Drinking Culture in Korea

There are various types of alcoholic beverages around the world, ranging from popular options like beer and wine to more sophisticated choices like cocktails or whiskey. When travelling abroad, some people make it a point to try the local traditional alcohol. Korea also has a variety of alcoholic drinks, with soju and makgeolli being particularly famous.

Soju is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in Korea. Many people drink it after work gatherings known as ‘hoesik(회식),’ or when they finish a big project, often accompanied by their colleagues or friends during meals. While it is not as strong as whiskey, soju has a distinct lack of flavour with a strong alcohol scent, which can be polarizing. However, it is affordable and available in nearly every restaurant, making it the most commonly seen drink in Korea. For those who find it too strong, there’s ‘somaek(소맥),’ a mixture of soju and beer, frequently featured in Korean dramas and movies. It has a milder alcohol flavour with the added fizz of beer, making it easier to drink. Makgeolli(막걸리) is a traditional Korean rice wine that, while not sold in every restaurant, is still relatively easy to find.

Korean Alcoholic Drinks Loved by Foreigners

The Korean alcoholic drink that foreigners who love Korea most frequently seek out might be fruit soju. Regular soju lacks a distinctive flavour and is quite strong in terms of alcohol content, making it difficult to enjoy. However, fruit soju has a mild alcohol taste and is sweet with a strong fruit flavour, making it enjoyable even for those who do not like alcohol. There are various flavours such as strawberry, blueberry, apple, etc. However, it is slightly more expensive than regular soju, so keep this in mind when ordering at a restaurant. You can easily find fruit soju at Korean restaurants or Asian markets in London as well, so if you’re curious about the taste, give it a try.

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Korean Traditional Alcohol: Makgeolli(막걸리)

1. What is Makgeolli?

Makgeolli is a representative traditional Korean alcoholic beverage with a history of thousands of years. It was mainly enjoyed by farmers after finishing their agricultural work. Recently, various types of makgeolli have been developed, including traditional makgeolli and those with added fruits and flowers. Makgeolli is a fermented drink made from rice, water, and nuruk. Nuruk(누룩) is a type of fermentation starter made by finely grinding and kneading grains such as rice, wheat, and barley, and then fermenting them. Nuruk plays an important role in the fermentation process by providing yeast and mold, which help ferment the alcohol. Additionally, because it is made by fermenting grains, it produces sugar and alcohol. As a result, makgeolli is characterized by its smooth, sweet, and tangy taste, with a slight alcohol content and fine carbonation.

2. Benefits of Makgeolli

Since makgeolli is a fermented drink, it has various health benefits:

• Probiotic Effect: Makgeolli is rich in lactic acid bacteria, which help maintain gut health. These bacteria aid digestion and contribute to overall gut health.
• Nutrient Supply and Skin Health: Makgeolli contains vitamins and minerals that help with fatigue recovery and energy supply. It also promotes skin regeneration and helps keep the skin clear and healthy.

3. Types of Makgeolli

Makgeolli has distinctive tastes and aromas depending on the region. Each region produces different types of makgeolli using the rice grown in that area. Since it is a grain-based fermented drink, you can also find makgeolli made with staple crops like chestnuts and sweet potatoes. Recently, fruit makgeolli with flavours like strawberry and peach has become popular so that everyone can enjoy it.

4. Foods that Pair Well with Makgeolli

Makgeolli is usually paired with dishes like pajeon(파전:green onion pancake) or kalguksu(칼국수:hand-cut noodles). There’s even a saying, “Pajeon and makgeolli!” reflecting how often Koreans enjoy savoury pancakes with makgeolli. Especially on rainy days, it is a tradition to eat pajeon, as the sound of rain is said to resemble the sound of cooking pajeon in oil. Thus, on rainy days, it is common to enjoy pajeon and makgeolli together in Korea.

Why Makgeolli is Not Popular Abroad

In Korea, many people love makgeolli to the extent that you can easily find makgeolli houses, but it is hard to find in restaurants abroad. Although you can see a few types in Asian markets, the price is quite high. Even in Korea, it is not sold in every store but can be found in makgeolli speciality shops or old pubs, making it even harder to find abroad. Unlike wine, which is made by fermenting fruit, this type of alcohol is made by fermenting grains, so it has less of a sweet aroma and may not be as familiar to foreigners. However, nowadays, there are also varieties of makgeolli made with sweet ingredients like fruit or sweet potatoes. Therefore, if you are interested in and enjoy Korean culture, it might be worth giving it a try.

Where to buy Makgeolli in London

Korean food and drinks has been getting more popular in London. There are increased number of Korean supermarket opening in London. You can buy and enjoy makgeolli a lot easier than many years ago. Below are some locations you can find them:

1. Korean Supermarkets:
   • Oseyo: This is a popular Korean supermarket chain with several locations across London, including in Tottenham Court Road and Camden. They often stock a variety of Korean alcohol, including makgeolli.
   • Korea Foods: Located in New Malden, which is known as London’s “Little Korea,” this large Korean supermarket offers a wide selection of Korean products, including makgeolli.
2. Asian Supermarkets:
   • H Mart: Another large Korean-American chain with a location in New Malden, offering a broad selection of Korean goods, including makgeolli.
   • Wing Yip: An Asian supermarket with locations in Cricklewood and Croydon, where you can often find makgeolli in their drinks section.
3. Online Retailers:
   • Amazon UK: Sometimes offers makgeolli from various sellers.
4. Specialty Liquor Stores:
   • Japan Centre: Located near Piccadilly Circus, while primarily Japanese-focused, they sometimes stock Korean products, including alcohol like makgeolli.
5. Korean Restaurants: Some Korean restaurants in London sell bottles of makgeolli for takeaway, so it’s worth asking if you’re dining in.

Makgeolli’s popularity in Korea can be attributed to its deep cultural roots, unique flavor profile, and the sense of nostalgia it evokes among Koreans. However, its limited recognition abroad stems from its niche appeal and the global dominance of more familiar alcoholic beverages. As the world continues to embrace Asian culinary traditions, there is potential for makgeolli to gain a wider audience outside Korea, especially Korean entertainment and culture has taken the world by storm.

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