Are you a fan of Korean alcohol or need to Discover your new favourite Korean drink?
In spite of everything, Consuming is a major a part of Korean tradition.
If you discuss Korean Alcohol drinks, the very first thing that involves thoughts of foreigners is “soju”.However in actuality, Korea has a superb number of alcoholic drinks.
From the graceful and stunning flavors of soju to the daring and scrumptious tastes of makgeolli and past, these standard Korean alcohols are certain to supply a memorable and pleasant ingesting expertise.
Whether or not you’re a seasoned drinker or a newcomer to Korean alcohol, these 20 standard choices are a fantastic place to start out your exploration.
Right here’s a newbie’s information to the15 most typical Korean alcohols, their wealthy historical past, well being advantages, and cultural significance with examples
So, let’s soar in, and don’t overlook to say cheers!
13 Most In style Korean Alcohol You Must Strive
Listed here are a few of the 13 most well-known Korean alcohol for learners to start out with
- Soju
- Makgeolli
- Gukhwaju
- Baekseju
- Korean Beer
- Bokbunja-ju
- Maesil-ju
- Dansul
- Munbaeju
- Dongdongju
- Sansachun
- Flower wine
- Cocktail
Let’s study intimately
Korean soju: Greater than only a drink, it’s a cultural phenomenon
Soju is a transparent, colorless spirit that’s constituted of grains, equivalent to rice, wheat, and barley.
It’s the most well-liked alcoholic drink in Korea and is often consumed neat or combined with water or different drinks.
Soju is historically made by fermenting the grains after which distilling the ensuing liquid to extend the alcohol content material.
The alcohol content material of soju can fluctuate, however it’s usually round 20-25% ABV (alcohol by quantity).
Soju is commonly consumed with Korean meals, equivalent to Korean BBQ or Korean fried hen.
Additionally it is usually consumed with soju cocktails, that are combined with varied fruit juices or different flavored drinks.
Soju has a comparatively gentle taste, and many individuals examine it to vodka.
It’s usually served in small glasses, and it is not uncommon for individuals to drink it in a social setting, equivalent to with associates at a bar or restaurant.
Soju has a protracted historical past in Korea and has been produced within the nation for over 700 years.
It’s usually related to Korean tradition and is commonly consumed in social settings, equivalent to throughout meals or at events.
Soju might be loved by itself or combined with different substances to make cocktails.
Some standard soju cocktails embrace the “soju bomb,” which is made by dropping a shot of soju right into a glass of beer, and the “yak-soju,” which is made by mixing soju with yogurt and fruit juice.
And it’s actually superb to style
Instance
I like soju.
저는 소주를 좋아합니다. (Jeoneun sojureul johahamnida)
소주 한 잔 주세요. (Soju han jan juseyo)
Soju is a standard Korean alcohol.
소주는 한국의 전통적인 술이에요. (Sojuneun hangugui jeontongjeonin surieyo)
It’s not good to drink soju too usually.
소주를 자주 마시면 안 좋아요. (Sojureul jaju masimyeon an johayo)
Soju and fried shrimp are a standard Korean snack.
소주와 새우깡은 한국의 전통적인 안주예요. (Sojuwa saewookkangeun hangugui jeontongjeonin anjuyeyo)
Makgeolli|A Conventional Korean Rice Wine”
Makgeolli is a standard Korean rice wine that’s constituted of a mix of rice, wheat, and water. It’s milky, candy, and barely carbonated and is commonly served in a standard Korean pottery bowl, referred to as a “dokbae.”
Makgeolli has a protracted historical past in Korea and has been loved for hundreds of years.
It’s made by fermenting a mix of steamed rice, water, and nuruk, a sort of Korean fermented grain starter.
The combination is allowed to ferment for a number of days or even weeks, till it turns into a cloudy, barely candy and barely carbonated drink.
Makgeolli has a comparatively low alcohol content material, usually round 6-8% ABV, and is commonly loved as a refreshing and easy-to-drink beverage.
