Top Soju Brands to Elevate Your Spirit Experience

Soju's popularity has surged worldwide, with many enthusiasts eager to explore this traditional Korean spirit. Known for its smooth taste and versatility, soju is enjoyed by both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. As the global market expands, an array of brands has emerged, each offering unique flavors and styles. For those interested in discovering the top soju brands to elevate their drinking experience, explore the curated list below.

Illustration of soju

Best brands of soju in 2025

Jinro

Jinro, a brand under HiteJinro Co., Ltd., is the world's leading producer of soju, accounting for more than half of the domestic soju sales in South Korea. Since its launch in 1924, Jinro has retained its title as the No.1 selling spirit brand, with global sales reaching 750 million bottles in 2013, surpassing other major spirits brands like Smirnoff. The brand's success is further highlighted by its Chamisul lineup, which has revolutionized the soju market with its quadruple-filtered and lower ABV offerings, such as Chamisul Fresh at 17.2% ABV. Jinro's overseas sales have also seen significant growth, with exports more than tripling from 57.1 billion won in 2017 to 189 billion won last year. The brand's global presence is reinforced by its ranking as one of the world's largest spirit brands by volume for 20 consecutive years according to the International Wine and Spirits Research (IWSR). For more details about their products, visit the Jinro official website.

Chum Churum

Chum-Churum, a flagship soju brand from Lotte Chilsung Beverage, has been a leading player in the soju market since its introduction in 2006. Known for its smooth and refreshing taste, Chum-Churum has undergone several alcohol content adjustments, currently standing at 16.5% as of 2021. The brand has seen significant global growth, with Lotte Chilsung's overseas soju sales increasing substantially, contributing to the company's robust corporate performance. Despite declining domestic consumption in Korea, Chum-Churum's international sales have been a key factor in the company's success, with a notable partnership with California-based E&J Gallo Winery to expand its U.S. distribution. This strategic expansion has led to a more than 40% increase in U.S. exports for Lotte Chilsung. For more information, visit the official Chum-Churum page.

HiteJinro

HiteJinro is the world's leading producer of soju, accounting for more than half of the domestic sales in South Korea and holding the title of the world's No.1 spirit for 20 years in a row according to the Millionaires' Club list. The company's Chamisul brand, launched in 1998, has revolutionized the soju market with its quadruple-filtered and lower ABV formula, capturing a 50% market share. In 2020, HiteJinro sold around 95.3 million soju cases, significantly outpacing other global spirits brands. The company's global expansion has seen strong growth, particularly in regions like China, Russia, and North America, where fruit-flavored soju variants have gained immense popularity. HiteJinro's continuous innovation and adaptation have solidified its position as a global leader in the soju industry. For more information, visit their official website.

Good Day

Good Day (Hallasan Soju) is renowned for its high-quality soju, distinguished by its clean and refreshing taste, achieved through filtration through volcanic rock, adding a hint of charcoal. This brand has gained popularity for its unique flavor profile, which is often compared to real vodka. The soju market, driven by brands like Hallasan, has seen significant growth, with soju shipments to Southeast Asian countries increasing by 37.8% in 2022 over 2021. The low-alcohol content of soju, typically around 16-20% ABV, appeals to health-conscious consumers, contributing to its rising demand. Hallasan Soju's innovative production methods and cultural significance make it a standout in the global soju market. For more details on Hallasan Soju, visit this insightful overview.

Chamiseul

Chamisul, produced by Jinro, is the world's most popular liquor and the leading brand in the soju market, accounting for over 50% of the domestic market share in South Korea since its launch in 1998. Known for its quadruple-filtered quality, Chamisul was initially introduced at 23% ABV and later revised to 20.1% ABV, with a sister brand, Chamisul Fresh, at 17.2% ABV. The brand's success has transformed the image of soju from a strong spirit to a "soft and clean" one, utilizing a bamboo charcoal filtration method. In 2015, Jinro sold 73.8 million 9-litre cases, making it the top-selling spirit globally. Global sales of Jinro's soju reached 750 million bottles in 2013, significantly outpacing other major spirits brands. For more detailed information, visit the Jinro Wikipedia page.

Andong Soju

Andong Soju is renowned as one of the best producers of traditional Korean soju, cherished for its heritage and authenticity. Crafted using time-honored distillation methods, Andong Soju embodies the essence of Korea's rich cultural heritage, with a classic and robust flavor profile. The brand offers variations such as Premium and Heritage, each showcasing the purity and character of its ingredients. Andong Soju's alcohol content is 45 degrees, yet it is known for its smoothness and lack of hangover. This brand is an indispensable choice for establishments seeking an authentic Korean drinking experience. For more insights into the top soju brands, visit Top Soju Brands.

Saan

Jinro, one of the best and most renowned producers of soju, has consistently held its place as the number one soju brand in Korea since its launch in 1924. Jinro Soju is a clear, neutral spirit with an alcohol content ranging from 13-24% ABV and is widely consumed globally, with 750 million bottles sold in 2013. It is made from a blend of grains such as barley, rice, sweet potato, and tapioca. Jinro's Chamisul Classic Soju is a popular variety, and the brand also offers flavored soju options. Jinro accounts for half of all white spirits sold in South Korea, with soju making up 97% of this category. For more information, visit the official Jinro website.

Charm Soju

Charm Soju is a notable brand in the soju market, distinguished by its unique flavor profile and creamy texture, made from a base of rice, sweet potatoes, and barley. This soju is particularly appealing for its thicker, creamier mouthfeel, which complements spicy Korean dishes and works well in cocktails. Unlike some entry-level brands, Charm Soju stands out for its candied, rice-milk texture, although it relies heavily on flavor infusions. The brand's uniqueness makes it a favorite for casual parties and adds to its presence in grocery store aisles. With the global soju market expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2024 to 2030, brands like Charm Soju are poised to benefit from the increasing interest in Korean culture and cuisine. For more information on the best soju brands, check out the best soju brands ranked.

C1 Blue

C1 Blue Soju, short for "Clear One," is a notable brand in the soju market, particularly recognized for its strong presence in Korean markets and its expansion into American markets since 2015. This premium soju is distilled from rice using natural bedrock waters sourced from Mount Samgak in Busan, Korea's second-largest city. Celebrated for its refined taste, C1 Blue Soju includes asparagine, an amino acid found in asparagus, which is believed to alleviate hangover symptoms and protect liver cells. C1 Soju boasts a 16.9% ABV in its original bottle and also offers a variant aged for 10 years with a 21% ABV, making it a unique choice for soju enthusiasts. Discover more about the best soju brands, including C1 Blue Soju, in this best soju brands ranked article.

Bohae Soju

Bohae Soju is a prominent player in the soju market, known for its high-quality and diverse range of soju products. As part of the growing soju industry, Bohae Soju benefits from the increasing popularity of Korean culture, particularly through K-dramas and K-pop, which has driven a 37.8% increase in soju shipments to Southeast Asian countries in 2022. The brand is also part of a market trend that sees a rise in low-alcohol soju, with the market share of low-alcohol soju increasing from 12% in 2018 to 28% in 2023. Bohae Soju, along with other major brands like Muhak and Kumbokju, occupies a significant market share, with top companies holding about 69% of the market. The global soju market, including Bohae Soju, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.3% to 5% from 2024 to 2031, depending on the forecast. For more information about their products, visit Bohae Soju's official website.