Chum Churum Cool Soju 375ML

Chum Churum Cool Soju 375ML is a Korean soju from Lotte Chilsung Beverage, bottled at 17% ABV (34 proof) in a 375ml format. Distinguished as the world's first soju produced with alkaline-reduced water, this expression delivers a notably clean, smooth drinking experience that has helped it become one of the best-selling soju brands globally.

Quick Facts: ABV: 17%  |  Origin: South Korea  |  Style: Clear Soju  |  Producer: Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co., Ltd.

Production & Heritage

Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co., Ltd. is one of South Korea's largest beverage conglomerates, and Chum Churum ranks as the second-best-selling soju brand in the Korean domestic market, trailing only Jinro. The Cool expression is distilled from a base of tapioca and grains, then blended with natural bedrock mineral-rich alkaline-reduced water — a process Lotte pioneered specifically to reduce the bitterness commonly associated with conventional soju production. This alkaline water technique gives the spirit its characteristically soft mouthfeel and clean finish, setting it apart from competitors that rely on standard filtered water.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light and neutral on the nose, with a faint sweetness and a clean, almost mineral-like freshness. There is virtually no harsh alcohol presence despite the spirit's clarity.

Taste: The entry is soft and gently sweet, with a smooth, nearly silky texture that coats the palate. At mid-palate, crisp, clean cereal-grain notes emerge alongside a subtle coolness. The overall impression is one of remarkable lightness and drinkability.

Finish: Short to medium in length, ending with a slightly sweet conclusion and no lingering alcohol burn. The finish reinforces the spirit's defining trait — smoothness — leaving a fresh, refreshed sensation.

How to Drink Chum Churum Cool

Chum Churum Cool is traditionally served chilled and neat in small soju glasses, which highlights the alkaline water's softening effect on the palate. It also works well over ice for a slightly more diluted, leisurely sip. For cocktails, try it in a Somaek (soju and Korean beer bomb), where its clean profile blends seamlessly without adding harshness; a Soju Sunrise (soju, orange juice, grenadine), where its light sweetness complements citrus without overpowering it; or a Yogurt Soju (soju, Yakult, lemon-lime soda), a popular Korean cocktail where Chum Churum Cool's smooth character prevents any bitter clash with the dairy tang.

Best For

• Korean BBQ dinners where a clean, refreshing spirit pairs naturally with grilled meats
• Introducing friends to soju for the first time, thanks to its approachable ABV and smooth profile
• Group gatherings and shared-bottle drinking in the traditional Korean style
• Stocking a home bar with an authentic Korean spirit at an accessible price point

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Chum Churum Cool taste like? Chum Churum Cool tastes light, crisp, and gently sweet with a smooth, almost silky texture and a clean finish that carries no harsh alcohol burn.

How does Chum Churum Cool compare to Jinro Chamisul? Jinro Chamisul is the top-selling soju brand in Korea and tends toward a slightly drier, sharper character, while Chum Churum Cool is generally regarded as softer and sweeter due to its alkaline-reduced water base. Both are similarly priced and widely available, but drinkers who prefer a smoother, less assertive soju typically gravitate toward Chum Churum.

Is Chum Churum Cool good for beginners? Yes — its low 17% ABV, gentle sweetness, and lack of harsh bite make it one of the most approachable soju options available. It works well as a neat sipper or in simple mixed drinks for those new to the category.

Where is Chum Churum Cool made? Chum Churum Cool is produced in South Korea by Lotte Chilsung Beverage Co., Ltd., one of the country's largest and most established beverage companies.

What foods pair well with Chum Churum Cool? Korean BBQ (galbi, samgyeopsal) is the classic pairing, as the spirit's clean finish cuts through rich grilled fat. It also pairs well with kimchi jjigae, where its softness balances the stew's heat; tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes); fried chicken, particularly Korean-style yangnyeom; and fresh seafood like raw oysters or sashimi, where the neutral profile doesn't compete with delicate flavors.

What sizes does Chum Churum Cool come in? The standard format is the 375ml bottle, which is the traditional Korean soju bottle size designed for sharing among two to four people.

Is Chum Churum Cool worth the price? Chum Churum Cool positions firmly in the value tier of spirits — soju is among the most affordable spirit categories worldwide. For the quality of the alkaline water production process and the resulting smoothness, it represents strong value and is priced competitively with its main rival, Jinro Chamisul.

Why Chum Churum Cool?

The defining edge here is production method: Lotte Chilsung pioneered the use of alkaline-reduced water in soju distillation, and that single innovation is responsible for Chum Churum's distinctly softer, less bitter character compared to conventionally produced soju. That technical differentiation has propelled the brand to the number-two position in the fiercely competitive Korean soju market. For drinkers outside Korea seeking an authentic, smooth soju that works equally well neat at the dinner table or shaken into cocktails, Chum Churum Cool delivers a genuine taste of how millions in South Korea drink daily — without the rough edges that can make lesser soju brands challenging for uninitiated palates.