How much alcohol is in Good Day Original Soju? A complete ABV breakdown

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Good Day Original Soju typically contains 16.9% alcohol by volume (ABV), a deliberate step by the manufacturer to produce a smoother, milder-tasting spirit that appeals to a wide consumer base. This moderate level distinguishes it from both stronger traditional soju varieties and much weaker beverages like beer.

Quick Summary

The smooth Korean spirit Good Day Original Soju contains approximately 16.9% alcohol by volume, which is lower than many traditional varieties, contributing to its milder taste and broad appeal.

Key Points

Alcohol Content: Good Day Original Soju typically contains 16.9% ABV, with some markets listing it at 16.5%.
Smoother Flavor Profile: Its lower ABV compared to traditional soju creates a milder, less harsh spirit.
Unique Manufacturing Process: The brand filters its soju with bamboo charcoal and infuses it with oxygen to ensure a pure, clean finish.
Versatile Pairing: The clean taste makes it an excellent match for spicy Korean BBQ, seafood, or as a base for cocktails.
Modern Adaptation: Part of a broader industry trend toward lighter, more approachable soju for a new generation of drinkers.
Moderate Strength: It is stronger than most beer and wine but significantly milder than traditional soju or spirits like vodka.

Good Day Original Soju Alcohol Content Explained

Good Day Original Soju is a popular Korean distilled spirit known for its exceptionally clean and smooth finish. The alcohol content for this specific bottle typically stands at 16.9% ABV (Alcohol By Volume). While this is the most common figure, some variations, possibly due to regional markets or specific production batches, are documented at 16.5% ABV. This percentage is part of a modern trend in the soju industry toward creating lighter, more palatable versions of the traditional spirit.

Good Day Soju's producer, Muhak Co., Ltd., specifically innovated to lower the ABV to challenge the notion that soju had to be bitter or harsh. The result is a more approachable spirit that has become a favorite for social drinking occasions.

The Science Behind Good Day's Smoothness

Part of the reason for Good Day Original's smooth, clean taste is its unique manufacturing process. The spirit is made using a meticulous 10-step process, which includes multiple filtration stages. A key part of this process involves filtering the soju through a special bamboo charcoal to ensure purity and clarity. Furthermore, the spirit is often infused with oxygen for an extended period, which helps to soften the flavor profile. This attention to detail results in a spirit that is less harsh on the palate compared to some other soju varieties.

A Comparison of Soju Alcohol Levels

Understanding where Good Day Original sits in the landscape of alcoholic beverages can help put its 16.9% ABV into context. Soju's alcohol content has evolved significantly over time. Traditional soju could reach ABV levels of 30% to over 50%, more in line with spirits like vodka. Modern, mass-market soju generally falls within a lower range, and the flavored versions are even milder.


Beverage Type	Typical ABV Range	Notes
Good Day Original Soju	16.5–16.9%	Modern soju, smooth and mild flavor.
Flavored Soju (e.g., grape, strawberry)	12–14%	Sweeter and fruit-infused, often marketed toward casual drinkers.
Traditional Soju	25–53%	Premium, artisanal soju, with a much stronger alcohol profile.
Standard Beer	4–6%	Much lower alcohol content, brewed rather than distilled.
Wine	11–14%	Fermented grapes, generally lower in alcohol than soju.
Vodka	35–40%	Significantly higher ABV; soju is often called "Korean vodka," but is much milder.

How to Enjoy Good Day Original Soju

Good Day Original Soju's balanced profile makes it incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own, paired with food, or used as a base for cocktails. Here are some popular ways to drink it:

Chilled and neat: For the most authentic experience, serve it straight from the refrigerator in small soju glasses. The chilled temperature enhances its fresh and clean taste.
Somaek (Soju bomb): A popular Korean practice involves mixing soju with beer. A shot of soju is dropped into a glass of beer for a potent, bubbly mixture.
Mixed in cocktails: Good Day's smooth, neutral flavor profile makes it an excellent base for a variety of cocktails. It mixes well with fruit juices or sodas to create refreshing long drinks.
With Korean food: The clean taste of soju is a perfect accompaniment for rich and spicy Korean dishes like BBQ (samgyeopsal), kimchi-jjigae, or tteokbokki. The alcohol helps to cut through the fat and heat, cleansing the palate.

Conclusion

Good Day Original Soju is a testament to the evolution of a traditional spirit to suit modern tastes. With its moderate 16.9% ABV, it offers a smoother, milder alternative to older, more potent soju recipes. Its production methods, including alkaline mineral water and charcoal filtration, are key to its refined flavor profile. Whether you prefer it chilled and neat, in a cocktail, or paired with a classic Korean meal, its balanced alcohol content makes it a popular and versatile choice for many drinking occasions. For more information on soju's cultural significance and various brands, check out this guide from Bon Appétit to learn more about the broader world of soju.

Note: Drink responsibly and be aware of your local regulations concerning alcohol consumption.

Good Day vs. Other Soju Brands: A Quick Comparison

Jinro Chamisul Fresh: This popular competitor also has a similar ABV of 16.9%. The taste profile can differ slightly, with some drinkers finding Good Day slightly sweeter and smoother due to its unique process.
Chum Churum Original: Another major brand, its original version has an ABV of 16.5%. It is well-regarded for its taste derived from mineral-rich water.
Flavored Soju: While original soju sits around 16–17% ABV, flavored versions from most brands, including Good Day, typically contain less alcohol, usually in the 12–14% range. This makes them even more accessible to casual drinkers.

Where Good Day Fits in the Market

Good Day Soju carved a niche by creating a consistently smooth and drinkable soju that reduced the traditional intensity. By lowering its ABV slightly below the competition's previous standard, it positioned itself as a more sessionable and less harsh option for a wider audience, including those new to soju.

Its popularity has proven this strategy successful, contributing to the overall trend of modern soju becoming milder and more varied with different flavors. Today, it remains a strong contender in a market dominated by major brands, beloved for its specific characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while its 16.9% ABV is stronger than most beer or wine, it is significantly milder than traditional soju, which can exceed 25% ABV, making it a smoother, more approachable drink.

Good Day Original Soju, with its 16.9% ABV, has a higher alcohol content than the flavored varieties. Flavored sojus from the same brand typically fall within a lower range of 12% to 13.5% ABV.

The slight variation in the listed ABV (16.9% vs. 16.5%) may be due to regional differences in products distributed to different markets or minor adjustments in production. 16.9% is the most commonly cited figure, reflecting a strategic marketing choice.

Good Day's smoothness comes from its meticulous production process, which includes filtration using bamboo charcoal and an oxygenation process. This helps purify the spirit and soften its flavor.

For the best experience, Good Day Original should be served chilled. It is traditionally drunk neat in small shot glasses but can also be mixed into cocktails or served with ice.

Good Day and Jinro offer similarly popular soju products. While the ABVs are close (e.g., Jinro Chamisul Fresh is also 16.9%), some find Good Day's flavor profile to be slightly sweeter and smoother, a difference attributed to its specific manufacturing process.

Yes, its clean and relatively neutral taste makes Good Day Original an excellent, versatile base for a wide variety of cocktails. It blends well with fruit juices and other mixers.