Welcome to Lee Gang Ju
Welcome to the world of Lee Gang Ju, an exceptional Korean liquor that embodies centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Recognized as an Intangible Korean Cultural Heritage, Lee Gang Ju is more than just a drink—it’s a journey through time, bringing the rich history and spirit of the Joseon Dynasty to your glass.
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Food Grand Master
Korean Food Grand master No. 9 Jung-Hyung Cho a pioneer in Korean traditional liquor culture is the founder of LEE GANG JU company in JeonJu. LEE GANG JU was created by his great-great-great grandfather, who held a post in the Joseon government and later moved to JeonJu to serve as a governmental official. Because he served many guests, he created a variety of alcoholic drinks, with LEE GANG JU being the most popular.
Korean Food Grand master No. 9 Jung-Hyung Cho has more than 50 years’ experience in making alcohol in both modern and traditional ways. His studied Agricultural Chemistry at Chonbuk National University and his major was fermentation.
Tradition and Cultural Heritage
Lee Gang Ju is a celebrated Korean liquor with deep roots in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), a period renowned for its cultural and artistic advancements. This exquisite spirit has been meticulously crafted following ancient recipes passed down through generations, preserving its authentic taste and historical significance. As an Intangible Korean Cultural Heritage, Lee Gang Ju is a testament to Korea’s rich tradition of artisanal brewing.
Our master brewers use time-honored techniques to create Lee Gang Ju, combining carefully selected ingredients to achieve its distinctive flavor. The process begins with the finest grains and pristine water, followed by a meticulous fermentation and distillation process that ensures the highest quality. The result is a liquor that boasts a smooth, refined taste with subtle notes that reflect its storied past.
Lee Gang Ju offers a unique tasting experience that captures the essence of Korean culture. With each sip, you’ll discover the harmonious blend of flavors that have been perfected over centuries. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with traditional Korean cuisine, Lee Gang Ju promises an unforgettable experience that pays homage to its noble heritage.
Leegangju: liquor for the gourmet conscious
Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do Province, since ancient times has been renowned as a city of nobility and gourmet cuisine.
As the capital of the Later Baekje Kingdom (900-936) and the birthplace of the royal family of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the city was also the first in Korea to gain designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Nowadays, Jeonju is packed with visitors seeking high quality food.
A place with a highly developed culinary culture must have liquor. Korea has a culture of homebrewing liquor, but Jeonju has many conditions that make it easy to produce liquor at home. The city was among the three most populous during the Joseon era based on the number of households, along with the capital Hanyang (now Seoul) and Pyeongyang.
Jeonju had its region’s largest granary and the residences of many nobles and wealthy families, who made liquor for serving guests and holding jesa andcharye (ancestral memorial rituals). The liquor was hailed as high end and led to the coinage of the phrase myeonggamyeongju, or “A renowned household has good liquor.”
Lee Gang Ju is the leading homemade liquor of Jeonju. The drink’s name is derived from its ingredients — Jeonju pear and ginger from the town of Bongdong-eup in Wanju-gun County. Tumeric, cinnamon and honey are also added.
Tumeric, uncommon at the time, was a valuable ingredient cultivated in Jeonju and used in the liquor presented as a gift to the king, who also received Jeonju pears and ginger from Bongdong-eup.
Ingredients
Products
About us
Who are we
The company LEE GANG JU INTERNATIONAL is the International Branch office handling all international Business on behalf of the from the Head Quarters in Jeon Ju Korea
This Branch office is managed by Beom-Seok Kim and Seong-Yeon Cho.
Seong-Yeon Cho is the daughter of the Korean Food Grand Master and founder Jung-hyung Cho. She has a great passion for the family heritage LEE GANG JU.
Seong-Yeon Cho wants to make LEE GANG JU a global brand by cherishing the older generations and embracing the new and younger generations people at the same time. Seong-Yeon Cho has a master degree in Arts and Slovenian languages.
Beom-Seok Kim is a business partner and friend with a successful career of more than 20 years in the International Foodservice and Food & Beverage industry. His goal is to preserve the LEE GANG JU legacy for the Family Cho by leading the company to great heights and putting it on the global map. Beom-Seok has a Master degree in Sales & Marketing as well as Hotel management.
