How many ml is one soju glass? Your ultimate guide to standard sizes and cultural norms

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

The standard size for one soju glass is most often 50 or 60 ml, making it slightly larger than many Western-style shot glasses. This capacity is specifically designed for the social, shared nature of drinking soju and influences how it is enjoyed within Korean culture.

Quick Summary

A soju glass typically holds 50 to 60 ml, a slightly larger volume than a standard Western shot. The exact size depends on the glass manufacturer and style, from traditional 50ml types to modern 60ml versions.

Key Points

Standard Capacity: A typical soju glass holds either 50ml or 60ml, depending on the glass style and manufacturer.
Slightly Larger than Western Shots: A 50-60ml soju glass is generally larger than a standard 1 to 1.5 oz (30-45ml) Western shot glass.
Cultural Significance: The small glass size is crucial for Korean drinking etiquette, promoting frequent, communal toasting.
Bottle Math: A standard 360ml soju bottle yields approximately 6 to 7 pours, depending on the glass size.
Variety of Glass Types: While the shot glass is traditional, highball and designer glasses are also used for cocktails and celebratory occasions.
Historical Influence: The evolution of soju's alcohol content and ingredients over time has influenced the design and popularity of modern soju glasses.

The Definitive Answer: 50ml or 60ml?

While a definitive answer to "how many ml is one soju glass" can seem elusive, the most common capacities are 50ml and 60ml. The 50ml size, approximately 1.7 ounces, is a very traditional measurement frequently associated with vintage-style Jinro glasses and sets. On the other hand, the 60ml size, or 2 ounces, has become more standard for many modern soju shot glass sets, often used by brands to offer a slightly larger pour. This variance is similar to how shot glass sizes differ across different countries and regions, reflecting both historical norms and contemporary manufacturing standards.

Historically, the soju glass size has evolved alongside the spirit itself. Early forms of soju, before a government-imposed rice ban in the mid-20th century, were potent, often with a higher alcohol by volume (ABV). When producers were forced to use alternative starches like sweet potatoes and tapioca, the resulting diluted soju was made more palatable with sweeteners. Over time, the alcohol content lowered significantly to attract a broader, younger audience. The relatively low ABV and sweeter taste of modern soju, combined with the social practice of sharing, likely influenced the standardization of a glass size that encourages repeated small pours and toasts among friends.

Soju vs. a Western Shot Glass: A Comparison

To fully understand the context of a soju glass's size, it's helpful to compare it to a standard Western shot glass. While there is no single universal shot glass standard, a pour often falls in the 30-45ml range (1 to 1.5 oz). This makes the typical 50-60ml soju glass a slightly more generous portion.


Feature	Soju Glass (Traditional)	Soju Glass (Modern/Common)	Western Shot Glass
Capacity (ml/oz)	~50 ml (1.7 oz)	~60 ml (2 oz)	~30-45 ml (1-1.5 oz)
Typical Use	Drinking neat soju, traditional toasts.	Drinking neat soju, `somaek` (soju + beer).	Taking single shots of various liquors.
Shape	Short, rounded, minimalist.	Varies, can be traditional, designer, or novelty.	Standard hourglass, straight-sided, or novelty designs.
Cultural Context	Encourages social sharing and repeated pouring.	Used casually in modern bars and restaurants.	Often associated with fast-paced drinking, casual gatherings.

Cultural Significance: The Role of the Small Glass

The size of a soju glass is not just a measurement; it is integral to Korean drinking etiquette, known as jujeong. In Korea, soju is almost always consumed in a communal setting, with someone pouring for others at the table. The small glass size facilitates this custom, as it is meant to be emptied in one or two gulps before being refilled, leading to frequent, socially-driven toasts. The act of pouring and receiving a glass is a ritual that reinforces camaraderie and respect among drinking companions. You never pour for yourself; it is considered rude. The smaller glass also makes it easier to engage in popular Korean drinking games.

How Many Glasses Per Bottle?

A standard bottle of soju is 360ml. Given the two common glass sizes, you can calculate how many pours you can get from a single bottle:

360ml bottle with 50ml glasses: 360 ÷ 50 = 7.2 glasses
360ml bottle with 60ml glasses: 360 ÷ 60 = 6 glasses

Because of the 7.2-pour average for a 50ml glass, it's a common observation among drinkers that there is always just a little bit left in the bottle. This slightly-more-than-seven-glasses quantity is a well-known quirk in Korean drinking culture and is often a topic of lighthearted conversation during drinking sessions.

The Evolution of Soju Glasses

While the classic shot glass is the most iconic, the variety of soju glasses available today reflects the changing ways people enjoy the drink.

Highball Glasses: Taller and more versatile, these are perfect for mixing somaek (soju and beer) or for creating cocktails.
Bubble Glasses: Festive and rounded, these are often used for celebratory toasts.
Cool/Designer Glasses: These range from artistic creations to trendy, personalized designs, making them popular for gifting.

For those interested in exploring traditional Korean alcohol, including soju, the Sool Company offers extensive insights into its history and production. Discover the rich history of soju and Korean alcohol.

Conclusion

In summary, the question "how many ml is one soju glass" has a simple answer with a rich cultural background. While 50ml and 60ml are the two most prevalent capacities, the true essence of the soju glass lies not in its precise volume, but in its function as a tool for social bonding. Its compact size facilitates the communal traditions of pouring, toasting, and sharing that are central to enjoying Korea's national spirit. Whether you are using a classic 50ml glass or a more modern 60ml version, understanding this tradition enhances the entire soju drinking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a soju glass is not the same size as a standard Western shot glass. While a soju glass typically holds 50ml or 60ml (1.7-2 oz), a standard shot glass usually holds between 30ml and 45ml (1-1.5 oz).

A standard 360ml bottle of soju will yield about 6 to 7 pours. Specifically, it provides 7.2 pours if using traditional 50ml glasses, or exactly 6 pours if using modern 60ml glasses.

The small size is a key part of Korean drinking culture. It encourages communal pouring and frequent toasting, reinforcing social bonds and shared experiences among friends.

Somaek is a popular Korean cocktail made by mixing soju with beer. For this drink, a taller highball glass is typically used instead of the traditional small soju glass.

In Korea, you should receive a pour from someone else, never pour for yourself. When drinking the first glass, it is polite to turn your head away from your drinking companion and use two hands to hold the glass.

The smaller glass size is tied to the evolution of soju itself. After a rice ban in the 1960s, soju became lower in ABV and sweeter, and the glass size helped standardize a drinking style focused on social toasting rather than single, potent shots.

Yes, while designed for soju, the glasses can be used for other small servings of liquor, whiskey, tequila, or even as miniature dessert cups.