Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Open the bottle
• Method 2 of 3: Pour and drink shots
• Method 3 of 3: Play drinking games
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Soju is a traditional Korean liquor best served cold and plain (without ice). It is also the best-selling alcoholic drink in South Korea. The drink has a neutral taste that is similar to American vodka and comes in a classic green bottle. If you are in Korea, or in the company of Koreans, you must follow the rules of the social sharing ritual when drinking soju. Failure to follow these rules may come across as an insult to elders and superiors. Outside of Korean company, it's okay not to follow the traditional drinking ritual, but it's still a fun experience to do! Once you've mastered the ritual, try some traditional drinking games as well.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Open the bottle

1. Serve the soju cold and pure for the best taste. Chill the bottle of soju in the fridge for a few hours if you drink at home. Do not add ice to the drink, as it is usually served in a small glass and drunk as a shot.
   • You don't have to worry about this if you order a drink from a restaurant - it will be served ice cold and ready to drink!
2. Swirl the bottle to create a whirlpool in it. Hold the soju close to the bottom of the bottle with one hand and swirl it vigorously in a circular motion. After about 2-3 seconds, a vortex will form in the bottle
   • This operation is said to date back to the time when sediment ended up in the bottles during production. The spinning of the bottle is to raise the sediment.
   • Some drinkers choose to shake the bottle rather than turn it.
3. Hit the bottom of the bottle with your palm before twisting the cap off. Hold the bottle by the bottom of the neck with one hand and hit the bottom of the bottle firmly with your other hand. After a few heavy blows, unscrew the cap.
   • You may also hit the bottom of the bottle against your elbow instead of hitting it with the palm of your hand.
   • Some say the purpose of this part also has to do with loosening the sediment in the bottle.
4. Spread your middle and index fingers and bump the neck of the bottle. Grasp the bottom part of the bottle with one hand to keep it stable, and thrust the skin between your middle and forefinger of your other hand to hit the neck of the bottle sharply. This should be done with enough force to allow some of the soju to splash out of the bottle.
   • This part of the bottle opening ritual is designed to knock out the sediment that has entered the bottle during production so that it is not drunk.
   • Modern soju production filters the alcohol, so the sediment is no longer a problem. However, the tradition has remained.

Method 2 of 3: Pour and drink shots

1. Have the oldest person in the group pour the first shot of soju. He or she pours a shot into the glass of each person present. After everyone has poured their glass, another member of the group will use both hands to pour a shot for the oldest person.
   • This is a symbol of respect.
2. Use both hands to hold the bottle while pouring shots. While the members of the group take turns pouring shots for each other, each of them must always hold the bottle with both hands. This is another way to show respect, especially when serving your elders.
   • When you serve the shots, don't fill your own glass. After you've filled everyone's glass, set the bottle down so someone can fill yours for you.
3. Hold the shot glass with both hands while receiving the drink. This is also a symbol of respect. Raise the cup in the air and hold it towards the server to facilitate pouring. Some people choose to bow their heads when receiving the shot.
   • After the first round of drink has been poured, older people may use one hand for subsequent pourings.
4. Turn your head to avoid eye contact while drinking the first shot. Make sure you are still holding the glass with both hands while taking your drink. The first round of drinks should be taken as a shot, not sipped.
   • Using both hands while drinking is a sign of respect, and turning your head away from others is to avoid showing your teeth - which could be seen as disrespect in traditional Korean culture.
5. Offer to fill empty glasses as needed. Tradition has it that no glass should be left empty and no one should drink alone. If you notice someone's glass is empty, ask if they want another drink. After the first round of drinks, everyone can offer to fill glasses.
   • Don't forget to use both hands while pouring the drinks.
   • Remember not to fill your own glass. After you've poured a round, set the bottle down so another member of the group can fill yours for you (and don't forget to hold your glass with both hands while the other pours).
6. Sip the drinks after the first round, or take them as a shot. Traditionally, only the first round of the drinks should be taken as a shot. Then you can choose a shot or sip.
   • Many people choose to continue taking shots simply because the soju's "rubbing alcohol" flavor makes it unpleasant to sip.
7. Drink together to show solidarity. In Korean tradition, no one should drink alone. If you pour another shot for someone, they should always pour one for you as well. If someone is the first to offer to give you a shot, always accept it.

Method 3 of 3: Play drinking games

1. Play a simple game of "Cut the Cap" after opening a new bottle. This is one of the most popular drinking games. After you remove the cap from the soju bottle, twist the bottom piece of the seal that connects to the cap to make it stiffer. Each person should then take turns snapping the end of the cap with his or her fingers.
   • The person who gets the end piece off the cap wins - the rest drink.
2. Play a game of Titanic if you want to pass the time. Fill a drinking glass about halfway with beer. Carefully place the shot glass in the beer so that it floats. Take turns around the table and pour soju into the shot glass. The goal is to keep the shot glass afloat.
   • The person who sinks the shot glass is the loser and has to drink the beer with the soju (collectively called somek).
3. Play a game of "Noonchi" if you have a group of at least four people. The more players you have the better! At any time during the visit, yell "noonchi game one!" To start the game. Then the guests take turns counting in random order until you reach the number that matches the number of people you have in your group. For example, if you have five people in your group, you would count to five.
   • Here's the tricky part: No one should call the same number at the same time. For example, if more than one person shouts "2" at the same time, they should all drink a shot together.
   • If your group is able to get through all the numbers without saying a number at the same time, the person who says the last number drinks a shot.

Tips

• Soju should be consumed with food, so make sure to eat while you drink to avoid getting drunk.
• Use higher alcohol soju in place of vodka or gin in your favorite cocktails. Try it in a Bloody Mary or a Screwdriver.

Warnings

• Due to the nature of the tradition - pouring rounds all the time to keep the glasses full - it's easy to consume too much alcohol and get very intoxicated. Drink in moderation and never ride with alcohol behind the wheel.

Necessities

• Bottle of soju
• Beer
• Shot glass
• Drinking glass