Why Do Koreans Pour Drinks for Each Other? “Korean drinking culture is not just about how to drink, but about a process of joyful consideration-practiced through mutual respect-so that everyone can enjoy the final glass together.” - Soju Artist FUNNYJUN, NETFLIX Documentary 「SOJU RHAPSODY」 Have you ever wondered why Koreans use two hands to receive a glass? Or why they turn their heads slightly when taking a sip? If you’ve watched a K-drama or a movie, you’ve seen it: the green bottles, the clinking glasses, and the vibrant energy of a Korean "Hoesik." But behind the lively cheers lies a sophisticated, centuries-old social code known as Judo (The Way of Drinking). The Secret Language of the Korean Table In his book How to Drink Soju (Korean title: Wise Soju Life), Soju Artist FUNNYJUN-featured in the Netflix documentary Soju Rhapsody-decodes this unique culture for the global audience. This isn't a book about getting drunk. It’s a guide to connection. Whether you are a complete stranger to Korean culture or a die-hard K-fan, this book will reveal the "hidden logic" of the Korean table: ● The Art of the Pour: Why the empty glass is a signal of care. ● The Geometry of the Toast: What the height of your glass says about your respect. ● Beyond Nunchi: How "reading the room" creates a joyful atmosphere for everyone. From K-Dramas to Your First Real Soju Table Korean drinking etiquette is often misunderstood as a rigid set of rules. In reality, it is a "Joyful Consideration"-a way to ensure that no one is left out and everyone leaves the table feeling respected. For world travelers, K-culture enthusiasts, and anyone who believes that the best conversations happen over a shared drink, this book is your essential roadmap to the heart of Korean social life.

저자 : FUNNYJUN FUNNYJUN (Wanjun Kim) is a "Soju Artist" who explores the drinking etiquette and playful rituals of K-Sool through an artistic lens. He has systemized the inherent value of "consideration" found in Korean drinking etiquette and expanded it into diverse K-Content. The 200+ illustrations featured in his books have been showcased in numerous exhibitions both in Korea and abroad, gaining significant attention for visually deconstructing "how to drink Soju" and "the art of play at the table." His unique work has been featured in the Netflix documentary Soju Rhapsody and various major media outlets. Additionally, he curated the large-scale public street exhibition "Soju Game-Dyeon" hosted by Jongno-gu, expanding Korean drinking culture into an immersive experience of play. FUNNYJUN’s work begins with discovering the "unspoken rules" of daily life that often go unnoticed. He expresses these findings through a wide range of media, including illustration, writing, collage, and installation. Korean drinking etiquette remains a central theme of his artistic exploration, born from his keen observation of everyday life.

