Fruit soju
Bottles of fruit soju for sale in a convenience store | |
| Korean name | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 과일소주 |
| Hanja | 과일燒酒 |
| RR | gwailsoju |
| MR | kwailsoju |
| IPA | kwa.il.so.dʑu |
Fruit soju (Korean: 과일소주; RR: gwail soju) is a flavored form of soju, an alcoholic drink originally from Korea. In 2015, Soonhari, the first fruit-flavored soju brand was released by beverage manufacturer Lotte Chilsung.
History
Before the first fruit soju was released, standard soju was popular in Korea as an alcoholic drink for adults. However, some people found soju difficult to drink due to its high alcohol content and strong flavor. Its popularity declined because of Korean societal changes regarding work, which resulted in people not having enough time to drink.[1]
In 2015, the first fruit soju, Soonhari, was released. It was flavored with citron and had a lower alcohol content compared to traditional soju, making it popular with younger consumers.[2] After Soonhari had become popular in the soju market, other companies released their own versions. Joenday released three types; Chamisle released Jamongisle, a grapefruit flavored soju that became as popular as Soonhari. Soonhari retained the strong taste of traditional soju, whereas Jamongisle offered a sweeter, milder taste.[3]
The popularity of fruit soju continued for a year after the release of Soonhari, however in March 2016, sales decreased as the hype that first surrounded fruit soju disappeared. In 2023, total exports of Korean soju reached 200 million US dollars, the highest on record, with fruit-flavoured varieties accounting for about 48.1 percent of exported bottle volume.[4] Analysts expect fruit-soju export revenue to exceed 100 million US dollars in 2025 as global distribution expands.[5]
Some of Korea's fruit soju brands were released in the United States, including Dew on Jamong (자몽에 이슬) and Soonhari. Lotte Chilsung released Soonhari (순하리) in LA and Colorado, USA, exporting 9,600 boxes (20 bottles per box) in February 2016, and 150,000 boxes in March 2016. A Korean company located in Ohio produced three flavours of fruit soju.[6]
Characteristics
Fruit soju has a distinct fruit flavor and lower alcohol content compared to standard soju. The beverage comes in a variety of flavors, such as blueberry, grapefruit, lemon and apple. Special limited editions of fruit soju have been produced, such as a 9,000 bottle limited release batch of C1 Lime soju from the alcohol company Daesun Jujo (대선주조).[7]
Nutritional contents vary by flavour and brand. Some fruit-soju products have been criticized for higher sugar or calorie levels than unflavoured soju, but values differ across producers and are not standardized.[8]
A 2016 article identified the most popular fruit soju for university students as Dew on Grapefruit (자몽에 이슬), with students indicating they preferred this less-sweet version of the beverage. The second-most popular fruit soju in this demographic was Bokbadeun Brother (복받은 부라더).[9]
Brands
These are the main brands of fruit soju:
| Nat. | Production | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Lotte Chilsung | Soonhari (순하리) | |
| Joenday | Joenday (좋은데이) | |
| Hite Jinro | Dew on grapefruit (자몽에 이슬) | |
| Bohae Brewery | Yipseju (잎새주) | |
| C1 | C1 soju (시원소주) |
See also
References
- ^ Lee, Joohyun (2015-02-16). 롯데주류, 14도로 확 낮추고 '유자' 첨가된 소주 3월초 출시 [Lotte Chilsung will release lower degree 14 and citron flavor soju]. news way.
- ^ Ko, Yusun (2015-05-15). '순하리'가 바꾼 소주 문화…되살아난 과일소주 열풍 [Soonhari changed Korean soju culture. Reborn fruit soju trend.]. Yonhap News Agency.
- ^ Kwon, Eunyung (2016-03-24). 순하리 출시 1년… 과일소주로 주류시장 흔들다 [Since Soonhari is released 1 year, Fruit soju makes the new soju trend]. Hankook Ilbo.
- ^ "Korean liquor exports hit record high". Chosun Biz. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ "Fruit-flavored soju exports soar as global demand rises". Chosun Biz. 27 May 2025. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ Lee, sungyun (2016-04-22). "[신상품] 미국생산 '슬림소주'" [fruit soju is produced in U.S.A. slim soju]. KoreanDaily Los Angeles.
- ^ Kim, Sungdae (2016-05-16). 대선주조, 과일소주 '시원블루라임' 출시 라임맛·귀여운 캐릭터로 여심 공략 [Daesun jujo provided special limited edition fruit soju C1 Lime]. iusm.
- ^ "Debate grows over sugar content in flavored alcoholic drinks". The Korea Times. 12 July 2023. Retrieved 8 December 2025.
- ^ Kim, Hyunju (2016-01-22). 과일소주 '춘추전국시대'…대학생들의 선택은 OO이었다 [The most popular fruit soju to university students is ...]. Segye Ilbo.