Soju

Soju is an alcoholic drink from Korea. In the Korean language, soju literally means "burned liquor". Soju is clear and colorless, and is traditionally made from rice, but later from other grains, and has a flavor similar to vodka. This kind of distilled beverage was first found in Persia, where the distillation methods of producing alcoholic beverages originated. But through contact between the Mongols and Islamic culture, these kinds of alcoholic beverages and distillation techniques came to the East. As distillation became widespread throughout the Yuan Dynasty of China, it eventually reached the kingdom of Goryeo (Korea), where it became so popular that many kinds of soju were created. Because the soju created at that time was made from pure grains, it was very tasty and clean. It was also not so strong. However, it was very expensive simply because it was distilled.

Nowadays, soju is very popular in South Korea. Koreans enjoy drinking soju as a means of promoting friendship and getting closer to each other. Usually, people drink it with "anju", a side dish, so as to moderate its bitterness.

 See also 

 Andong, city in South Korea famous for producing soju
 Dongdongju
 Makgeolli
 Rice wine

Similar drinks in other cultures:

 Awamori, of Okinawa

 Sake, of Japan
 Shōchū, of Japan
Category:Alcoholic drinks
Category:Korean food

 References