It’s usually served chilled or over ice and is commonly paired with Korean meals, equivalent to grilled meats or spicy dishes.
Makgeolli has a comparatively low alcohol content material, usually round 6-8% ABV, and is commonly loved as a refreshing and calmly alcoholic beverage.
It’s usually consumed with Korean meals, equivalent to grilled meats or spicy stews, and is taken into account a great way to appease the palate after consuming spicy dishes.
Makgeolli is made by mixing rice and water and permitting the combination to ferment.
The ensuing liquid is then filtered and pasteurized to cease the fermentation course of.
The completed product has a candy, barely bitter style and a thick, milky consistency.
Listed here are some sentences in Korean that embrace the phrase “makgeolli”:
I like makgeolli.
저는 막걸리를 좋아합니다. (Jeoneun makgeollireul johahamnida)
One glass of makgeolli, please.
막걸리 한 잔 주세요. (Makgeolli han jan juseyo)
Makgeolli is a standard Korean alcohol.
막걸리는 한국의 전통적인 술이에요. (Makgeollineun hangugui jeontongjeonin surieyo)
Makgeolli goes properly with recent fruit.
막걸리는 생과자와 함께 잘 어울리죠. (Makgeollineun saenggwajawa hamkke jal eoulirijyo)
The recipe for makgeolli has been handed down via the generations.
막걸리 제조법은 옛날부터 전해져 왔어요. (Makgeollijejobeop-eun yeolnalbuteo jeonhaejyeo wasseoyo)
Gukhwaju: A floral Korean alcohol with refined style”
Gukhwaju, often known as “gukhwa-ju,” is a standard Korean liquor that’s constituted of the flowers of the Korean azalea plant, often known as the “gukhwa” plant.
The gukhwa plant is native to Korea and is a sort of flowering plant that belongs to the daisy household.
It’s a candy and fragrant liquor that’s usually loved as a digestif after a meal or as a medicinal tonic.
Gukhwaju is made by soaking the dried flowers of the gukhwa plant in alcohol, often soju or rice wine, for a number of months to extract the flavour and aroma of the flowers.
The ensuing liquid is then filtered and bottled.
Gukhwaju has a fragile, floral aroma and a candy, barely tart style.
It’s usually served neat or over ice, and is commonly loved in small glasses as an after-dinner drink.
It’s usually consumed as a refreshing and soothing beverage and is believed to have a variety of well being advantages, equivalent to serving to to cut back stress and enhance sleep.
It’s usually served sizzling, however will also be loved chilled on a sizzling day.
Baekseju| The flavors of Korea’s beloved rice wine
Baekseju, often known as “white snake liquor,” is a sort of Korean rice wine that’s constituted of a mix of rice, wheat, and barley.
It’s high-end alcohol in Korea and is commonly thought-about an expensive reward or consumed throughout particular events.
Baekseju is known as after the white snake, or “baek,” which is an emblem of longevity and luck in Korean tradition.
The white snake is believed to have the power to grant everlasting youth and longevity to those that drink from its fountain.
Baekseju is made by fermenting a mix of rice, wheat, and barley for a number of years.
It’s usually thought-about high-end alcohol in Korea and is commonly served throughout particular events or as a present.
The ensuing wine is aged in clay pots, which helps to offer it a wealthy and complicated taste.
Baekseju has a clean and mellow style, with notes of honey and herbs. It’s usually served neat or combined with water.
Baekseju is understood for its clean, mellow taste and is commonly loved as a sipping wine.
It’s usually served chilled or at room temperature and is commonly consumed with Korean meals, equivalent to grilled meats or spicy stews.
Korean Beer | Beer fashion Korean alcohol you need to strive
Korean beer is a well-liked alcoholic beverage in Korea and is commonly consumed with Korean meals.
Some standard Korean beer manufacturers embrace Hite, Cass, and OB.
Korean beer is often made with a mix of grains, equivalent to barley, rice, and wheat, and is brewed utilizing the identical course of as different beers.
