Soju is the most popular Korean alcoholic drink. It is made from rice—aged and distilled to produce a clear alcoholic beverage.
In the age of industrialized production of the popular green bottles, the one and only Jay Park—one of the pioneers of Korean hip-hop music, founder of H1GHR MUSIC, AOMG, and MORE VISION record labels, and one of the most influential artists—entered the scene and created Won Soju. I got to sit down with him and had an amazing conversation about the revolution he is leading.
Won Soju is premium soju, hands down. Its ingredients such as rice, yeast, and water are all sourced from Korea. Traditional aging and distillation yielded a dynamic, refined, and clean drink. No sugar, no additives, and not mass produced. When I tried it, it was definitely a yeobosayo!
It comes in three types: Original—the new standard of smooth and clean soju, Spirit—perfect to be mixed with food and drinks, and Classic—for a rich and flavorful drink. These were all carefully curated by Jay Park himself, check out the flavor notes to know more!
In the first 6 months of its launch in Korea, Won Soju was able to sell out 1 million bottles! Jay Park and the brand’s mission is to promote Korean culture through soju. They want this to be on par and well-loved by people who similarly enjoy whiskey, vodka, and tequila.
Won Soju recently launched in the US. It is now available in various stores and restaurants in New York, New Jersey, California, and Washington. It will also soon launch in Hong Kong, Thailand, Canada, and Germany, taking the world by storm. Check out their website to know where you can buy this gem!
It was such a great experience to meet Jay Park himself. From hustling to making a name for himself, he’s giving opportunities to other underdogs out there. He’s promoting Korea in such a revolutionary way—I know he’s one of the few who’s really got it. Hands down.
Two Ways to Enjoy Won Soju
Pair it with Anjoo
Anjoo is basically a dish that you serve with alcohol. Drinking is just more enjoyable when you have munchies on the side. The most common anjoo for Koreans is Korean BBQ! Whether it’s bulgogi, galbi, pork belly, gopchang (grilled innards), or seafood, the grilled meat gets nicely washed down by soju.
If you’re not into heavy meals while drinking, there are light munchies you can enjoy like Spicy Dried Squid, Sausage Stir Fry, Raw Ramen Snack, variety of soups, or there’s this famous street food lane in Manseon Hof in Korea that serves grilled fish and grilled snail which are my favorite. Meanwhile, Jay Park’s go-to anju is fruits!
If you’re wondering, yes, we eat soups and stews like kimchi jjigae, doenjang jjigae, or gomtang with soju. Having a good meal just helps the body process the alcohol better. The main point is don’t drink on an empty stomach, alright!?!
Make Cocktails
Using the Won Soju Spirit, you can make several cocktails by using soda water and lemon or your favorite fruit flavoring. Feel free to add the flavors that you love to make this more enjoyable!
If you’re not a cocktail person, keep it nice and smooth by simply having the Original or Classic, neat or over ice. By doing this, you can thoroughly appreciate its distinct taste and smell. Oooh!
Korean Drinking Etiquette
In Korea, drinking is a part of culture. When celebrating special occasions and holidays, paying respects to ancestors, or building relationships among friends, co-workers, or business partners—alcohol is always involved.
The main reason is simply because it opens people up more. It helps bring their guard down and allows them to get to know each other better. Over drinks, you essentially build stronger relationships.
Nevertheless, drinking still involves social norms that must be followed as a sign of respect. A few of them are:
- You cannot decline an invitation to go drinking. Unless it is for medical or religious reasons, it is customary to say yes. Nevertheless, the government of Korea already made campaigns to regulate this practice and to keep the people safe.
- Always wait for the eldest or the elderly at the table to offer a drink. They must be the ones to pour the first round of drinks.
- Never pour your own drink. So after the eldest has poured others’ drink, the youngest must pour a drink into the eldest’s glass.
- In pouring drinks, always use your two hands: The right hand pouring while the left supports the right arm. Do not fill the glass to the brim.
- In receiving drinks, you must receive them with two hands: The right hand holds the glass while the left palm supports the right hand.
- The younger ones are to look away while covering their mouth as they drink.
- You must drink it when you are poured a drink. If you wish to stop drinking, do not finish what you have in your glass.
- Do not pour drinks when there are still contents in the glass of another person.
- Never leave a shot glass empty. Always refill immediately.
This dynamic is especially applicable in family, work, and business settings. If you are the same age or drinking with friends, you can pour and receive with one hand. Just remember, never pour your own drink, it’s bad luck!
Koreans often recognize hierarchy or seniority, so practices like these work well. Nevertheless, if you don’t know the age of the people you’re with, simply follow the etiquette to be safe.
With all this soju talk, remember to drink responsibly! Enjoy the drinks and conversation with loved ones, and make sure to drink within your limits! If you feel hungover the next day, have some beansprout soup or hangover soup to replenish your body. Yeobosayo!
Leave a Reply