Experience Authentic Korean Culture Through Traditional Korean Alcohol
When you travel, tasting the local alcohol is an integral part of the journey and a unique way to immerse yourself in the culture. In Korea, the rich history and diverse flavors of traditional alcoholic beverages offer a distinctive experience. Let’s explore some of the most iconic Korean drinks and the delicious foods that pair perfectly with them.
1. Makgeolli (막걸리)
Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine, made by fermenting rice with a natural fermentation starter called “nuruk”. It has a milky appearance, a slightly sweet and tangy taste, and an alcohol content of around 6-8%. A bottle of Makgeolli typically costs about 1,000-3,000 KRW in market and about 5,000 KRW -7,000KRW in the restaurants.
Regional Varieties:
Each region in Korea has its unique version of Makgeolli, with slight variations in flavor and ingredients.
Perfect Pairings:
Makgeolli pairs wonderfully with traditional Korean pancakes (jeon), tofu with kimchi, or any Korean traditional food. Popular dishes include:
- Pajeon (파전): Green onion pancake, a favorite companion to Makgeolli, especially on rainy days.
- Kimchi Jeon (김치전): Pancake made with kimchi, offering a spicy and tangy flavor that complements the drink.
- Haemul Pajeon (해물파전): Seafood green onion pancake, combining the flavors of the sea with Makgeolli.
- Dubukimchi (두부김치): Tofu served with stir-fried kimchi, providing a balance of soft and spicy.
- Golbaengi Muchim (골뱅이무침): Spicy whelk salad, perfect for the mild sweetness of Makgeolli.
- Bindaetteok (빈대떡): Mung bean pancake, known for its savory and nutty taste.
- Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Spicy rice cakes, which contrast with Makgeolli’s mild sweetness.
Special Tips:
Mix Makgeolli with cider (soda) for a refreshing twist known as “Maksa(막사),” or add honey for “Ggulmak(꿀막).”
Caution:
Makgeolli can lead to a significant hangover, so enjoy it in moderation to avoid a rough next day.
2. Soju (소주)
Soju is Korea’s most famous alcoholic beverage, akin to Japan’s sake or China’s baijiu. It is typically made from rice, barley, or sweet potatoes and has a clean, slightly sweet taste with an alcohol content ranging from 16-25%. A bottle of Soju is quite affordable, usually costing around 1,000-2,000 KRW in the markets and 5,000-7,000 in the restaurants.
Perfect Pairings:
Soju pairs excellently with a variety of Korean dishes, especially those that are fatty or spicy:
- Samgyeopsal (Korean BBQ, 삼겹살): Grilled pork belly, whose rich, fatty flavor is balanced by Soju’s clean taste.
- Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개): Spicy kimchi stew, where Soju helps to cool down the heat.
- Haemul Tang (해물탕): Spicy seafood soup, where Soju enhances the seafood flavors.
- Dakbal (닭발): Spicy chicken feet, a popular drinking snack with a strong kick.
- Jokbal (족발): Braised pig’s feet, with a rich, savory taste that pairs well with Soju.
- Hoe (회): Raw fish, similar to sashimi, often enjoyed with Soju for a refreshing combination. Pairing soju with raw fish (hoe) almost guarantees overindulgence, as the two are a perfect match.
3. Korean Wine
Korean wine, made from various fruits and herbs, offers a delightful exploration of unique flavors. Here are some notable types:
- Bokbunja Wine (복분자주): Made from black raspberries, this wine is sweet with a rich fruit aroma and is known for its health benefits.
- Maesil Wine (매실주): Fermented from green plums, it has a sweet and tart flavor and aids digestion.
- Omija Wine (오미자주): Derived from the omija berry, which has five distinct flavors (sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy), offering a unique taste experience.
- Sanmeoru Wine (산머루 와인): Made from wild grapes, it is characterized by a deep red color and a sweet, fruity flavor.
- Gamhongro Wine (감홍로): Produced from persimmons, it has a mellow sweetness and a subtle fruitiness.
Where to Buy:
- Traditional Liquor Shops: In areas like Samcheong-dong, Insadong, and Bukchon in Seoul, you can find specialty shops offering a wide range of traditional Korean wines and liquors.
- Major Supermarkets: Large chains such as Emart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus stock a variety of Korean wines.
- Department Stores: High-end wines and traditional liquors can be found in the food sections of Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, and Hyundai Department Store.
- Online Retailers: Websites like Coupang, Naver Shopping, Gmarket, and 11th Street offer a convenient way to purchase Korean wine. Specialized online stores like ‘Sulmarket’ and ‘Woorisool’ also provide a wide selection.
- Local Festivals and Traditional Liquor Experience Centers: These venues offer opportunities to taste and buy different types of Korean wines.
Conclusion
Alcohol is not just a drink; it’s a significant part of a country’s culture. When you visit Korea, don’t miss the chance to experience these traditional drinks and their perfect food pairings. Cheers to a memorable and authentic Korean journey!
By understanding and enjoying these traditional beverages, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of Korean culture and hospitality. So, what will you drink when you visit Korea?