Chamisul ad model IU / 출처 : 화이트 진로
Today, I’m going to tell you more about Korea’s representative alcoholic beverage, soju, for foreign tourists traveling to Korea. There are many types of soju in Korea, just like whiskey, spirits, and wine in other countries, so I’ll tell you in detail which one you should order when you go to a restaurant.
Soju is a traditional distilled spirit widely enjoyed in Korea. The Chinese character for soju is “燒酒”, which means “alcohol made by burning”.
There are two main types of Korean soju: distilled soju and diluted soju. As a tourist here, you’ll likely be drinking diluted soju.
Soju plays an important role in Korean culture, pairs well with a wide variety of foods, and is often consumed at social gatherings and dinners. It is also considered to be one of the foods of the Korean Wave, and is considered to represent Korea.
Historically, soju is believed to have been introduced by the Mongols during the Goryeo Dynasty, and the recipe was developed in Andong, Kaesong, and Jeju Island. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was also used as a medicine, and it gradually made its way from being a rare drink reserved for kings and patriarchs to the common people.
In modern times, soju is widely popular, with the average South Korean drinking 62 bottles a year. Soju is best enjoyed in moderation, and many people find a glass of soju to be a comforting end to a long day.
As you can see, soju is deeply rooted in both Korean tradition and modern life, and is closely associated with the daily lives of Koreans.
Here are the top 5 soju representing Korea. If you go to a restaurant and have difficulty ordering, show them the picture below and they will bring it to you. Also, Korean soju is a lambic liquor that can be drunk for about 7 drinks per bottle, so it is recommended to order 1 bottle and share it.
Chamisul is one of the most popular brands of soju in Korea and is widely known for its flavor and quality. It is made primarily from a variety of grains, including rice, barley, corn, and sweet potatoes, and is characterized by its clean and mild flavor. In particular, Chamisul is a diluted soju, which means that it is made by diluting a high percentage of alcohol with water, giving it a smooth mouthfeel.
The flavor of Chamisul varies slightly depending on the location of the manufacturing plant, which is due to the characteristics of the groundwater in each region. For example, Chamisul produced at the F1 plant is known for its sweet flavor due to the sweet groundwater in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do. On the other hand, Chamisul produced at the F2 plant is bitter because it uses groundwater from Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do, and the F3 plant uses groundwater from Iksan, Jeollabuk-do, which is slightly bitter.
While Chamisul is delicious on its own, it is also available in various fruit flavors. For example, Cheongpodo Aisle is made with the refreshing, sweet and sour flavor of cheongpodo grapes, which is loved by many people because it combines the coolness and cleanliness of soju with the sweetness of the fruit.
This combination of flavors and smooth mouthfeel has made Chamisul one of the most iconic Korean soju drinks. When visiting Korea or finding a Korean restaurant, tasting Chamisul is a great way to experience the flavors and culture of Korea.
Jinro is one of South Korea’s leading soju brands, and its “Jinro Is Back” is particularly popular for its retro-inspired clear bottle design and low alcohol content of 16.9%. The soju is known for its smooth, clean flavor and is made using rice distillate.
Taking a closer look at the taste descriptions, it is said to have a very aromatic and clean aroma, with a smooth mouthfeel and a clean aftertaste. It is said to have a more refined taste compared to regular soju, especially the mellow flavor of rice. It also has a different appeal depending on how it is stored, with both room temperature and refrigerated soju being recommended.
Jinro Soju was developed through continuous research and consumer surveys to satisfy the tastes of diverse consumers, and aims to provide a smooth and comfortable drinking experience. This commitment is one of the reasons why Jinjirang Soju is a consistent favorite in the Korean soju market.
To enjoy its smooth flavor and refreshing aftertaste, we recommend pairing Jinjang Soju with light snacks or light Korean dishes, which will allow you to better appreciate its flavor. Combining traditional Korean flavors with a modern twist, Jinjang Soju is an iconic Korean liquor that has become an integral part of Korean culture.
Ipsae ju is a diluted shochu produced in the Bomaehan brewery, representing the Jeollanam-do region of South Korea. It was first released in 2002 and is especially popular in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do, so be sure to try it if you’re traveling to Jeonju.
The taste of Ipsae ju is known to be a little less sweet and has a distinctive flavor, but doesn’t leave much of an aftertaste. This makes it a more approachable soju, and makes it a great choice for casual drinking. The alcohol content has gradually decreased over time and is currently 16.5 proof.
Ipsae ju is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of cocktails. For example, with maple syrup added, Ipsae ju tastes sweet but has less of the alcoholic flavor of shochu, giving it a smooth texture. These characteristics make Ipsae ju a great companion to a variety of appetizers and a great way to lighten the mood of a drinking occasion.
