Soju

Soju is a Korean alcoholic drink traditionally distilled from grain or sweet potatoes. Much modern soju is made by diluting neutral spirits and adding flavorings.

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Distillation: A process that separates substances by vaporizing a mixture and condensing its components. Traditional soju is made by distilling fermented grain or sweet-potato mash.
Korean drinking culture: Social customs and practices surrounding alcoholic drinks in Korea. Soju is closely associated with shared meals, group drinking, and customary etiquette.
Mongol invasions of Korea: The thirteenth-century campaigns and rule by Mongol forces that brought Korea into the Mongol Empire’s sphere. Distillation techniques associated with arak spread into Korea during the Mongol period.
Sake: A Japanese alcoholic beverage brewed from rice through parallel starch conversion and fermentation. Unlike traditionally distilled soju, sake is brewed rather than distilled.
Diluted beverage alcohol: Alcoholic drink made by blending neutral spirits with water, often with sweeteners or flavorings. Many mass-market soju brands use this production method instead of traditional distillation.
Korean barbecue: A Korean dining style in which diners grill meat, often at the table, and eat it with side dishes. Soju is a common accompaniment to grilled meats and the rich flavors of barbecue.
Arak: A family of distilled alcoholic drinks found across parts of the Middle East and Asia. The spread of arak-making techniques is linked to the early history of Korean distilling.
Shochu: A Japanese distilled spirit commonly made from barley, sweet potatoes, rice, or buckwheat. Shochu resembles distilled soju but belongs to a distinct Japanese tradition.
Nuruk: A Korean fermentation starter made from grains and microorganisms, used to saccharify starch and ferment alcohol. It helps convert grain starches into fermentable sugars in traditional soju production.
Korean drinking etiquette: Social conventions for serving and drinking alcohol in Korea, including receiving drinks with both hands. Soju is often served according to these conventions at shared meals.