Prologue A Glass of Soju, Bridging the World ... 35 01. WHAT IS SOJU? Which One Is the Real Soju? ... 53 What’s Inside Soju? ... 56 Why Do Soju Brands Taste Similar? ... 58 When Does Soju Taste Sweet? ... 60 - Soju Cooler - Slushy Soju What Is the Best Temperature for Soju? ... 62 Why Soju Is Getting Weaker? ... 68 Weight Gain from Drinking Soju? ... 70 Why Are Soju Bottles Green? ... 72 Why Are Soju Bottles 360ml? ... 74 Why Do People Tap the Bottom of Soju Bottles? ... 76 Where Can You Buy the Cheapest Soju? ... 78 02. SOJU BRANDS Does Soju Have a Hometown? ... 65 Chamisul / Chum-Churum / White / Cham / Good Day /Daesun / Ipsaeju / Ijewoolinn / C1 / Siwonhan Cheongpung / Hite / Hallasan / Jinro is Back / Saero / Grapefruit Chamisul / Soonhari Yuzu / Pyongyang Soju / Geumgangsan Soju Why Are Most Soju Models Women? ... 104 Lee Young-ae / Psy / Lee Hyori / Suzy / Baek Jong-won / Jennie / IU 03. READY TO DRINK Essentials for Drinking Soju ... 116 Soju / Soju Glass / Chopsticks / Spoon Low Table / High Table / Anju / Small Plates Water Bottle / Water Cup / Apron / Order Bell Napkin / Wet Wipes / Music / Drinking Buddies Where Should I Seat? ... 134 Seating Arrangements / Basic Seat of Honor Two-People / Three-People / Four-People / Five-People More than Ten People - Solo Drinking Skills 04. HOW TO DRINK Step 1 Soju Drinking Etiquette Starts with Seating ... 150 - Tips for Holding the Bottle - No Forcing Step 2 Hold the Middle of the Soju Bottle ... 152 Step 3 Open the Bottle Cap Counterclockwise ... 154 - Elbow Tap Technique / Open it with an X-Twist Step 4 Offer Soju When Empty ... 163 - Encouraging Someone to Pour Soju - Pouring for Yourself - Don’t drink holding the soju bottle Step 5 Pour Soju with Your Right Hand ... 170 - How Not to Pour Soju - Hand Position for Pouring Soju by Distance Step 6 Hold the Soju Glass with Your Fingertips ... 176 - Tips for Holding a Soju Glass Step 7 Receive Soju with Both Hands ... 180 - How to Show You’ve Received Enough - How to Receive Soju Based on Distance Step 8 Lightly Clink Glasses ... 184 - Proposing a Toast - How to Nail a Toast / Toast Speech Step 9 Drink Within Your Own Limit ... 188 - Turning Your Head While Drinking - Just a Sip or a Small Gesture / The First Glass: One-shot - Names of Soju Shots / Love Shot /Wave Drinking - Glass Shaking / Three Drinks for the Latecomer - Don’t Drink Soju Straight from the Bottle - Techniques for Pretending to Drink Step 10 Where to Place Your Glass to Show Intent to Drink ... 200 When your glass is empty and you want to keep drinking / When Your Glass is Empty but You Don’t Want to Drink Anymore / When Your Glass is not Empty and You Don’t Want to Drink Anymore 05. HOW TO PLAY How to Play Soju Games ... 208 - Drinking Game Forfeits Ancient Korean Drinking Game Drinking Board Game Drinking Dice Game Soju Cap Flick Game Soju Cap Up & Down Game Soju Cap Art Soju Bottle Spinning Game Soju Bottle Cap Spinning Game APT. Game Offering Soju with a Song ... 220 - Soju Microphone Soju Cocktails Recipe ... 222 Somaek (Soju + Beer) - How to Make Somaek - Somaek Maker Honey Soju Soiball 06. WHAT TO EAT The Perfect Anju for Soju, Land·Sea·Sky ... 234 Samgyeopsal / Kimchi Jjigae / Chicken / Hoe Why Do People Change Venues When Drinking? ... 240 First Round: Drinks Paired with a Meal / Second Round: Light Snacks / Third Round: For Fun or Deep Conversations / Why Do Koreans Move from Place to Place While Drinking? / Banju Day Drinking Makes You Forget Your Parents? ... 246 The Secrets to Feeling Better After Drinking ... 248 Quick Fixes for a Better Morning ... 250 Tips for Enjoying Alcohol Responsibly ... 252 SOJU AND ARTS The Origins of Drinking Etiquette ... 256 Soju and Literature ... 257 Soju and Songs ... 258 Soju and Movies ... 260 Inspirational References and Websites ... 262 K-Drinking Culture Gallery ... 273

Prologue
A Glass of Soju, Bridging the World ... 35
01. WHAT IS SOJU?
Which One Is the Real Soju? ... 53
What’s Inside Soju? ... 56
Why Do Soju Brands Taste Similar? ... 58
When Does Soju Taste Sweet? ... 60
- Soju Cooler
- Slushy Soju
What Is the Best Temperature for Soju? ... 62
Why Soju Is Getting Weaker? ... 68
Weight Gain from Drinking Soju? ... 70
Why Are Soju Bottles Green? ... 72
Why Are Soju Bottles 360ml? ... 74
Why Do People Tap the Bottom of Soju Bottles? ... 76
Where Can You Buy the Cheapest Soju? ... 78

02. SOJU BRANDS
Does Soju Have a Hometown? ... 65
Chamisul / Chum-Churum / White / Cham / Good Day /Daesun / Ipsaeju / Ijewoolinn / C1 / Siwonhan Cheongpung / Hite / Hallasan / Jinro is Back / Saero / Grapefruit Chamisul / Soonhari Yuzu / Pyongyang Soju / Geumgangsan Soju
Why Are Most Soju Models Women? ... 104
Lee Young-ae / Psy / Lee Hyori / Suzy / Baek Jong-won / Jennie / IU

03. READY TO DRINK
Essentials for Drinking Soju ... 116
Soju / Soju Glass / Chopsticks / Spoon
Low Table / High Table / Anju / Small Plates
Water Bottle / Water Cup / Apron / Order Bell
Napkin / Wet Wipes / Music / Drinking Buddies
Where Should I Seat? ... 134
Seating Arrangements / Basic Seat of Honor
Two-People / Three-People / Four-People / Five-People
More than Ten People
- Solo Drinking Skills

