The people of the Land of the Morning Calm are extremely fond of alcoholic beverages. Let’s explore the top 5 types of alcohol in Korea!
Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Therefore, the locals enjoy sipping on drinks in the chilly weather. Here are the top 5 most beloved alcoholic beverages in Korea.
Top 5 Favorite Alcoholic Beverages in Korea
Soju
Soju is a distilled liquor made from rice and is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Korea. The locals are very fond of Soju and can drink it on any occasion. Sometimes, Koreans mix Soju with beer to create a new blend called Somaek. This drink tastes delicious but can make the drinker feel intoxicated more easily.
Makgeolli
Makgeolli is a sweet, fragrant rice wine that is served in a large bowl. When drinking, guests pour it into small cups. Additionally, Makgeolli can be diluted with lemon to enhance its flavor.
Baekseju
Baekseju is a bitter wine made from ginseng, ginger, cinnamon, and various other herbs. The name Baekseju translates to “100-year rice wine,” alluding to its supposed longevity benefits. Baekseju is quite expensive, so guests often mix it with Soju to drink together.
Bokbunja
Bokbunja is a wine that has a flavor similar to Western wines and is made from juicy berries. It has a sweet taste and fruity aroma, making it popular among many women.
Cheonnyeon Yaksok
Cheonnyeon Yaksok is a special type of Korean wine made by fermenting mushrooms. Its name means “Thousand-Year Promise.” Cheonnyeon Yaksok has a sweet, sticky flavor and leaves a pleasant aftertaste when consumed. Additionally, this wine was the official beverage of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2005, held in Busan.
Drinking Etiquette of Koreans
Koreans have specific rituals and rules regarding drinking, especially in hierarchical relationships at the table.
Pouring Alcohol
Koreans rarely pour alcohol for themselves, as it is considered impolite. Typically, younger individuals or those of lower status will pour drinks while sitting up straight, with one hand placed on their chest or supporting their other elbow to show respect.
Receiving Alcohol
When receiving a drink, the person should finish the contents of their glass before accepting the new drink.
- Reference: South Korea Travel Guide
Follow Sun Tours through our fanpage or website to stay updated with more valuable insights during your travels in South Korea!
- Address: 113-18 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul Mirae Office room 401, Seoul, South Korea
- Office: 136/24C Van Kiep, Ward 3, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Website: https://suntoursgroup.asia/
- Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/suntoursvietnam.asia/
- Email: reservation@suntours.kr
- Hotline: 0976122276 – 0368497453 (Mr. Khanh)