Blending traditional flavors with a modern twist, Ipsae ju is a great example of the diversity of Korean soju culture. To enjoy its smooth flavor and clean aftertaste, we recommend pairing Ipsae ju with light snacks or light Korean dishes, which will allow you to better appreciate the flavor of Ipsae ju.
Daesun Soju is Busan’s representative soju and has a long history dating back to 1945. Daesun Shochu is a distilled shochu that boasts a clean and deep flavor by blending long-term aged distilled shochu in the optimal ratio. In particular, it is said to have a smooth mouthfeel by applying the ‘far-infrared aging method’ developed by Daesun’s research institute.
To elaborate on the taste, Daesun Shochu has a high sweetness and flavor thanks to the natural sweetener tomatin and honey, and it is a sugar-free product that is low in calories because it does not contain fructose, salt, or amino acids. Thanks to these ingredients, Daesun Shochu has a sweet yet refreshing taste, and it goes well with spicy foods and brothy dishes. It is also said to be less likely to cause a hangover because it contains honey, which is good for hangovers.
Daesun Shochu is currently 16.9 proof, and has been adapted to modern tastes by becoming a “milder shochu” that is easier to drink than in the past. These features have made Daesun soju a favorite among many people, and it has become a symbol of Busan’s blue sea and passion.
When drinking Daesun soju, we recommend pairing it with simple snacks or light Korean dishes to enjoy its sweet and smooth flavor, so you can better appreciate the flavor of Daesun soju. When visiting Busan or looking for Korean restaurants, tasting Daesun soju is a great way to experience the flavors and culture of Busan.
Hallasan Soju is Jeju Island’s representative soju, made from crystal-clear Jeju volcanic bedrock water and blended with distilled rice and barley from Jeju. It is characterized by the use of slightly alkaline water rich in mineral dissolved oxygen, which is refined with charcoal from the joritae charcoal that grows at 800 meters above Hallasan Mountain.
Hallasan Soju’s taste is clean and pure, and it is known to have a refreshing flavor similar to vodka. Despite its high alcohol content, it has almost no alcoholic flavor, giving the drinker a clean sensation. Compared to Chamisul, Hallasan is considered to have a less spicy and pungent flavor, and instead has a cleaner aftertaste.
Hallasan soju has a nice balance of sweetness and bitterness when served in a highball with ice, and adding a slice of lemon makes the experience even more delicious. It pairs well with local foods, such as Jeju black pork, and is recommended as a must-try when visiting Jeju Island.
As you can see, Hallasan Soju is a liquor that captures the nature of Jeju Island and is loved by many for its flavor and quality. To enjoy its clean and pure flavor, we recommend pairing Hallasan Soju with simple snacks or light Korean dishes, as this will allow you to better appreciate its flavor.
Hallasan Soju is also available for tours, so it’s a great addition to any Jeju Island tour.
Hallasan Soju is also available for tours (hallasan.co.kr)
For international tourists visiting Korea, trying soju is a great idea. Soju is an important part of Korean culture, and it pairs well with a variety of Korean foods. Drinking soju allows you to experience a traditional Korean drink, and it can be a natural conversation topic when interacting with locals.
Additionally, soju comes in many varieties, giving you the opportunity to find a flavor that suits your personal taste preferences. Tasting soju from different regions of Korea can also help you gain a deeper understanding of the local flavors and culture. However, it’s important to remember to enjoy it in moderation, and always drink responsibly.
And don’t forget to try lots of Korean desserts.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Korean soju and our answers to them
Q. What is the difference between Korean soju and Japanese soju?
A. Korean shochu is made primarily from rice, while Japanese shochu uses sweet potato, barley, and other ingredients. Also, in Japan, shochu is often served warm to enhance the flavor.
Q. Why does shochu taste different in different regions?
A. The flavor of shochu depends on the ingredients used, the manufacturing process, and the characteristics of the groundwater in each region. For example, the same batch of Chamisul may have different levels of sweetness or bitterness depending on the location of the production plant.
Q. How is soju made?
A. Soju is made using a variety of raw materials, including rice, barley, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. The raw materials are germinated, fermented, and distilled to extract the alcohol, and the final product is soju.
Q. Is the consumption of 1 bottle of soju below the average in Korea?
A. While there is no specific data on the average amount of soju consumed by Koreans, it is important to enjoy even one bottle in moderation as the amount of alcohol consumed by an individual depends on their constitution, drinking habits, health conditions, etc.
Q. Is soju good for my health if I drink it in moderation?
A. While moderate consumption of soju may have some health benefits, it is important to drink responsibly and recognize your limits, as excessive consumption can lead to liver damage, addiction, impaired judgment, and increased risk of accidents.
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