Korean beers are typically gentle and crisp, with a refreshing taste and a average alcohol content material, usually round 4-6% ABV.
Korean beer is commonly served chilly and is a well-liked alternative for refreshment on a sizzling day.
Additionally it is usually consumed with Korean meals, equivalent to grilled meats or spicy stews, as it’s believed to assist stability out the flavors of the meals.
Korean beer is a well-liked alcoholic beverage in Korea and is commonly consumed with Korean meals.
There are a number of well-known Korean beer manufacturers, together with:
Hite:
Hite is a well-liked Korean beer model that’s recognized for its crisp, clear taste.
It’s made with a mix of barley, rice, and hops and is gentle in colour and physique.
Cass:
Cass is one other standard Korean beer model that’s recognized for its clean, easy-drinking taste.
It’s made with a mix of barley and hops and has a light-weight golden colour.
OB:
OB is a Korean beer model that’s recognized for its wealthy, full-bodied taste.
It’s made with a mix of barley, rice, and hops and has a deep golden colour.
Kloud:
Kloud is a Korean beer model that’s recognized for its clear, crisp taste.
It’s made with a mix of barley, rice, and hops and has a light-weight golden colour.
Along with these well-known manufacturers, a number of craft breweries in Korea produce quite a lot of distinctive and fascinating beers.
Bokbunja-ju| All about Korea’s beloved raspberry wine”
Bokbunja-ju is a sort of Korean wine that’s constituted of bokbunja berries, that are a sort of native Korean fruit.
Bokbunja berries are recognized for his or her candy, barely tart taste and are sometimes used to make quite a lot of merchandise, together with wine, jam, and tea.
Bokbunja-ju is understood for its wealthy, fruity taste and is commonly loved as a dessert wine.
Bokbunja-ju is made by fermenting bokbunja berries with water and sugar.
The ensuing wine has a deep purple colour and a candy, fruity taste with notes of raspberry and blackberry.
It’s usually served chilled or at room temperature and is commonly paired with cheese or desserts.
Bokbunja-ju is believed to have a variety of well being advantages, together with decreasing irritation and bettering coronary heart well being.
Additionally it is stated to be a pure treatment for colds and flu.
Additionally it is wealthy in antioxidants and is taken into account a superb supply of vitamin C.
Maesil-ju| All about Korea’s beloved apricot wine
Maesil-ju is a sort of Korean rice wine that’s constituted of maesil, or Korean inexperienced plums.
It’s recognized for its candy, barely bitter taste and is commonly loved as a dessert wine.
To make maesil-ju, the ripe fruit of the maesil tree is harvested after which soaked in water or rice wine to extract the juice.
The juice is then combined with sugar and yeast and allowed to ferment for a number of weeks to a number of months.
The completed wine has a deep, reddish colour and a fruity, barely candy taste.
It’s usually loved as a dessert wine and is commonly served chilled.
Maesil-ju is commonly consumed chilled and is a well-liked alternative for refreshment on a sizzling day.
Additionally it is believed to have a variety of well being advantages, together with serving to to enhance digestion and cut back stress.
Maesil-ju is believed to have many well being advantages, together with serving to to decrease ldl cholesterol and enhance digestion.
Additionally it is stated to be a pure treatment for colds and flu.
Dansul|The candy potato flavored korean alcohol
Dansul is a sort of Korean brandy that’s constituted of quite a lot of grains, together with rice, wheat, and barley.
Dansul is understood for its clean, mellow taste and is commonly consumed with Korean meals, equivalent to grilled meats or spicy stews.
It’s made by fermenting a mix of grains and water after which distilling the ensuing liquid.
The completed product has a excessive alcohol content material, usually round 40% ABV, and a clean, wealthy taste.
Dansul is commonly served chilled or at room temperature and is commonly consumed with Korean meals, equivalent to grilled meats or spicy stews.
Additionally it is typically combined with different drinks, equivalent to soda or fruit juice, to make cocktails and served as a standard reward throughout particular events, equivalent to weddings or holidays.
