Summer spills into the coming days and weeks with hopefully months of hot sweltering goodness in store for everyone here in Korea. To that end there’s nothing like whiling way the day with a cold frothy drink or even one that’s not so frothy. Here are 10 Korean alcoholic drinks that will tantalize the tongue and provide a bit of respite from the heat.
1. Makgeolli (막걸리)
Makgeolli is old school. It’s not your momma’s alcohol. Nope, this Korean original is unfiltered milky goodness. It has a little tang, along with carbonation, that dazzles the tongue. This combo goes along with its semi sweet taste to create a truly unique drink. In the last few years designer Makegeolli that combines the flavor of fruit, corn, chestnuts, sodas, and other not so common ingredients have surged this drink to new heights. In its original incarnation it’s made with rice. It’s best to find a spot that specializes instead of just picking up a bottle from 7-11.
Where to find:
Danimgil Makgeolli Pub (다님길 막걸리) Address: 서울시 마포구 서교동 330-39 (02-322-2066)
Come out of Hongdae Station (Line 2) exit 8 and walk towards the roundabout. Turn left at the roundabout and follow the road until you pass a number of meat restaurants. Turn right at the corner and Danimgil will be about 50 meters on your left.
2. Cheongju (청주)
Think of it as a cousin to soju. It’s just as clear and only a measly amount more than a bottle of the Soju I dread so much. It’s a fermented rice liquor that has a sweet taste on the buds. Still, if you don’t care for Soju you probably won’t feel to kindly toward Cheongju either. One of the most popular brands is Chung Ha.
Where to find:
Really just go to 7-11, GS 25, CU or any mom and pop shop to find it.
3. Soju (소주)
Soju is everywhere in Korea. You can find it in grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, clubs, and I’m surprised McDonalds doesn’t serve it up as an option. Soju is the national drink of choice and it makes sense considering how cheap it is and how much Koreans, in general, drink. A bottle of water is almost and in some cases cheaper than a bottle of soju. It’s a drink to get well and truly wasted. The taste is awful so its not about fun at all.
Well, I’ll take that back. The new fruit flavored soju that has shown up in the last few years has definitely improved the taste tremendously.
Where to find:
Really just go to 7-11, GS 25, CU or any mom and pop shop to find it as well as restaurants etc.
4. Bokbunja ju (복분자주)
This Korean dessert wine is usually served chilled. It’s made from black raspberries. It’s a deep ruby red with a sweet taste. Too sweet for me, personally, but if you’re a dessert wine fan this may be right for you. Several of my friends truly love this stuff. Maybe try it with cheese or a dark dark chocolate. Could be good for that. It’s also known in Korea as an aphrodisiac so if you guys need that extra ump try it out!
Where to find:
Really just go to 7-11, GS 25, CU, grocery stores or any mom and pop shop to find it as well as restaurants etc.
5. Baekseju (백세주)
If you want something a little more traditional then nothing beats Baekseju. It’s basically repackaged and redesigned Korean Moonshine for today’s market. A herbaceous yellow colored wine made from wine and all kinds of roots, herbs and depending on your brand different flavors like licorice. It’s name translates to 100 year old wine due to the folktale it’s based from:
A weary traveler was walking on a trail, when he saw a young man had an old man bent over with his pants rolled down, and was whipping the old man with a switch. The traveler became outraged and chastised the young man: “How dare you lay your switch on this old man’s leg!”The young man replied: “This is my precious only son, whom I had at age 80. He is turning old because he did not drink baekseju like I told him. So I am teaching him a lesson.”
So the lesson, besides improving your parenting skills, is drink the 100 year wine to stay young forever or otherwise your father who looks fifty years your junior will beat you senseless. This is all according to Kooksoondang the major producer of baekseju.
Where to find:
Really just go to 7-11, GS 25, CU, grocery stores or any mom and pop shop to find it as well as restaurants etc.
6. Maekju (맥주)
Beer is big business in Korea. The domestic brands reign supreme throughout the bars, clubs, and convenience stores. Here’s a quick rundown.
Hite-Jinro : Hite, Max, Dry Finish d, S, Stout, Queen’s Ale
Oriental Brewery (OB) : OB Golden Lager, Cass brands (Cass, Cass Light, Cass Red, Cass Lemon, Cass 2X), Cafri, Alestone
Lotte Liquor : Kloud
Korea Craft Brewery : ARK
7brau
Guarneri
Jespi
Energin
These usually only cost around a few thousand won, but the taste proves you get what you pay for. Though maybe don’t take my word for it because I’m not much of a beer fan at all. If you want to bypass the typical domestic brands then I suggest go for one of the many microbreweries popping up all over:
Korea Craft Brewery
The Hand and Malt
Magpie Brewing Co.
Galmegi Brewing Co.
The Booth
Craftworks Taphouse
If you’re truly desperate just order your fav at a local bar. Most spots usually carry the big named western beers.
Where to find:
Really just go to 7-11, GS 25, CU, grocery stores or any mom and pop shop to find it as well as restaurants etc.
7. Goryangju (고량주)
Distilled from Sorghum and of Chinese/Taiwanese origin this liquor ranges between forty to sixty five percent alcohol. Also known as Chinese Soju and Fire Water this stuff is far more suited for cooking or maybe fueling your car than to drink straight up. If you do find yourself guzzling it down it’s probably because someone is hazing you. Return the favor and offer it up to your friends on a dare.
Where to find:
Really just go to 7-11, GS 25, CU, grocery stores or any mom and pop shop to find it as well as restaurants etc.
8. Songsunju(송선주)
One of Korea’s “medicinal wines” (see Baekseju above) Songsunju comes from Pine Needles of all things. Good for reducing high blood pressure, intestinal disorders, headaches, and increasing blood circulation when used in moderation. It has a distinct aroma thanks to the pine needles that you’ll not soon forget.
Where to find:
Really just go to 7-11, GS 25, CU, grocery stores or any mom and pop shop to find it as well as restaurants etc.
9. Gukhwaju (국화주)
Gukhwaju is a Korean liquor made with chrysanthemum flowers. It is a seasonal drink, usually consumed on the ninth day of the ninth month during the height of blossoms flowering. Mythically infused with sunshine this beverage is believed to instill positive energy and vitality promoting health and vigor to all those who drink it. It’s considered to be another type of “medicinal wine” clearing the blood as well as prolonging life. I just think it smells quite lovely.
Where to find:
Really just go to 7-11, GS 25, CU, grocery stores or any mom and pop shop to find it as well as restaurants etc.
10. SoMac (소맥)
So from soju and Mac from Maekju combines to give you somac. The basic gist is to “bomb” your beer mug with a shot of soju. This isn’t an exact science and so the fun is in the doing. Trying to find that perfect golden balance between beer and soju is the holy grail of every somac lover. You can try several well known variations.
The Hurricane has you fill your glass with beer, drop in your soju shot glass, cover the top and then swirl the mug around to mix. The Air Force One has you holding two mugs of beer with soju already mixed in. Then you drink from one, and quickly balance out the drink from your other and then drink from the second and do the same so both stay relatively equal. Don’t spill! The Hole-in-one is simple: fill your mug with beer and soju and down it in one gulp. Failure is not an option!
You can also get creative throw in coke or sprite to keep things interesting.
Where to find:
Really just go to 7-11, GS 25, CU, grocery stores or any mom and pop shop to find it as well as restaurants and then make it yourself!
Summer is coming! 7-11 Day drinking forth coming!