Ever wondered why Koreans have a penchant for shaking and tapping the neck of a soju bottle before popping it open? To the uninitiated, this might seem like an elaborate ritual straight out of a K-drama or a lively K-town restaurant scene. But there’s a method to the madness, and it’s a story worth sipping on.

Soju, that clear and potent spirit akin to vodka, is a delicacy that’s best savored in its purest form. Unlike its flavorful counterparts like Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua, there’s no need to squander your hard-earned calorie budget. So why the bottle-shaking extravaganza?

You see, in the days of yore, before the era of convenient screw caps, soju bottles were sealed with corks—much like wine bottles. And if you’ve ever encountered a neglected cork, you’ll know they tend to dry out and crumble, leaving unsavory remnants in your drink (they’re fiber, but still…).

The time-honored solution? A vigorous shake and a swirl to coax those cork residues to the surface, a gentle tug to remove the stubborn cork, and a dramatic flourish to rid the elixir of any lurking impurities, be it through a graceful pour or a swift hand-blade chop.

Now, while corks have gone the way of the dodo, replaced by the metallic embrace of screw caps, the tradition lives on—albeit with a touch of mystery. Even many Koreans might not know the precise reason behind the ritual, but one thing’s for certain: it’s what adds that extra zest to your soju experience.

So, with the secrets of the soju bottle unveiled, it’s time to prepare for your next soju outing. Here’s a quick lesson in Korean soju flair to level up your game!

This article is from Korean Culture Dictionary. If you want to learn more about Korea, from kimchi to K-pop and K-drama clichés, it’s available for purchase on Amazon Worldwide!