It’s often served chilled or at room temperature and is commonly loved with quite a lot of conventional Korean snacks, equivalent to nuts or dried fruits.
Munbaeju| A Look into pear flavored Korean alcohol
Credit score: Munbaeju-traditional wild pear liquor
Munbaeju is a sort of Korean rice wine made with rice and different grains, equivalent to barley and wheat.
It’s made by fermenting the grains after which distilling the fermented liquid to create the completed product.
Munbaeju is historically made within the fall when the climate is cool and the rice harvest is in.
It’s a sturdy and potent beverage, with a excessive alcohol content material.
Munbaeju is understood for its clean, mellow taste and is commonly served as an after-dinner drink or as a approach to have fun particular events.
In Korea, munbaeju is commonly served with meals and can also be utilized in cooking.
Additionally it is typically utilized in conventional Korean medication to deal with quite a lot of illnesses.
Along with its use as a beverage, munbaeju can also be typically utilized in cooking, significantly in marinades and sauces.
Dongdongju|Exploring Rice wine flavored Korean alcohol
Dongdongju (동동주) is a standard Korean liquor constituted of rice.
It’s usually made by fermenting a mix of rice, wheat, and different grains, and is commonly aged for a number of years to develop its taste.
Dongdongju is understood for its clean, mellow taste and is commonly served as an after-dinner drink or as a approach to have fun particular events.
Additionally it is typically utilized in conventional Korean medication to deal with quite a lot of illnesses.
Along with its use as a beverage, dongdongju can also be typically utilized in cooking, significantly in marinades and sauces.
Sansachu|Korea’s beloved mountain cherry liquor
Sansachun (산사춘) is a sort of Korean liquor constituted of rice and different grains, much like munbaeju.
It’s usually made by fermenting a mix of rice, wheat, barley, and different grains, and is aged for a number of years to develop its taste.
Sansachun is understood for its clean, mellow taste and is commonly served as an after-dinner drink or as a approach to have fun particular events.
Additionally it is typically utilized in conventional Korean medication to deal with quite a lot of illnesses.
Along with its use as a beverage, sansachun can also be typically utilized in cooking, significantly in marinades and sauces.
Flower wine|From rose to lavender and past”
In Korea, a number of kinds of flower wine are made utilizing quite a lot of flowers and substances.
Some widespread kinds of flower wine embrace:
- Chamisul (참이슬): This can be a sort of flower wine constituted of the petals of the chrysanthemum flower.
It’s recognized for its candy, floral taste and is commonly served as an aperitif or after-dinner drink.
- Baekseju (백세주): This can be a sort of flower wine constituted of the petals of the Korean angelica tree.
It’s recognized for its candy, barely bitter taste and is commonly served as an aperitif or after-dinner drink.
- Osulloc (오설록): This can be a model of flower tea and flower wine constituted of quite a lot of flowers, together with camellia, rose, and jasmine.
The tea is understood for its delicate, floral taste, whereas the wine is barely sweeter and extra full-bodied.
- Juyondang (주용당): This can be a sort of flower wine constituted of the petals of the magnolia flower.
It’s recognized for its candy, floral taste and is commonly served as an aperitif or after-dinner drink.
- Daejihaeju (대지해주): This can be a sort of flower wine constituted of the petals of the daisy flower.
It’s recognized for its candy, floral taste and is commonly served as after-dinner drink.
Cocktail| a should strive Korean alcohol
Cocktails are standard in Korea, and there are various various kinds of cocktails which are loved within the nation.
Some standard Korean cocktails embrace:
- Soju cocktails: Soju is a well-liked Korean liquor that’s constituted of rice or candy potatoes.
It’s usually combined with fruit juices, carbonated drinks, or different substances to make quite a lot of cocktails, such because the “somaek” (a mix of soju and beer) and the “yusang” (a mix of soju, lemon juice, and honey).
- Makgeolli cocktails: Makgeolli is a standard Korean rice wine that’s made by fermenting a mix of rice, wheat, and water.
