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KVIBE IDOLS › Food guides › Korean dishes explained › 소주·막걸리 (soju, makgeolli)
🍜 Korean dishes explained
Soju & Makgeolli Guide소주·막걸리 · soju, makgeolli
What is it?
Soju is a clear spirit (usually around 16–17% ABV) sold in green 360 ml bottles; fruit-flavoured versions are sweeter. Makgeolli is milky, lightly fizzy rice wine (about 6%), classically paired with jeon pancakes on rainy days. In Korea you must be 19 (by birth year) to buy alcohol.
How to eat it
- Never pour your own glass — fill others' and they will fill yours.
- Use two hands when pouring for or receiving from elders.
- Say "geonbae" (cheers) — and drink water; soju is stronger than it tastes.
- Typical price
- Soju ₩5,000–7,000 per bottle at restaurants (₩2,000 at stores)
Where to try it
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What is the drinking age in Korea?
You can buy alcohol from January 1 of the year you turn 19; bring ID.
What is somaek?
A shot of soju dropped into beer — a Korean party staple.
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