Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Customers in Korea can order a single glass of soju starting today
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By Jung Min-ho
Starting today, customers are allowed to order soju by the glass at restaurants and pubs.
According to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, a revised bill of enforcement ordinance came into force Tuesday to permit liquor sellers to serve alcoholic drinks such as makgeolli or soju in units smaller than bottles.
Before the revision, operators of bars and restaurants selling liquor in such amounts could end up having their licenses cancelled, although the government did not proactively target such practices. The only exceptions to the rule were beer and cocktails.
A growing demand for whiskey, wine or Japanese sake by the glass prompted officials to make the change, which is expected to accelerate that trend.
The new rule also permits beverage wholesalers to supply liquor sellers with non-alcoholic drinks. Restaurant and pub owners were previously required to buy beverages containing no or little alcohol (less than 1 percent) from supermarkets, usually at higher prices.
A ministry official said the revision is aimed at removing confusion about the disparity between administrative rules and prevalent practices in the liquor market.