Soju is more than just Korea’s national spirit—it’s essential to the country’s cultural fabric. Rooted in tradition, soju symbolises unity, gratitude, and celebration, making it an integral feature in various life events. Whether enjoyed during grand family reunions or intimate business dinners, soju reflects the spirit of togetherness that defines Korean culture.
In Singapore, Chorong Chorong brings a refreshing twist to this beloved spirit, offering a sweeter and lighter alternative to traditional soju. Its unique flavour profile makes it perfect for those looking to experience the joy of Korean celebrations in a new way. Let’s explore eight meaningful occasions where soju plays a vital role, ensuring that every moment is truly unforgettable.
1. Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year)
Seollal is one of Korea’s most important holidays, marked by rituals to honour ancestors and welcome the new year with family. After the sebae bowing ceremony, elders offer blessings to younger family members, and everyone gathers to enjoy tteokguk (rice cake soup), a dish believed to bring good fortune.
Soju is traditionally poured to accompany festive meals and is shared among family members to strengthen relationships. Elders often initiate the first toast, and each sip carries well wishes for health and happiness in the year ahead.
2. Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival)
Chuseok, known as Korean Thanksgiving, is celebrated with ancestral rites and bountiful meals featuring songpyeon (rice cakes) and seasonal fruits. Soju plays a crucial role in enhancing the festive atmosphere during these gatherings.
After the formal rituals, family members share a drink to express gratitude for the year’s harvest. Soju becomes a symbol of appreciation and togetherness, making it an essential part of Chuseok’s celebratory feast.
3. Korean Weddings
A Korean wedding blends traditional customs and modern elements, with soju a constant presence throughout the event. During the hapgeunrye ritual, the bride and groom drink an alcoholic beverage together to symbolise the beginning of their shared journey. Guests join in by offering heartfelt toasts, making every sip a reflection of love and unity.
Beyond the formalities, wedding receptions are lively affairs where friends and family exchange glasses, creating a sense of community. Drinking soju together expresses more than joy—it’s a way to cement relationships and offer blessings for the couple’s future.
4. Baek-il (100th Day Celebration)
In Korea, the first 100 days of a child’s life are seen as crucial, and reaching this milestone calls for a special celebration. Families celebrate the occasion with feasts and rituals, often including soju.
Baek-il is not just a celebration for the child—it’s a communal event where friends and relatives toast the parents’ efforts and the baby’s future. Each glass of soju symbolises the collective hope that the child will enjoy a happy and healthy life.
5. Doljanchi (First Birthday Celebration)
Doljanchi, the first birthday celebration, is another significant milestone in Korean culture. The highlight of this event is the doljabi ritual, where the child selects an object that symbolises their future career path. While the ritual centres on the child, guests enjoy a spread of food and raise their glasses to toast the family’s happiness.
Soju plays a symbolic role, with every shared drink representing hopes for the child’s future success. Celebrating with soju reflects the importance of community, as each guest contributes to the joy of the occasion.
6. Hwangap (60th Birthday)
Reaching 60, or Hwangap, is considered a monumental achievement in Korea. It marks the completion of one life cycle, and families gather to host grand banquets to honour the celebrant.
At these banquets, soju flows generously as family members and friends raise glasses to toast the celebrant’s health and longevity. Drinking together at a Hwangap celebration is more than just a custom—it’s a profound expression of respect and love for the individual who has reached this significant milestone.
7. Hoesik (Korean Business Dinners)
Hoesik, or company dinners, play a pivotal role in Korean corporate culture. These gatherings help build trust and camaraderie among colleagues, with soju at the centre of the experience.
A notable custom during Hoesik is pouring drinks for others, especially seniors or superiors, as a sign of respect. As the evening progresses, soju helps break down formalities, fostering genuine conversations and stronger professional relationships. The shared drinking act ensures that every team member feels connected and valued.
8. Jeongwol Daeboreum (First Full Moon of the Year)
Jeongwol Daeboreum celebrates the year’s first full moon with activities designed to drive away bad luck and welcome prosperity. Families and friends gather to crack nuts—a symbolic gesture believed to break hardships—and enjoy a meal together.
Alcoholic drinks, such as soju, may be served as they are thought to ward off misfortune. Drinking under the full moon creates an atmosphere of optimism, with every toast representing new hopes and dreams for the year ahead.
Why Soju Complements These Celebrations
Soju’s significance in these events is deeply tied to Korean values of togetherness, respect and gratitude. Its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into both formal ceremonies and casual gatherings. Beyond being a beverage, soju is a cultural connector—encouraging people to come together, exchange blessings, and celebrate life’s milestones.
With its light and refreshing profile, soju complements various Korean dishes, enhancing the dining experience without overpowering the flavours. Each sip offers a moment to pause, reflect and appreciate the people around you. This ritual of sharing and drinking together ensures that soju remains an indispensable part of Korean celebrations.
Conclusion
From weddings to business dinners and New Year’s festivities, soju elevates Korean celebrations by fostering unity, gratitude and joy. The presence of soju makes each event more meaningful, reinforcing bonds and creating cherished memories.
For those in Singapore looking to experience these vibrant traditions, Chorong Chorong’s sweet and refreshing take on soju offers the perfect way to celebrate. Whether hosting a family gathering, enjoying a night out with friends, or recreating one of these cherished Korean customs, Chorong Chorong ensures that every moment is worth raising a glass to.