04. HOW TO DRINK
Step 1 Soju Drinking Etiquette Starts with Seating ... 150
- Tips for Holding the Bottle
- No Forcing
Step 2 Hold the Middle of the Soju Bottle ... 152
Step 3 Open the Bottle Cap Counterclockwise ... 154
- Elbow Tap Technique / Open it with an X-Twist
Step 4 Offer Soju When Empty ... 163
- Encouraging Someone to Pour Soju
- Pouring for Yourself
- Don’t drink holding the soju bottle
Step 5 Pour Soju with Your Right Hand ... 170
- How Not to Pour Soju
- Hand Position for Pouring Soju by Distance
Step 6 Hold the Soju Glass with Your Fingertips ... 176
- Tips for Holding a Soju Glass
Step 7 Receive Soju with Both Hands ... 180
- How to Show You’ve Received Enough
- How to Receive Soju Based on Distance
Step 8 Lightly Clink Glasses ... 184
- Proposing a Toast
- How to Nail a Toast / Toast Speech
Step 9 Drink Within Your Own Limit ... 188
- Turning Your Head While Drinking
- Just a Sip or a Small Gesture / The First Glass: One-shot
- Names of Soju Shots / Love Shot /Wave Drinking
- Glass Shaking / Three Drinks for the Latecomer
- Don’t Drink Soju Straight from the Bottle
- Techniques for Pretending to Drink
Step 10 Where to Place Your Glass to Show Intent to Drink ... 200
When your glass is empty and you want to keep drinking / When Your Glass is Empty but You Don’t Want to
Drink Anymore / When Your Glass is not Empty and You
Don’t Want to Drink Anymore

05. HOW TO PLAY
How to Play Soju Games ... 208
- Drinking Game Forfeits
Ancient Korean Drinking Game
Drinking Board Game
Drinking Dice Game
Soju Cap Flick Game
Soju Cap Up & Down Game
Soju Cap Art
Soju Bottle Spinning Game
Soju Bottle Cap Spinning Game
APT. Game
Offering Soju with a Song ... 220
- Soju Microphone
Soju Cocktails Recipe ... 222
Somaek (Soju + Beer)
- How to Make Somaek
- Somaek Maker
Honey Soju
Soiball

06. WHAT TO EAT
The Perfect Anju for Soju, Land·Sea·Sky ... 234
Samgyeopsal / Kimchi Jjigae / Chicken / Hoe
Why Do People Change Venues When Drinking? ... 240
First Round: Drinks Paired with a Meal / Second Round:
Light Snacks / Third Round: For Fun or Deep Conversa
tions / Why Do Koreans Move from Place to Place While Drinking? / Banju
Day Drinking Makes You Forget Your Parents? ... 246
The Secrets to Feeling Better After Drinking ... 248
Quick Fixes for a Better Morning ... 250
Tips for Enjoying Alcohol Responsibly ... 252

SOJU AND ARTS
The Origins of Drinking Etiquette ... 256
Soju and Literature ... 257
Soju and Songs ... 258
Soju and Movies ... 260

Inspirational References and Websites ... 262
K-Drinking Culture Gallery ... 273
책 속으로

p35
In Korea, drinking soju is not simply about consuming alcohol. Every gesture of pouring and re
ceiving a drink carries consideration and respect. This etiquette extends naturally into Korean ta
ble manners and daily social behavior. Through sharing a drink, we learn how to respect one another-and sometimes we even see a glimpse of someone’s personality or social attitude.

p72
The color of soju bottles has an interesting backstory. Glass bottles can naturally take on a bluish tint due to the iron content in the glass during manufacturing, unless specific coloring processes are used. In 1993, a soju brand called Green Soju deliberately used green bottles to symbolize cleanliness and purity. As the brand gained popularity, other soju manufacturers followed suit, making green bottles the go-to packaging for soju.* Over time, consumers began associating the green bottle with soju itself

p84
In Korea, the type of soju one drinks often reflects their province. The 1970s “One Brewery per Province” policy restricted competition, and despite its abolition in 1988, regional loyalty and logistical factors have kept local brands strong. When traveling in Korea, try tasting soju from different regions-you’ll discover a unique kind of enjoyment.

