By Honorary Reporter Marianna Szucs from Hungary
Photos = Marianna Szucs

Soju is one of Korea's most famous alcoholic beverages. Nearly all K-dramas have shown soju and the drink is now available around the world.

I first tried it during my first visit to Korea, specifically on a tour of Jeju Island April 2017. As soju is similar to Russia's vodka and Hungary's palinka, I was a little wary of its alcohol content. Yet it surprised me with its rather neutral taste combined with a gentle sweetness. I also felt no harsh burn that palinka or vodka gives me, and thus soju instantly became one of my favorite drinks. Please be careful, however, as its subtle taste might encourage you to drink more of it and get you tipsy before you know it.

Snacks are a perfect complement to soju.

Buying soju has gotten easier in England where I live in, so I started to drink it at home after returning from my trip. As the Asian supermarkets are growing in England, you can find them even in small towns and the price of soju is about £6. I like to drink this versatile liquor straight with food and have also dabbled in easy-to-make cocktails with it. My family and friends alike share my love for soju, so I often include it in parties and gatherings. 

The most straightforward way of consuming soju is with food. K-dramas and YouTube videos show the fun people have while enjoying this drink. I drink it with Korean and other snacks that are savory or sweet. Having lunch or dinner with soju is also a good option. I love drinking it while eating traditional Hungarian meat stew. I even drink soju with desserts and at birthday or garden parties and gatherings with friends. My sister's delicious homemade strawberry vanilla slice is always served with soju, as they're such a perfect match.

Soju also complements desserts like my favorite, homemade strawberry vanilla slice.

The tour guide for my Jeju trip offered tips for making simple soju cocktails, so I decided to try them at home. One said to mix a portion of soju with one of a yogurt drink and then add a portion of Chilsung Cider (a Korean soft drink that is similar to Sprite and Seven-Up). I highly recommend this unique cocktail as it is amazingly refreshing especially on hot summer days. Other options the guide recommended were fruit-based cocktails.

Soju cocktails I often make feature yogurt, cranberry and mango.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.