Funnyjun Presents Korean Drinking Etiquette Exhibition in Chiang Mai, Thailand Following Netflix’s ‘Soju Rhapsody’
▶‘How to Drink Soju 10 Steps’ (Poster, 240cm × 180cm), Sinc 2025
▶ ‘Korean Drinking Etiquette’ (Poster, 300cm × 180cm). The Warehouse-Paint Club 2025(Seoul, 2025-2-14) Artist Funnyjun is holding a month-long exhibition in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The exhibition will run from February 7 at the art space The Warehouse-Paint Club and the gallery café Sinc, showcasing Korean drinking culture and etiquette through an artistic lens.
Funnyjun is known as a ‘soju artist,’ using soju as an artistic object to explore and depict Korean drinking culture. He is also the author of ‘A Slightly Curious Soju Exploration’, a book introducing Korean drinking etiquette (judo). Through exhibitions both in Korea and abroad, he continues to share the cultural significance of soju with the world.
Notably, in early February, Funnyjun appeared in the first episode of KBS’s Docu Insight series ‘Soju Rhapsody’—titled ‘The Power of the Green Bottle’—where he introduced Korean judo. On the show, he caught viewers’ attention by incorporating the symbolic green color of soju bottles into his outfit, wearing a beanie resembling a soju cap and fully dressing in green. This documentary is now available on Netflix and will be accessible in over 140 countries for the next 10 years.
▶ Soju artist Funnyjun in the Netflix documentary Soju Rhapsody“Korean judo is not just about drinking; it’s a set of etiquette rules that allow people to drink respectfully while ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone until the very end,” Funnyjun explained, emphasizing the concept of ‘consideration’ embedded in Korean drinking culture.
The exhibition features two large-scale poster-based mosaic artworks:
‘How to Drink Soju 10 Steps’ (240cm × 180cm)
‘Korean Drinking Etiquette’ (300cm × 180cm)
These works visually illustrate the 10 steps of drinking soju, Korean drinking etiquette, and popular drinking games such as Pa-do-ta-gi and Wi-Fi, engaging audiences with interactive and cultural elements. More than just a visual showcase, the exhibition highlights the deeply ingrained sense of ‘consideration’ in Korean drinking traditions.
Chiang Mai is known for its vibrant artistic atmosphere and as a hub for digital nomads who enjoy extended stays in the city. The Warehouse-Paint Club is an open creative space where both locals and travelers can freely paint and exhibit their work. The exhibition is curated by Nat, The Co-Founder of The Warehouse-Paint Club. "Through Funnyjun’s works, I’ve gained a new perspective on contemporary Korean culture. With visitors from diverse backgrounds, this exhibition will undoubtedly be an exciting experience," Nat commented.
▶ Soju artist Funnyjun and Nat, The Co-Founder of Warehouse Paint Club in Chiang Mai, ThailandPreviously, Funnyjun had to personally seek out exhibition spaces, explain his work, and arrange free venues for his showcases. However, following his appearance on Netflix, he has started receiving direct exhibition invitations, turning years of effort into a rewarding experience. “There is a growing interest in Korea, but many foreigners are still unfamiliar with the drinking etiquette that embodies Korea’s culture of ‘consideration.’ I hope this exhibition will allow both Thai locals and international visitors to gain a better understanding of Korea’s modern drinking traditions,” he shared.
Going forward, Funnyjun plans to continue promoting Korean judo through exhibitions, publications, and lectures, offering people around the world the opportunity to experience Korea’s drinking culture firsthand.