Korean traditional liquor (sul) is a delicious gateway to understanding Korea’s 2,000-year-old culture. Unlike mass-produced soju, these artisanal drinks reflect seasonal rhythms, regional ingredients, and Confucian dining traditions. Let’s explore some iconic varieties!
🍶 Makgeolli (Unfiltered Rice Wine)
The milky, slightly fizzy “farmer’s wine”
Made from rice, nuruk (fermentation starter), and water, this tangy-sweet drink (6-8% ABV) pairs perfectly with jeon (savory pancakes). Its unfiltered texture delivers probiotics and vitamins. Traditionally served in brass bowls, modern versions include flavors like chestnut or green tea.
🌾 Cheongju (Clear Refined Rice Wine)
Korea’s answer to sake
Often called yakju (medicinal wine), this crystal-clear liquor (15-18% ABV) undergoes multiple filtrations. Premium varieties like Baekseju or Dugyeonju (azalea wine) were historically reserved for royals and rituals. Sip chilled in slender cups to appreciate its floral aroma.
🔥 Soju – The Traditional Way
Beyond the green bottle
Before modern diluted soju dominated, traditional versions (20-45% ABV) were distilled from rice, barley, or sweet potatoes using Andong soju techniques. Earthy and complex, they’re served room temperature in small ceramic cups.
🍶 Fruit & Flower Wines
Nature’s sweetness in a bottle
Maesil-ju (plum wine) and Baeksaeju (pear wine) balance sweet and tart notes. Gukhwaju (chrysanthemum wine) and Mogwa-ju (quince wine) offer floral sophistication. Best enjoyed chilled as dessert wines.
🥢 Drinking Culture Essentials
- Etiquette: Pour with two hands; turn away when sipping elders’ drinks
- Pairings: Match bold liquors with anju (food accompaniments) like kimchi pancakes or spicy stew
- Occasions: Served during ancestral rites (jesa), weddings, and seasonal festivals
🏺 Revival of Craft Breweries
UNESCO-recognized nuruk fermentation techniques are being revived by microbreweries like Wolhyang and Moonbaesul. Seek out regional specialties: Jeju’s Omegisul (buckwheat liquor) or Gangwon’s Insamju (ginseng wine).
💡 Where to Try in Korea:
- Makkoli Makers (Seoul)
- Sulzip traditional pubs (nationwide)
- Andong Soju Experience Center
Korean liquors are more than drinks—they’re liquid history. Each sip connects you to ancestral wisdom and Korea’s agricultural soul. Geonbae! (Cheers!)
Note: Always drink responsibly. Most traditional liquors contain 12-20% ABV.