The Charm of Korean Soju: From History to Top Brands and YouTuber “180 Seconds”

 🍶 What is Korean Soju?

Soju is Korea’s representative distilled liquor, typically made from rice, sweet potatoes, wheat, or barley. While it was once a high-proof traditional spirit, today’s soju is often a lower-proof diluted type, known for its smooth taste and affordability.




🕰️ A Brief History of Soju


- It is believed to have started during the Goryeo Dynasty, influenced by Arabic distillation techniques.


- During the Joseon Dynasty, soju was significant enough to have its own department in the royal palace.


- In the 1960s and 70s, soju became widely popular as mass production increased during Korea’s economic development.




💚 Why is Soju Popular?




1. Affordable Price – Accessible to all income levels


2. Perfect Pairing with Food – Goes well with Korean dishes like BBQ, fried chicken, sashimi


3. Social Bonding Tool – Essential in gatherings, company dinners, and friendly meetups


4. Flavor Variety – Fruit sojus like peach, grapefruit, and blueberry appeal to younger drinkers




🥇 Top 3 Soju Brands in Korea




1. Chamisul (참이슬)

- Produced by HiteJinro

- Smooth, clean flavor; popular both locally and globally


2. Chum Churum (처음처럼)

- Brand by Lotte Chilsung Beverage

- Known for its soft texture and use of alkaline water


3. Jinro Is Back (진로이즈백)

- Retro-style design and low alcohol content

- Especially loved by the younger generation




📺 YouTuber “180 Seconds”



Channel Name: 180 Seconds

Concept: Short and informative 3-minute videos covering food and alcohol

Features: Soju reviews, food pairings, Korean drinking etiquette

Audience: Loved by both Gen Z and older viewers for quick, relatable content




#Soju 

#KoreanLiquor 

#Chamisul 

#ChumChurum 

#JinroIsBack 

#180Seconds 

#KoreanAlcohol 

#DrinkingCulture 

#FruitSoju 

#TraditionalLiquor

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