It’s usually combined with fruit juices or different substances to make quite a lot of cocktails.
- Korean whiskey cocktails: Korean whiskey, equivalent to Jinro or HiteJinro, is commonly used to make cocktails in Korea.
Some standard Korean whiskey cocktails embrace the “jinro ginger” (Jinro whiskey combined with ginger ale) and the “jinro mule” (Jinro whiskey combined with ginger beer and lime juice).
- Korean beer cocktails: Korean beer, equivalent to Hite or Cass, is commonly combined with different substances to make quite a lot of cocktails, such because the “hite punch” (Hite beer combined with fruit juice and soda) and the “cass gentle” (Cass beer combined with lemonade).
- Korean fruit cocktails: Quite a lot of fruits, equivalent to pineapples, melons, and strawberries, are sometimes used to make cocktails in Korea.
These cocktails are sometimes made with a mix of fruit juices, syrups, and different substances.
The place to purchase Korean alcohol and different standard korean drinks
In South Korea, you should buy alcohol at quite a lot of locations, together with:
- Comfort shops: Many comfort shops in South Korea promote quite a lot of alcoholic drinks, together with beer, soju, and different spirits.
- Supermarkets: Supermarkets in South Korea usually have a bit devoted to alcoholic drinks, the place you should buy quite a lot of beers, wines, and spirits.
- Bars and pubs: Bars and pubs in South Korea usually have a big selection of alcoholic drinks, together with beer, soju, and different spirits.
- Liquor shops: South Korea has specialised liquor shops, referred to as “suljip,” the place you should buy all kinds of alcoholic drinks, together with high-end spirits and imported manufacturers.
- On-line retailers: You may also purchase alcohol on-line from quite a lot of retailers in South Korea, together with on-line marketplaces and specialty on-line shops.
In North Korea, it isn’t publicly recognized the place alcohol might be bought, as details about the nation’s legal guidelines and rules just isn’t broadly out there.
What’s the Authorized age to drink alcohol in Korea
The authorized age to buy and devour alcohol in South Korea is nineteen years outdated.
It’s unlawful for anybody underneath the age of 19 to buy or devour alcohol, and it is usually unlawful for anybody to promote alcohol to minors.
The authorized ingesting age in North Korea just isn’t publicly recognized, as details about the nation’s legal guidelines and rules just isn’t broadly out there.
What’s soju bomb| all concerning the standard Korean ingesting sport
A soju bomb is a well-liked cocktail in Korea that’s made by dropping a shot of soju right into a glass of beer.
The soju is often positioned in a small shot glass, and the beer is poured into a bigger glass.
The shot glass is then positioned on prime of the beer glass, and the 2 are consumed collectively.
To make a soju bomb, you have to:
- A shot of soju
- A glass of beer
To assemble the soju bomb, merely place the shot of soju into the glass of beer.
The soju will sink to the underside of the glass, and the 2 liquids will combine collectively as you drink.
They’re recognized for his or her sturdy, punchy taste and are sometimes consumed rapidly in a single gulp.
Soju bombs are sometimes served at Korean bars and eating places and are a well-liked alternative for socializing and celebrating with associates.
Some standard manufacturers of soju to make use of in a soju bomb embrace Jinro and Chumchurum.
What’s drunk in Korean language?
In Korean, the phrase for “drunk” is 취한 (chwihan).
This phrase can be utilized to explain somebody who’s intoxicated or inebriated.
Instance
I’m drunk as a result of I drank an excessive amount of alcohol.
저는 술을 너무 많이 마셔서 취해요. (Jeoneun suleul neomu mani masyeoseo chwihaeyo.),
That particular person is drunk and feeling drained.
그 사람은 술을 취해서 졸리고 있어요. (Geu sarameun suleul chwihaeseo jolligo isseoyo.)
That particular person appears drunk.
그 사람은 취한 것 같아요 (geu sarameun chwihaen geot gatayo)
17 final Korean alcohol vocabulary listing for alcohol lovers
Listed here are a number of phrases associated to alcohol in Korean.
