When people think about Korean alcohol, soju is usually the first drink that comes to mind. The iconic clear spirit is closely associated with Korean food, K-dramas, nightlife, and social gatherings.
If you've ever wondered how is soju made, its production can involve fermentation and distillation, although modern commercial soju is often made using neutral spirits that are diluted and blended to achieve the desired alcohol content.
Korean drinking culture also places great importance on enjoying alcohol with food and other people. Drinks are often served alongside anju, the Korean term for food eaten while drinking.
So, if you already know soju and want to discover something different, here are 10 Korean alcohol drinks to try besides soju!
10 Korean Alcohol Drinks You Should Try Besides Soju
Soju has become deeply ingrained, iconic, and successful in introducing itself to the world. But there are other drinks from Korea you can try that are just as delicious!
1. Makgeolli
Makgeolli is one of the best places to start if you want to explore Korean alcohol beyond soju. It is a traditional Korean rice wine made by fermenting rice with nuruk, a traditional Korean fermentation starter.
Unlike clear soju, makgeolli has a distinctive milky-white appearance. It is slightly thick, lightly fizzy, and usually contains around 6–8% alcohol. Its flavor is mildly sweet and tangy, with a creamy quality that makes it very different from distilled spirits.
Why you should try it? Makgeolli is an excellent choice for people who find soju too strong or sharp. It is refreshing, approachable, and gives you a taste of Korea's traditional fermentation culture.
2. Cheongju
Cheongju is another traditional Korean rice wine, but it looks completely different from makgeolli. It is filtered after fermentation, resulting in a clear and clean-looking drink.
Made from fermented rice, cheongju tends to have a subtle sweetness with a clean, smooth character. Its alcohol content is generally higher than makgeolli but lower than many strong spirits, with some varieties around 13–17%.
Why should you try it? If you enjoy sake or light white wine, cheongju may be one of the easiest Korean drinks to appreciate. It is refined without being overly complicated.
3. Bokbunja-ju
Bokbunja-ju is a Korean fruit wine made from bokbunja, a Korean wild black raspberry. It has an attractive deep-red color and a strong berry aroma. The taste is generally sweet and slightly tart, with noticeable fruitiness. Alcohol levels are commonly around 13–15%.
Why you should try it? Bokbunja-ju is probably one of the most beginner-friendly choices on this list. It tastes more like a fruit wine than a strong spirit, making it a fun introduction to Korean alcoholic beverages.
4. Baekse-ju
This traditional Korean rice wine is made using fermented rice and a blend of botanical ingredients. Ginseng is one of its prominent flavors, while other ingredients can include ginger, cinnamon, licorice, omija berries, and goji berries.
The result is a clear, lightly sweet drink with a distinctive herbal and spicy aroma. Baekseju is often enjoyed chilled and paired with strongly seasoned Korean dishes.
Why try it? If you like herbal liqueurs or drinks with complex botanical aromas, baekseju is worth exploring. It shows how Korean traditional alcohol can combine rice fermentation with a wide range of natural flavors.
5. Maesil-ju
Maesil-ju is made by infusing maesil, a type of Asian plum, with sugar and alcohol. The fruit can be green or yellow, depending on the production method and ripeness. After the fruit is steeped for several weeks or longer, the drink develops a beautiful golden color and a sweet-and-tart flavor.
If you prefer sweet, fruity alcoholic drinks, maesil-ju is an easy choice. Its balance of sweetness and acidity makes it considerably different from ordinary soju.
6. Dongdongju
Dongdongju is closely related to makgeolli, but there is an important difference. While makgeolli is generally filtered, dongdongju is left unfiltered, meaning small pieces or grains of rice can remain floating in the drink.
It is made from glutinous rice, a fermentation starter, and water. The result is an opaque, milky beverage with a slightly sweet and subtly tart taste. It is traditionally served chilled, sometimes in bowls rather than conventional drinking glasses.
Dongdongju is perfect for adventurous drinkers who want to experience a more traditional and rustic style of Korean rice wine.
7. Gamju
Gamju, also known as dansul, is a traditional Korean alcoholic drink made by fermenting steamed rice with nuruk, a Korean fermentation starter. The fermentation process takes place at low temperatures, producing a cloudy, opaque drink with a mildly sweet and subtly tart flavor.
Gamju is worth trying if you want to explore a lesser-known side of traditional Korean drinking culture. Its gentle sweetness, light tartness, and low alcohol content make it an approachable choice for those who prefer milder alcoholic beverages.
8. Munbaeju
Munbaeju is a traditional Korean distilled spirit known for its distinctive aroma, which resembles that of a Korean wild pear—even though pear is not actually used to make it.
It has a complex aroma, a stronger flavor, and an alcohol content of around 40%, making it considerably more powerful than modern commercial soju.
If you enjoy whisky, brandy, or other full-strength spirits, munbaeju can provide a fascinating Korean alternative.
9. Sansachun
Sansachun belongs to the broader Korean category of traditional fermented rice-based drinks. It is a type of yakju and is associated with the use of sansha, or hawthorn fruit, which contributes a distinctive fruity and mildly tart character.
Yakju and cheongju occupy an interesting middle ground between stronger distilled spirits and cloudy rice wines. They tend to be clear, fragrant, and relatively gentle, making them suitable for pairing with lighter foods such as seafood and vegetables.
Why try it? Sansachun is a good choice if you want something aromatic and food-friendly without the heavier texture of makgeolli.
10. Korean Craft Beer
Korean alcohol isn't limited to traditional rice drinks. Korea also has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries producing everything from ales and IPAs to stouts.
Modern Korean craft breweries sometimes incorporate local ingredients such as yuzu, omija berries, rice, and locally sourced barley. This creates beers that can have a distinctly Korean personality while still being familiar to international beer drinkers.
Craft beer is one of the easiest options for beer lovers who want to explore Korea's modern drinking scene.
Soju Recommendation From Minuman.com!
Here’s a few soju you can buy from Minuman, of course with special price:
Explore Korean Alcohol Beyond Soju!
If you're still interested in trying Korean soju besides other Korean alcohol drink, you can find a selection of high-quality Korean soju at Minuman.com. The collection includes options from popular Korean brands, with both original and flavored varieties available. You also can buy soju online at Minuman.com.
For your next Korean food night, don't stop at the familiar green bottle. Explore different Korean alcoholic beverages and discover which flavors suit your palate. When you're ready to order, purchase your alcoholic beverages only from Minuman.com for a convenient and reliable shopping experience.
