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Korea is known for its rich drinking culture and unique traditional liquors that you won’t find anywhere else. From smooth rice wines to herbal-infused spirits, Korean alcohol is deeply connected to history, celebrations, and everyday life.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Korea or just curious about Korean drinks, here’s a guide to the must-try Korean liquors and the cultural stories behind them! 🇰🇷✨

1️⃣ Soju (소주) – Korea’s Most Iconic Drink

✔ What is it? A clear, distilled liquor made from rice, barley, or sweet potatoes.

✔ Alcohol Content: 12-25%

✔ How It’s Enjoyed: Served in shot glasses, often paired with Korean BBQ or spicy dishes.

✔ Cultural Fun Fact: In Korea, soju etiquette is important—pouring drinks for others with two hands and receiving with both hands shows respect. 🍻

Soju is the number one most consumed liquor in Korea and even the world! It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and the perfect drink to share with friends. Today, you’ll also find flavored soju varieties like peach, green grape, and yogurt flavors, making it even more popular among younger drinkers.

📍 Where to Try: Any Korean restaurant or convenience store! Korean Market(H-MART, HANNAMCHAIN..)

2️⃣ Makgeolli (막걸리) – The Oldest Korean Rice Wine

✔ What is it? A milky, slightly fizzy rice wine with a sweet and tangy taste.

✔ Alcohol Content: 6-8%

✔ How It’s Enjoyed: Traditionally served in a wooden bowl and paired with Korean pancakes (전, jeon) on rainy days! 🌧️ ✔ Cultural Fun Fact: There’s a Korean superstition that rainy days call for makgeolli and pajeon (green onion pancakes) because the sizzling sound of frying pancakes reminds people of the sound of rain! 🌧️🥞

Makgeolli is Korea’s oldest alcoholic drink, dating back over 1,000 years. Recently, artisanal and fruit-infused makgeolli have gained popularity among young people.

📍 Where to Try: Traditional Korean pubs (막걸리집) or at a local Makgeolli brewery tour! Korean Restaurant & Market(H-MART, HANNAMCHAIN..)

3️⃣ Cheongju (청주) – Korea’s Premium Rice Wine

✔ What is it? A clear, refined rice wine, similar to Japanese sake.

✔ Alcohol Content: 13-15%

✔ How It’s Enjoyed: Served warm or cold, often at traditional ceremonies and ancestral rites.

✔ Cultural Fun Fact: Historically, cheongju was considered a royal drink in the Joseon Dynasty and was served at royal banquets! 👑

Unlike makgeolli, cheongju is filtered, making it clear and smooth. It’s often used in Korean cooking, like in bulgogi marinades or steamed seafood dishes.

📍 Where to Try: Upscale Korean restaurants or traditional Korean liquor stores. Korean Restaurant & Market(H-MART, HANNAMCHAIN..)

4️⃣ Baekseju (백세주) – The Herbal Longevity Liquor

✔ What is it? A traditional medicinal liquor infused with ginseng and herbs.

✔ Alcohol Content: 13-16%

✔ How It’s Enjoyed: Paired with hearty Korean dishes, especially grilled meats.

✔ Cultural Fun Fact: The name ‘Baekseju’ means “100 years wine”, symbolizing health and long life. 🧑‍⚕️

This golden-hued liquor is infused with 12 different herbs, including ginseng, ginger, and goji berries, making it popular among older generations who believe in its health benefits.

📍 Where to Try: Korean BBQ restaurants or health-focused traditional liquor shops.

5️⃣ Bokbunja (복분자) – Korea’s Raspberry Wine

✔ What is it? A rich, fruity wine made from black raspberries.

✔ Alcohol Content: 13-15%

✔ How It’s Enjoyed: Served chilled, often as a dessert wine or with grilled eel.

✔ Cultural Fun Fact: There’s a Korean belief that bokbunja improves stamina and is good for men’s health. 😉

Bokbunja is deep red in color and has a naturally sweet yet tart taste, making it a great alternative to grape wine.

📍 Where to Try: Korean wine bars or seafood restaurants.

🎉 Experience Korean Drinking Culture!

Drinking in Korea isn’t just about alcohol—it’s about connection, culture, and fun traditions. Whether it’s pouring soju with two hands for an elder, enjoying makgeolli on a rainy day, or raising a glass of baekseju for good health, Korean liquor carries centuries of history.

✨ Which Korean drink would you try first? Let us know in the comments! 🍻