Somaek = soju (so) + maekju (maek, beer). A shot of soju dropped or poured into a glass of cold beer. It is Korea's most beloved mixed drink — smoother than straight soju, livelier than plain beer, and the default celebration drink at gatherings.

What is poktanju (Korean bomb drink)?

Poktanju means "bomb drink" — any shot bombed into a larger glass of beer or an energy drink. Somaek is the classic; variations use whisky (yangmaek), Jägermeister with energy drink (Jägerbomb), or honey whisky. Bars like RAWISM mix them tableside, 4,000–8,000 KRW each.

What is the right somaek ratio?

The textbook ratio is 3:7 — three parts soju, seven parts beer. Stronger drinkers go 5:5. Many Koreans tap the glass with a spoon or chopstick to make it fizz before drinking it in one go while it is still foaming.

Do I have to down the whole glass?

No. The one-shot tradition exists at celebratory toasts, but pacing yourself is completely normal, especially with food. Drink at your own speed — the point is the fizzy, balanced taste, not the race.

Travel Guide·5 min read·2026-05-28

Somaek & Korean Bomb Drinks: The Mixing Culture Explained

Jagerbomb Korean bomb drink poktanju at RAWISM bar Hongdae Yeonnam-dong Seoul

Sit near a group of Koreans at a bar and you may witness a small ceremony: a shot glass of soju dropped into a beer with a cheer, foam rising, glasses clinking. This is somaek — and it is the gateway to Korea's whole bomb-drink (poktanju) culture. Here is what it is, why Koreans love it, and how to join in without fumbling.

# Somaek: Korea's national cocktail

Somaek is simply soju + beer, but the sum is greater than the parts: the beer mellows soju's edge, the soju gives beer a warm kick, and the fizz makes it dangerously drinkable. The standard ratio is 3:7 soju to beer. Tap the glass to wake the foam, drink while it is lively. That is the entire recipe — and somehow it powers half of Korea's celebrations.

# The bomb-drink family tree

Somaek (소맥) — soju + beer. The origin. Make it yourself at any table with both bottles.
Yangmaek (양맥) — whisky + beer. Richer and rounder; the "classic bomb" at RAWISM uses bourbon (5,000 KRW).
Jägerbomb (예거밤) — Jägermeister + energy drink. The party flagship (8,000 KRW).
Honey bomb (허니밤) — honey whisky + beer. Sweet, smooth, beginner-friendly (6,000 KRW).
Yeontae bomb (연태밤) — Chinese yeontae liquor + beer. Fragrant sleeper hit (4,000 KRW).

# The etiquette (it is easier than you think)

Bomb drinks are social glue, not a test. Someone mixes for the table — receiving one is a small honor, so take it with a smile. Toast together ("geonbae!"), drink while it foams, and never pressure anyone to finish. The full social playbook lives in the Korean drinking culture guide.

# What to eat alongside

Bombs are fizzy and bold, so they want clean, rich food: Korean raw beef is ideal. Cold yukhoe between rounds of somaek is a textbook Korean night — as local as it gets. New to raw beef? Start with is Korean raw beef safe.

💡 First-timer move

Order a honey bomb first — sweet and gentle — then graduate to somaek you mix yourself. By round three you will be tapping the glass like a regular.

# Where to try them

RAWISM mixes four bomb drinks (4,000–8,000 KRW) and stocks every major soju and beer for DIY somaek — a 5-minute walk from Hongik Univ. Station (Hongdae), Exit 3, at 262-4 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Open Tue–Sun, 18:00–23:00. Plan the rest of your evening with the Hongdae at night guide.

RAWISM · Hanwoo RAW BAR

5 min from Hongik Univ. Station (Exit 3) · Tue–Sun 18:00–23:00

Call 070-5100-5534 Reserve on Naver →View Menu