Soju is a clear, distilled liquor that originated in Korea. Made primarily from rice, barley, wheat, or sweet potatoes, soju typically has a smooth taste with a slightly sweet flavor profile. It's often enjoyed neat or mixed with various fruit juices or other beverages. As one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in Korea, soju holds a significant cultural significance and is commonly consumed during social gatherings and celebrations.

It is commonly mistaken for sake, a traditional Japanese rice wine, which undergoes a fermentation process similar to beer. Sake has a lower alcohol content than soju, typically between 12% to 20% ABV, and is served chilled, at room temperature, or gently warmed.

Soju is also different than shochu, which hails from Japan and is crafted from various base ingredients such as barley, sweet potatoes, rice, or buckwheat. Unlike soju, shochu can be distilled only once and is typically fermented with koji mold before being distilled. This process results in a spirit with a diverse range of flavors, from earthy and savory to floral and fruity. Shochu can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed with water, soda, or fruit juices.