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The Korea Times

By Bereket Alemayehu
Kim Wan-jun, who calls himself a “soju artist”, published the English translation of his book, How to Drink Soju: A Guide to K-Drinking Culture & Games, last month. The 300-page book provides an in-depth look at the history of soju, a Korean distilled alcoholic drink, while exploring its cultural significance and the customs surrounding it.
Kim, a self-proclaimed upcycling artist known as Funnyjun, has been documenting South Korea’s drinking culture since 2014 and sharing his insights with audiences at home and abroad.
The Korean version of the book sold out quickly upon its 2021 release. Now the first English print run of 1,000 copies is available in bookstores in Korea as well as distributed directly from him.
Kim did almost all the work in creating the book himself. He wrote the text, illustrated more than 200 drawings, designed the layout and edited the book using digital tools. The result is a visually rich guide to Korean drinking culture, offering simple illustrations and detailed instructions.
One section outlines 10 steps on drinking soju properly and socialising with others, highlighting traditional etiquette such as pouring drinks with two hands and showing respect to elders at the table.

How did the project start?
Kim claims that soju has become a recognisable symbol of Korean culture worldwide through films, dramas and global dining trends. Yet, despite its popularity, there was almost no comprehensive book explaining soju and the cultural etiquette surrounding it.
“Soju is the most popular alcohol in Korea and one of the bestselling liquors in the world,” he says. “You can see it everywhere, at every restaurant, every pub, but surprisingly, there were no books about it.”
With the catchy motto “A Glass of Soju, Bridging the World”, his book emphasises the importance of understanding Korea’s unique drinking culture.
“Korean drinking culture is not just about how to drink, but about a process of joyful consideration practised through mutual respect, so that everyone can enjoy the final glass together,” Kim explains. “In Korea, drinking soju is not simply about consuming alcohol. Every gesture of pouring and receiving a drink carries consideration and respect.
“This etiquette extends naturally into Korean table manners and daily social behaviour. Through sharing a drink, we learn how to respect one another – and sometimes we even see a glimpse of someone’s personality or social attitude.
“What feels completely normal to Koreans may appear unfamiliar to foreigners: how to pour, how to receive a drink, how to subtly check whether someone’s drink is empty. These small actions reflect a deeper philosophy behind Korean social life. This is why understanding K-drinking culture is essential for understanding Korea.”

How foreigners embraced the book
Kim’s interest in soju began more than a decade ago. Around 2014, he began drinking it often and began wondering about its deeper cultural meaning. After seven years of research, he published the original Korean edition.
To promote his work, Kim began organising exhibitions showcasing the illustrations from his book. So far, he has held more than 20 exhibitions across Korea and internationally, including in Japan, Europe and Southeast Asia.
Interestingly, the book received very different reactions from Korean and international readers.
He says many Koreans are hesitant to embrace his work, because the soju drinking customs described in the book are already part of their everyday life. On the other hand, foreign readers are more open to learning about Korean society through its culture.
Kim believes sharing meals and drinks is one of the most important ways to understand Korean culture.
“Koreans know how to do these things, but they often don’t know why they do them,” he says. “However, foreign readers responded eagerly. Many said the book answered questions they had long wondered about but felt hesitant to ask. They know Koreans have many manners when drinking, but they didn’t know the details, so my book with many illustrations makes it easy to understand.”

“When people want to build relationships in Korea, whether friendship, business or diplomacy, they often share a meal,” Kim says. “Through eating and drinking, you understand people’s manners, their respect and somehow their character.”
Kim’s professional background is in media and communication. He was a former reporter and broadcasting professional, and later worked for a decade at Seoul’s Sungkyunkwan University, where he managed public relations.
He also appeared on the KBS show Soju Rhapsody, later available worldwide on Netflix, where he discusses the social rituals surrounding soju and the inspiration behind his illustrated guide.
Read the full story at The Korea Times


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Kim Wan-jun is the author of How to Drink Soju: A Guide to K-Drinking Culture & Games, a 300-page book now translated into English. Photo: Instagram/funnyjun_

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Kim Wan-jun’s book emphasises the importance of understanding Korea’s unique drinking culture. Photo: Instagram/funnyjun_

According to Kim, the proper way to hold a soju cup is to use your right hand. Do not touch the inside of the cup with your fingers. Photo: Instagram/funnyjun_

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‘Soju artist’ Kim Wan-jun has published the English translation of his book on the drink’s history, etiquettes and social rituals


‘Soju artist’ Kim Wan-jun has published the English translation of his book on the drink’s history, etiquettes and social rituals.


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Korea Times

Drinking soju in South Korea? This English guide will teach you the rules you may not know

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}‘Soju artist’ Kim Wan-jun has published the English translation of his book on the drink’s history, etiquettes and social rituals

‘Soju artist’ Kim Wan-jun has published the English translation of his book on the drink’s history, etiquettes and social rituals