When working in real estate in Dallas, the day flies by in a blur. Meeting clients, showing houses, and handling contract paperwork, before you know it, it's evening.

During those times, a drink with a colleague can help relieve the stress. My drink of choice is soju.

Many people refer to soju as "Korea's vodka," but there are actually quite a few differences.

Vodka is traditionally made by fermenting grains or potatoes and distilling them without any special aging process.

Soju, on the other hand, is closer to a liqueur, as it has alcohol extracted and a hint of sweetness added.

This makes it smooth to drink, and its mild flavor allows even those new to alcohol to enjoy it easily.

In Dallas, soju has become an essential item on the menu at Korean restaurants.

With dishes like kimchi stew, pork belly, and potato soup, many say soju pairs better than beer. While this combination is already familiar to Koreans, I can't help but chuckle when local Americans try soju and say, "This is dangerous; it's too easy to drink."

Because it's affordable and has a moderate alcohol content, it has quickly become a spirit that sells worldwide, rivaling vodka.

However, no matter how light soju may seem, it can lead to serious consequences if you're not careful. It's crucial to know your limits; research shows that drinking just 1.2 times your limit can start to cause irreversible damage to your body.

Even more frightening is the fact that drinking only half your limit can already strain your internal organs. In simple terms, the illusion of "I can handle it" and the self-comfort of "I'll be fine" can undermine your health.

Working in real estate comes with a lot of stress, and avoiding drinking can be difficult. However, mindlessly downing soju is definitely not a wise choice.

As I get older, I prefer to enjoy one or two drinks lightly and focus on conversation and food instead.

Soju is an attractive drink, often referred to as Korea's soul drink, thanks to its perfect pairing with food and affordable price.

But we must not forget the hidden traps within it. If you're raising a soju glass at a Korean restaurant tonight, remember this.

Alcohol can bring us joy, but our bodies are unforgiving with numbers. Drinking 1.2 times your limit is a warning sign, and even half your limit can damage your health.

In the end, I believe that those who enjoy alcohol wisely are the true adults.