Halal terms

What is soju, and where will I see it?

Your Korean barbecue table has green bottles on it, and you did not order them.

Soju is a clear distilled alcohol from Korea. It comes in small green bottles, it is poured into shot glasses, and it is part of the normal rhythm of a Korean dinner, especially at barbecue tables.

How will I meet it on the trip?

You will see it in convenience stores, on restaurant tables and in drinking games on screen. In a restaurant, a bottle may arrive for the people at the next table without anyone asking you. If you are with a mixed group, it may be ordered for the whole table by default.

What needs checking?

Whether the restaurant sells alcohol at all
Whether marinades, sauces or dipping pots use rice spirits or cooking alcohol
Whether you can have a table away from the drinking
Whether the place is certified, or only pork-free or Muslim-friendly

Korea’s tourism body describes its Muslim-friendly category as a place where some halal dishes are provided and alcohol may be sold¹. That tells you why the claim state matters: friendly is not the same as certified.

A tip before you order

Settle the plan before sitting down. Tell the host or organiser at the start, and pick one sentence to repeat: “Thank you, we do not drink alcohol, and we would like to check if the sauces use any.” The meal-assurance comparison tool helps you compare restaurant options by claim state.

See cross-contamination for shared kitchens and the halal labels hub for the other claim states.

If you are travelling to Korea with colleagues or in-laws who drink, tell us the setting and we will help you plan how to handle the meal and the table.

Ask about a menu

Common questions

Is soju the same as a soft drink or tea?

No. Soju is a distilled alcoholic drink, usually sold in small green bottles in Korean restaurants and shops. If a menu lists it next to barley tea or soda, read the line carefully, and ask staff before pouring for a group that includes Muslim members.

Can a restaurant with soju on the menu still suit us?

That depends on your standard. Korea's tourism body says a pork-free or Muslim-friendly restaurant may still sell alcohol. Some families are fine with a separate table or a no-alcohol meal, others want a certified place. Decide before you arrive.

How do I decline politely?

Smile, put your hand lightly over your glass and say you do not drink alcohol. Hosts and colleagues usually respond kindly. If you are a guest at a company dinner, tell the organiser before the evening so the table and the order are set up properly.

Sources

Korea Tourism Organization's four Muslim-friendly restaurant categories include Muslim Friendly: some halal dishes are provided and alcohol may be sold. Korea Tourism Organization (VisitKorea), Muslim-friendly Travel (accessed 2026-10-19)

Keep planning

Halal, Muslim-owned, pork-free: what each claim meansYou see a sign that says halal, and you are not sure what it is actually saying.Meal-assurance comparison toolTwo offers both say halal meals included, and you cannot tell which one actually proves it.Dietary enquiry brief generatorYou need to ask a kitchen about pork, lard and alcohol, and you do not share a language.Ten questions for a tour operator before payingThe brochure says halal meals included, and you want that turned into something checkable.