p104
Soju ads often feature top female celebrities, but this wasn’t always the case. In the past, when soju had over 30% ABV, male actors like Noh Joo-hyun and Baek Il-seop promoted a rugged,
masculine image focused on “drinking after a hard day’s work.” This changed in the late 1990s as lighter soju (around 23% ABV) gained popularity. Marketing shifted to appeal to a broader audience, with young female stars like Lee Young-ae, Kim Taehee, IU, Irene, Lee Hyori, Suzy, and Jennie becoming the new faces of soju.

p116
Soju normally isn’t a drink you enjoy alone, unlike whiskey, wine, or beer. To fully appreciate soju, the setting and tools matter just as much as the drink itself. It’s almost always paired with anju (안주) and typically consumed while seat ed at a table. Standing while drinking or placing the bottle on the floor is uncommon, except at casual gatherings like MT (membership training), a type of group retreat popular among students and coworkers. In most cases, a proper table setup is preferred

p160
Among the advanced techniques for opening a soju bottle cap is the X-shaped twist. This flashy move can quickly enhance the atmosphere at any drinking party. The swift and large motion draws attention easily, but be cautious as the cap could open while the bottle is momentarily upside down, spilling soju. This technique is typically used at the beginning of a drinking session, making it a perfect way to capture everyone’s attention with the first bottle. It’s recommended to practice this high-level technique in advance.

p190
When drinking with someone older, it’s polite to turn your head to the left or right instead of drinking directly in front of them. If there are elders on both sides, turn toward the one with slightly less seniority. Once the elder says you can drink comfortably, you don’t need to turn your head anymore and can drink freely.

p219
Friends sit in a circle and stack their hands like apartment floors while chanting “APT.” The host then calls out a floor number, and starting from the bottom, players move their hands one by one to the top. Whoever’s hand reaches the top position on the called floor must drink or face
a penalty.The game went viral worldwide after BLACKPINK’s Ros? mentioned it in her collab song APT. with Bruno Mars, inspiring fans to try it on social media.

p260
The global hit Squid Game (2021) also includes a memorable soju moment. Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) drinks straight soju from a plastic cup outside a convenience store, reflecting his struggles. Oh Il-nam (Oh Young-soo) later joins him, and they share uncooked ramen as anju.This scene captures what gang soju represents in Korea:

"Stop being a tourist: Master the secret social code of Korean drinking with soju artist from Netflix." “A must-read cultural report for anyone who wants to truly connect with Koreans, from K-drama fans to global business leaders.” In an era where Korean culture has become a global phenomenon, we often see the "Green Bottle" (Soju) on screens, but we rarely understand the complex social choreography happening around it. How to Drink Soju is not a book about alcohol; it is a profound observation of Korean relationships, etiquette, and the "natural laws of connection." Why This Book is Essential Now For those looking to engage with Korea-whether for travel, deep cultural study, or high-stakes business-understanding the drinking table is non-negotiable. In Korea, the dinner table is where deals are sealed and true friendships are formed. Yet, the rules of this space are rarely taught; they are gathered through experience. Soju Artist FUNNYJUN, featured in the Netflix documentary Soju Rhapsody, meticulously decodes these "unlearned rules" for the first time. He shifts the perspective from "strict etiquette" to "Joyful Consideration," explaining that every gesture-from the way a glass is received to the subtle height of a toast-is a sophisticated tool for mutual respect. From Traditional Etiquette to Modern Play (APT. and Beyond) This book also captures the evolution of Korean leisure. With the global craze over Korean drinking games like "APT.," FUNNYJUN explains how these "playful rituals" serve as essential communication tools that transform a potentially heavy drinking session into a vibrant, inclusive social experience. More Than a Guide-A Cultural Manifesto The publisher highly recommends this book not as a manual for drinking, but as a cultural report for understanding the heart of Korean society. It is for: ● Global Professionals: Who need to navigate Korean business dinners with grace and confidence. ● K-Culture Enthusiasts: Who want to understand the "Why" behind the scenes they see in K-dramas. ● Social Explorers: Who believe that the best way to understand a country is to understand how its people connect. By the time you finish the last page, your perspective on a single glass of Soju will be forever changed. You won't just be "drinking"; you will be participating in a beautiful, centuries-old tradition of looking after one another. ▶ 언론사에서 소개한 소주 아티스트 퍼니준 Soju culture goes deeper than what's in the glass - KOREA TIMES How do you drink soju? 10 etiquette rules, and why having Korean spirit is like a polygraph - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST