Island Soju Upyana Qiru

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This premium glass with the sentiment of Korea inspired by Korean island, Dokdo and Ulleungdo, crafted by hand is different from the existing uniform shape of the soju glass. The shape of the entire glass inspired by Korean islands, Dokdo and Ulleungdo, is formed according to the name of the island engraved in Korean at the bottom. Furthermore, the glass was designed to be in the form of an island turned upside.

Dimensions & Packaging

Dimensions: 57 mm tall, 61 mm diameter, 60 mm diameter at rim. Total capacity approx: 50 ml. Recommended pour: 30 to 40 ml. Weight: 105 grams.

Tags

Glassware, Drinkware, Soju, Island, Hangeul

Production Technology

To make high-end soju culture, unleaded crystal materials were used. An unleaded crystal has better refraction and bright colors than glass. It is the most suitable material for detailed representations of artifacts and is healthy and environmentally friendly.

Design Challenge

The most difficult challenge was to balance the bottom of the glass into which letters were placed by flattening it. The work of making the strokes uniform through manual glasswork had to go through many trials and errors.

Research

First, research has been done to understand the drinking culture of Korea. This made us engrave the name of the island on the bottom of the glass with an embossed seal, considering the Korean culture of setting the glass upside down on the table before using it. Second, studies have been made on usability. Due to the nature of the curved shape, inspection of the center of gravity and grips was essential. Through several user tests, the ideal center of gravity, grip, and thickness was found.

Inspiration

The design's starting point dates back to experience on the trip to Ulleung Island. It was a time when we were preoccupied with ways to premium soju, a popular Korean liquor, amid growing demand for high-end spirits. While drinking alcohol during the trip, I came up with the idea that the upside-down glass resembled that of the island floating in the sea, and that it should be combined with the Korean language Hangul to create a new type of glass.

Project Duration

The initial design and study of the Korean Island and Soju Glass began in July 2017 in Seoul, South Korea. Additional unleaded crystal materials were developed in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, and final molds and designs were finally designed in November 2019. The first sample arrived in the same month in preparation for the Wadiz launch in November 2019. The campaign ended in early December 2019 and exceeded the funding target amount by more than 2000%.

Operation Flow

In the setting stage before use, you can see the letters written at the bottom of the glass. Accordingly, the image of Dokdo and Ulleungdo off can be associated. Also, the shape of the glass was formed according to the island name, so you can enjoy different forms depending on the angle you see. If you tilt your head to drink the wine in the glass, the person sitting on the other side can see the letters at the bottom of the glass.

Image Credits

Image #1 : Photographer Hyunsung Roh
Image #2 : Photographer Hyunsung Roh
Image #3 : Photographer Hyunsung Roh
Image #4 : Film Director Hyunwook Park
Image #5 : Film Director Hyunwook Park