'll need soju, beer, and an empty beer glass.
2. The Ratio: Pour soju into the glass up to about 30% full. Many use the bottom logo of the beer glass as a guide. (The most popular ratio is 3 parts soju to 7 parts beer.)
3. The Pour: Tilt the glass and gently fill the remaining 70% with beer, trying to avoid creating too much foam.
4. The Final Touch: Insert a spoon or chopstick deep into the glass and give the bottom a single, sharp tap. A column of foam will erupt, perfectly mixing the soju and beer. This is the perfect moment to drink your Somaek!

5. Pro-Tips for an Authentic Experience

Here are a few extra tips to help you enjoy Korea's drinking culture like a local.

• Always Pair with 'Anju' (안주): In Korea, alcohol is almost always accompanied by food, known as 'Anju'. From fried chicken to savory pancakes (pajeon), every type of alcohol has its classic food pairing. Drinking on an empty stomach is uncommon, so be sure to order some delicious food to go with your drinks!
• Essential Drinking Etiquette: When drinking with others, especially those older than you, there are a few customs to observe. It's polite to pour drinks for others before yourself, and when someone pours for you, hold your glass with both hands. When drinking in front of an elder, it's also customary to turn your head slightly to the side as a sign of respect.
• Easy Access at Convenience Stores: Wondering where to find all these drinks? Look no further than the nearest convenience store. They are open 24/7 and offer a wide variety of soju, beer, and other alcoholic beverages at very reasonable prices, making them a perfect place to start your K-alcohol journey.

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Now you're one step closer to truly understanding Korean drinking culture. Confidently order soju and beer at a restaurant, and have a fun Somaek party with your friends. We hope every moment in Korea becomes a special memory. Geonbae (Cheers)! 🍻