Historian and poet Choi Nam-seon (1890-1957) in his book “Joseon Sangsik Mundap” (unofficial translation: Questions and Answers on Joseon Common Knowledge) named Lee Gang Ju one of the top three liquors of Joseon along with gamhongno and juknyeokgo.
Those who tried Lee Gang Ju are known to have said the liquor goes well with a sinseon, a legendary Taoist hermit who left the secular world to live harmoniously with nature, is immortal and lives without pain or illness.
Serving and Recipes
1. Traditional Soju Serving Etiquette
Korea has a rich drinking culture, and serving soju properly follows certain customs, especially in formal or social settings:
A. Proper Glassware
- Use small shot glasses (소주잔) – This is the traditional way.
- For premium soju, a ceramic or chilled glass is preferred.
- If enjoying aged or craft soju, consider a sake-style cup for a refined experience.
B. How to Pour Soju (Korean Drinking Etiquette)
- Younger people pour for elders first as a sign of respect.
- Hold the bottle with two hands (or with your right hand supporting your left arm) when pouring.
- When receiving, hold the glass with both hands and take the first sip before setting it down.
- Never pour your own glass! Someone else should do it for you.
C. How to Drink Soju Properly
- Take a small sip first to appreciate the smoothness.
- It is common to drink in one shot, especially for the first round.
- After the first drink, sip at your own pace.
2. Serving Soju at the Right Temperature
The best serving temperature depends on the type of soju:
Chilled (4-10°C / 39-50°F) – Most common
- Keeps soju smooth and refreshing.
- Best for classic & flavored soju (like fruit-infused varieties).
- Refrigerate before serving or serve over ice.
Room Temperature (18-22°C / 64-72°F) – For premium soju
- Traditional distilled soju (증류식 소주) is often enjoyed at room temp.
- Preserves its complex flavors and aroma.
Warm (40-50°C / 104-122°F) – Rare but possible
- Some high-quality aged soju can be gently warmed, similar to sake.
- Warming enhances the earthy, nutty notes.
3. Soju Pairing with Food (Anju – 안주)
Soju is best enjoyed with food! Here are some classic soju-food pairings:
A. Grilled & Fried Dishes
- Korean BBQ (삼겹살, 갈비) – The #1 classic pairing.
- Fried Chicken (치맥 & 소맥) – Soju balances the richness.
- Grilled Fish (고등어구이, 오징어구이) – Complements smoky flavors.
B. Spicy Korean Food
- Kimchi Stew (김치찌개) – Soju cuts through the spice.
- Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – Sweet & spicy flavors work well.
- Spicy Jokbal (매운족발) – Fatty, spicy pork and soju are perfect together.
C. Light & Fresh Dishes
- Sashimi (회, 참치회) – A great match for clear, crisp soju.
- Seafood Pancake (해물파전) – A common pairing on rainy days.
- Soy Sauce Crab (간장게장) – Fermented flavors go well with soju.
D. Fusion & Creative Pairings
- Soju & Cheese – Aged soju works well with mild cheeses.
- Soju Cocktails – Light, flavored soju can mix well with fruit juices.
4. Fun Ways to Serve Soju (Creative Variations)
A. Flavored Soju
- Mix classic soju with fruit juices (mango, peach, pineapple).
- Try Yakult Soju (야쿠르트 소주) – Soju + Yakult (probiotic drink).
- Add lemon or lime for a refreshing twist.
B. Frozen Soju Slushie
- Freeze flavored soju for a slushie-like drink.
- Works great with strawberry, peach, or watermelon soju.
C. Soju with Sparkling Water
Add sparkling water or tonic for a lighter, more refreshing drink.
- Garnish with mint or citrus.
Final Tips for Serving Soju Like a Pro
✅ Serve chilled in small glasses for the best experience.
✅ Follow Korean drinking etiquette when in a group.
✅ Pair with grilled, spicy, or seafood dishes.
✅ Experiment with cocktails or flavored soju for variety.
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Contact
For more information about Lee Gang Ju, our heritage, and where to find our products, please contact us at [Contact Information]. We look forward to sharing the legacy of Lee Gang Ju with you.