How is Korean shochu different from Japanese shochu? From the classic Chamisul to popular recommended shochu [6 selections]

table of contents

1. What is Korean Soju?
2. Are Koreans really good at drinking?
3. What is the difference between this and Japanese shochu?
4. What's the alcohol content and calories?
5. A guide to enjoying chu
6. 7 Recommended Korean Soju Brands
7. Korean food that goes well with shochu and easy shochu recipes you can make at home
8. Introducing interior items, miscellaneous goods, and items that complement shochu

1. What is Korean Soju?

Korean shochu (소주, soju) was traditionally made from rice, but in the 1960s, when Korea was experiencing a period of economic growth, starches such as potato, wheat , barley , sweet potato, and tapioca were also used, as rice alcohol brewing was banned. Shochu once referred only to distilled shochu , but in the 1960s, diluted shochu replaced distilled shochu, and now the term generally refers to diluted shochu , which is popular and inexpensive .  

2. Are Koreans really good at drinking alcohol?

Beer, whiskey , and wine are also popular in Korea , but soju is especially popular due to its affordable price . In 2004, over 3 billion bottles of soju were consumed, and in 2006, it was estimated that each adult consumed 90 bottles per year. According to the 2019 OECD National Alcohol Consumption Survey, the average annual alcohol consumption of Koreans is 8.3L per person, which is more than Japan's 7.1L and close to the OECD average of 8.8L. This is more than Japan.

3. What is the difference between this and Japanese shochu?

The most obvious difference between Japanese and Korean shochu is the ingredients used. Japanese shochu is made from a specific type of grain, such as barley , potato, or rice, while Korean "soju" is generally made from a mixture of multiple ingredients. This difference gives each shochu its own unique flavor and characteristics .

There are also differences in the manufacturing process . In Japan, there are two types of shochu : diluted shochu (class A shochu ) and distilled shochu (class B shochu), but in Korea , the diluted shochu is the mainstream, which is suitable for mass production .

4. What is the alcohol content and calories?

Korean shochu (soju) is clear and colorless, with an alcohol content ranging from 16.8 % to 53% . Before the 1990s, 25% or more was the norm, but the trend toward lower alcohol content has led to an increase in lower alcohol content shoju. In the 2020s, most shochu is between 15 and 20% alcohol .

In terms of calories , one bottle of shochu with an alcohol content of 16 % contains about 320 kcal .

5. Guide to enjoying chu

(1) Straight

There are many ways to drink Japanese shochu, such as straight, with water, on the rocks, with hot water, with soda, or as a chuhai, but Korean shochu is generally drunk straight from a small glass. The culture of drinking a shot-glass-sized shochu in one gulp, even though it has a low alcohol content, may be a new experience for Japanese people.

(2) Somek (soju + beer) 

Somek is a very popular drink in Korea, made by mixing soju (Korean shochu) with beer.

"1 part soju: 9 parts beer" is the most basic ratio and is recommended for somek beginners and those with little experience. The taste of soju is light and the taste of beer is dominant, but it is easier to drink than beer alone and has a mellow taste. This allows you to drink it with less alcohol, so even those who don't like the unique taste of soju can enjoy it.

(3) Mix with fruit drinks or ice cream

Drinking cocktails with carbonated water and sweet drinks or ice cream is also popular among young people. Mix Korean pear-flavored drink "갈아만든배 (Garamandungbae)" or grape-flavored drink "봉봉 (Bongbong)" with soju (such as Chamisul or Chomuchoreum) and carbonated water. The ratio can be adjusted to your taste, but we recommend 1 part soju, 1 part carbonated water, and 1 part drink.

Combining it with ice cream is also popular, and there is even a drink made with shochu and carbonated water and an entire piece of melon-flavored ice cream called "Melona."

6. Recommended Korean Soju Brands

(1) Hwayo (Hwayo)

(2) Jinro, 16.5%

Jinro boasts a lower alcohol content than other shochu, at 16.5%. The moment you put it in your mouth, you can feel the strong characteristics of shochu, but after drinking it quickly, there is little bitterness and the aroma that lingers in your throat is very smooth. This is true of other shochu, but Jinro's charm is particularly pronounced when it is drunk very cold. A recommended snack is spicy soup dishes.

(3) Chamisul - 16.9%

There are different soju brands in each region of Korea, but the one that represents Seoul is Chamisul. This original soju, which is often seen in drinking scenes in dramas, has a unique, strong and stimulating alcohol aroma.

(4) Choemchoreom (16.5 degrees)

Although it is not very different from the shochu introduced above, Chom Chom Chom is one of the most popular brands. It has a smooth texture that goes down your throat, and it feels like you are sliding down a slide. Recently, the alcohol content has been lowered to 16.5%, the same as Jinro, giving it a milder appeal. It is recommended to enjoy it with kimchi hotpot or spicy chicken feet. As the name suggests, no matter how many glasses you drink, you can enjoy the refreshing taste of "the first glass."

(5) Choemchoreom Selo (16.0 degrees)

Unlike traditional shochu , it is made without using fructose , and has a refreshing and smooth taste . In order to preserve the original taste of shochu , distilled shochu is added. This suppresses the distinctive aroma of alcohol , and it is evaluated as easy to drink . As a result, sales have been increasing rapidly through word of mouth from consumers.

(6) WONSOJU

(7) Chungha ( 13 degrees )

There is a saying that goes "Chongha goes well with sashimi," and it is a perfect match for seafood dishes. Compared to other shochu, it has a relatively low alcohol content and a sweet taste, making it the perfect introduction to Korean shochu.

7. Korean dishes that go well with shochu and easy shochu recipes you can make at home

We will introduce some easy- to-make Korean recipes introduced by Baek, who represents the most famous franchise restaurant in Korea ! In Japan, he is famous for Hong Kong Restaurant 0410 and Saemaul Restaurant. This is a YouTube channel that introduces recipes for dishes that can be easily made at home, and the cooking methods are very simple , so you can quickly make dishes that are perfect for days when you want to drink soju .

Baek's recipe

• Baek Style - Fried Egg
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• Baek Style - Sausage and Ketchup Stir-Fry
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• Baek Style - Tofu Kimchi
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• Baek Style - Oden Yaki
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• Baek Style - Korean Style Chawanmushi
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