- 술 (sul): alcohol in Korean.
- 소주 (soju): That is the phrase for soju,
- 막걸리 (makgeolli): a standard Korean rice wine.
- 백세주 (baekseju): a high-end Korean rice wine that’s aged for a number of years.
- 맥주 (maekju): beer in Korean.
- 위스키 (wiseuki): whiskey in Korean.
- 술잔 (suljan): a glass of alcohol
- 술자리 (suljari): ingesting session or gathering
- 술취하다 (sulchwihada): to get drunk
- 술을 마시다 (suleul masida): to drink alcohol
- 술을 계속해서 마시다 (suleul gyesokhaeseo masida): to maintain ingesting
- 술을 적당히 마시다 (suleul jeokdanghi masida): to drink alcohol sparsely
- 술 마시다 (sul machida):to drink alcohol.
- 술을 마시고 싶다 (suleul machigo sipta): to need to drink alcohol.
- 술을 즐기다 (suleul jeulgida): to take pleasure in ingesting alcohol
- 술을 취하다 (suleul chwihada): to get drunk.
- 술이 너무 마시고 싶다: to actually need to drink alcohol.
Korean alcohol and Consuming tradition in Korea
Consuming is an integral a part of Korean tradition and is commonly thought-about a social exercise.
Alcohol is consumed in quite a lot of settings, together with at residence, at eating places and bars, and at work occasions and social gatherings.
it is not uncommon to drink alcohol with meals, and lots of Korean dishes are served with alcohol as a praise.
Korean alcohol, equivalent to soju, makgeolli, and beer, is commonly served with Korean barbecue, grilled meats, and spicy stews.
individuals additionally drink alcohol as a approach to chill out after a protracted day of labor or as a approach to have fun particular events.
Consuming with colleagues or associates is seen as a approach to bond and construct relationships.
it isn’t unusual for individuals to spend lengthy evenings ingesting and consuming collectively.
it is usually essential to be conscious of accountable ingesting and to keep away from getting excessively drunk.
In recent times, there was a push to teach individuals concerning the risks of alcohol abuse and to advertise accountable ingesting in Korea.
Korean Consuming etiquette|Ideas and customs for having fun with alcohol in Korea
Consuming alcohol is a crucial a part of social and enterprise interactions in Korean tradition.
Nevertheless, there are specific etiquette tips which are adopted when ingesting.
- It’s thought-about well mannered to pour drinks for others and to refill their glasses when they’re empty.
- In Korean tradition, it’s usually customary to toast earlier than ingesting. To make a toast, you’ll be able to say “건배” (geonbae), which implies “cheers.”
- When pouring a drink for somebody, it’s thought-about well mannered to carry the bottle with two arms.
- It’s thought-about rude to refuse a drink when provided, particularly if you’re ingesting with somebody who’s older or extra senior than you.
- If you don’t want to drink alcohol, it’s thought-about acceptable to say that you’re “allergic” to it or to ask for a non-alcoholic beverage as a substitute.
- If you don’t want to drink alcohol, you’ll be able to politely decline by saying “안 좋아요” (an johayo), which implies “I don’t really feel properly.”
- It’s thought-about well mannered to make eye contact with the particular person you might be ingesting with and to boost your glass barely when clinking it with theirs.
- It’s thought-about rude to drink alcohol rapidly or to drink to the purpose of getting drunk.
- It’s thought-about extra well mannered to sip your drink slowly and to take pleasure in it sparsely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Korean alcohol is a various and interesting world of flavors, traditions, and customs.
From the crisp and refreshing style of soju to the advanced and nuanced flavors of conventional rice wines like baekseju, there’s something for everybody
Whether or not you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a newbie seeking to discover the world of Korean alcohol, the 20 hottest Korean alcohols listed on this article are a fantastic place to start out.
So why not seize a gaggle of associates, increase a glass, and uncover the scrumptious world of Korean alcohol for your self? Cheers!
Thanks for studying this.
I hope to see you once more at our subsequent Korean lesson