Soon Hari Plum 375ML

Soon Hari Plum 375ML is a flavored Korean soju bottled at 12% ABV in a 375ml format, produced by Lotte Liquor under the Chum Churum line. Distilled using alkaline water — a signature step in Lotte's process — this expression delivers a notably smooth, low-acid profile that distinguishes it from many competing flavored sojus on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12%  |  Origin: South Korea  |  Flavored Soju  |  Producer: Lotte Liquor (Chum Churum)

Production & Heritage

Lotte Liquor is one of South Korea's largest spirits producers and the company behind the well-known Chum Churum soju brand. Soon Hari is its flavored soju line, built on a base spirit distilled from a blend of rice, tapioca, barley, and wheat. What sets the Chum Churum family apart is Lotte's use of alkaline water in the distillation and blending process, which the company credits for the smoother, less acidic mouthfeel compared to standard soju. The plum expression is balanced with high fructose corn syrup and citric acid, creating a sweet-tart profile that has helped make Soon Hari one of the most recognized flavored soju brands outside Korea.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe red plum leads immediately, followed by grape skin and soft floral undertones. A hint of honeydew and passionfruit adds a tropical layer beneath the dominant stone fruit.

Taste: The entry is sweet and juicy, with lush plum flavor hitting right away. The mid-palate introduces a candy-fruit sweetness balanced by gentle tartness from citric acid, while a silky mouthfeel keeps the texture light. A subtle spirit warmth emerges underneath, reminding you this is still soju and not juice.

Finish: Crisp and clean, with lingering fruity sweetness that fades quickly. The alkaline water base contributes to a soft landing with minimal burn.

How to Drink Soon Hari Plum

Soon Hari Plum is best served ice-cold, straight from the freezer, or poured over ice. Its low ABV and fruit-forward sweetness also make it a versatile mixer. Try it in a Soju Yakult — the yogurt drink's tanginess plays off the plum sweetness beautifully. A Soju Sunrise (substituting soju for tequila with orange juice and grenadine) adds depth with the plum notes. It also works well in a Korean Melon Ball, where melon liqueur and soju combine for a refreshing, fruit-driven cocktail.

Best For

• Introducing friends to Korean drinking culture
• Pairing with Korean barbecue or fried chicken
• Light, low-ABV evening drinking when you want flavor without heaviness
• Mixing into fruit-forward party cocktails and punches

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Soon Hari Plum taste like? Soon Hari Plum tastes like sweet, ripe red plum with a candy-fruit quality balanced by light tartness and a clean, crisp finish. The 12% ABV keeps the spirit warmth minimal, making it feel closer to a wine cooler than a traditional spirit.

How does Soon Hari Plum compare to Jinro Plum? Both are popular flavored sojus from major Korean producers, but Soon Hari uses alkaline water in its production, which gives it a noticeably smoother, softer texture. Jinro tends to have a slightly sharper bite and a drier finish by comparison.

Is Soon Hari Plum good for beginners? At just 12% ABV with a fruit-forward, candy-sweet profile, Soon Hari Plum is one of the most approachable entry points into soju. It drinks easily chilled or on ice with almost no harsh alcohol sensation.

Where is Soon Hari Plum made? Soon Hari Plum is produced in South Korea by Lotte Liquor, one of the country's largest beverage conglomerates. It is part of Lotte's Chum Churum soju family, which is among the best-selling soju lines domestically and internationally.

What foods pair well with Soon Hari Plum? Korean fried chicken (chimaek) is a classic match, as the plum sweetness cuts through the oil. It pairs well with spicy tteokbokki, where the fruit flavor cools the heat. Pork belly samgyeopsal works because the sweetness balances fatty richness. Fresh spring rolls and light seafood pancakes (haemul pajeon) also complement its delicate fruit character.

What sizes does Soon Hari Plum come in? Soon Hari Plum is commonly available in a 375ml bottle, which is the standard format for flavored soju sold in the United States.

Is Soon Hari Plum worth the price? Soon Hari Plum positions as a budget-friendly flavored soju, making it one of the most affordable flavored spirits available. The 375ml bottle delivers strong value for casual drinking and mixing.

Why Soon Hari Plum?

What separates Soon Hari Plum from the crowded flavored soju field is Lotte Liquor's alkaline water distillation process, which produces a demonstrably smoother base spirit. Built on a multi-grain foundation of rice, tapioca, barley, and wheat, the base has more complexity than single-grain alternatives. The plum flavoring itself strikes a well-calibrated balance between sweet and tart — enough to be genuinely fruit-forward without veering into cloying territory. For anyone exploring Korean soju culture or looking for a low-ABV mixer with real flavor, this remains one of the most reliable options in the category.