Who is this guide for?
- Anyone interested in the genuine flavors of traditional Korean liquor.
- Travelers eager to experience unique regional tastes and culture.
- Visitors who want to directly participate in the traditional brewing process.
Traditional Korean Brewery Tour? Beyond the usual Soju, beer, and wine, Korea’s authentic traditional liquors (Sul) offer an irreplaceable depth of flavor. Since these unique drinks vary significantly based on the region and the brewmaster, the taste changes from one brewery to the next. Join us on a tour across Korea to dive into the charm of these hidden traditional liquor houses!
1. Seoul | Samhae Sojuga: Samhae Soju, the Royal Liquor of Joseon Seoul
The Master’s Dedication: The 100-Day Secret of Samhaeju
In the heart of Seoul, Samhae Sojuga continues to brew Samhae Soju using methods passed down for nearly 500 years. The master here is a Seoul Intangible Cultural Heritage holder. Samhae Soju is a seasonal liquor (Siyangju) historically favored by the Joseon aristocracy. Its process—involving mashing on specific ‘Pig Days’ (Haenil) and a long 100-day fermentation—yields a product of exceptional smooth flavor and a long finish. It is, quite literally, the living history of Seoul in a bottle.
📌 Samhae Sojuga Experience Programs
You can receive in-depth traditional liquor education directly from the master. (For details, check the Samhae Sojuga Blog).
| Program Type | Tasting Course | Regular Academy |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Approx. 2 hours | Approx. 4 months (Total 5 sessions) |
| Price (per person) | 45,000 KRW | 600,000 KRW |
| Details | Guided tasting and lecture on varieties of Samhae Yakju and Samhae Soju. | Participants can take home approx. 6L of Yakju and 5-6L of Soju. |
2. Chungnam Dangjin | Shinpyeong Brewery: Home of ‘Baengnyeon Makgeolli’
100 Years of Tradition: Clean and Refreshing Makgeolli Making Classes
Shinpyeong Brewery has operated for over 100 years, dedicated to brewing with the high-quality rice of Dangjin. Their signature *Baengnyeon Makgeolli’ (White Lotus Makgeolli) uses a unique brewing method that incorporates white lotus leaves, eliminating the typical strong tanginess of makgeolli. This clean, refreshing taste earned it recognition as a Blue House Official Dinner Wine.
- Signature Brew: Baengnyeon Makgeolli.
- Experience: Traditional Liquor Brewing. Makgeolli Sommelier courses, and Nuruk Cookie Making are available.
📌 Shinpyeong Brewery Booking Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Hours | Mon–Sat, 10:00 – 17:00 (Closed Sun, Holidays) |
| Group Booking (15+ ppl) | Call 041-363-9063 |
| Individual Booking (Under 15 ppl) | Via Naver Place (Link provided in original post) |
| Fees | Viewing/Tasting: Free. Paid experiences: 25,000 KRW each. |
3. Jeju | Jeju Samju Brewery: The Pristine Soju, ‘Gosori-sul’
Jeju’s Indigenous Spirit: Learning the Art of Gosori Distillation
Born from the pristine nature of Jeju Island, Gosori-sul is a local spirit made from millet and distilled using a traditional Jeju clay distiller called a gosori. This spirit embodies the resilience of Jeju’s land, and despite its high ABV (29%, 40%), it boasts a smooth, clean finish. The brewery offers a unique experience to enjoy this Jeju liquor through modern cocktails.
- Signature Brew: Gosori-sul.
- Experience: Brewery tours and cocktails tasting are available.
📌 Jeju Samju Booking Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience Fee | 30,000 KRW per person |
| Booking Requirement | Minimum 10 people required (Book at least 3 days in advance) |
| Age Restriction | Cocktail program is **Adults Only**. |
4. Gangwon Hongcheon | Jeontongjujo Yesul: Successor to the 4 Great Liquors of Joseon
Brewing as Art: Diverse Classes from Simple Tasting to Overnight Brewing
Located in Hongcheon, the historical home of a Joseon Dynasty Four Great Liquors, Jeontongjujo Yesul treats brewing not as manufacture, but as ‘an act of creating a work of art.’ Their 53% ABV distilled soju, ‘Mujak 53,’ is aged over two years and is praised by connoisseurs for its surprisingly smooth finish and subtle floral aftertaste. They offer various courses and an on-site Hanok guesthouse for deep cultural immersion.
⭐ Jeontongjujo Yesul Program Options
| Program | Description & Duration | Fee (per person) | Booking Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (Tasting Ticket) | Tasting 3 types of liquor, introduction (30 min) | 15,000 KRW | Daily at 14:00, 16:30 |
| B (Soju Distillation) | Soju lecture + hands-on distillation (2 hours) | 60,000 KRW | Daily at 16:00. Minimum 10 people. |
| D (Traditional Brewing) | Brewing lecture + hands-on brewing (2.5 hours) | 60,000 KRW | Daily at 14:00. Minimum 10 people. |
5. Gyeongnam Hamyang | Solsongju Myeonggawon: Pine-Scented Official Dinner Spirit
The Official Toast: Savoring the Solhyang in a Historic Hanok Village
Located in the Gaepyeong Hanok Village, Solsongju Myeonggawon continues the tradition started by a Joseon noblewoman who brewed liquor with pine needles and pine sprouts. Solsongju and its distilled version, Damsol, are prized for their refreshing pine scent that soothes the senses. Its selection as the Official Dinner Wine for the 2007 Inter-Korean Summit confirms its prestige.
- Signature Brews: Solsongju (13% ABV) and Damsol (40% ABV).
📌 Solsongju Myeonggawon Program Details
| Program Type | Duration | Fee (per person) | Booking Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasting & Viewing | 30 min | Free | Available Year-Round (09:30-17:00) |
| Distillation + Cocktail | 1 hour | 30,000 KRW | 20+ people group booking required (Mar–Oct). |
6. Busan | Geumjeongsanseong Brewery: Korea’s No. 1 Folk Liquor
The Master’s Craft: Makgeolli with Strong Acidity and Foot-Treaded Nuruk
Geumjeongsanseong Makgeolli is the only makgeolli designated as a Local Folk Liquor of Korea. The brewery adheres to the ancient tradition of making nuruk (fermentation starter) using the foot-treading (jokta) method, a practice dating back to the early Joseon Dynasty. This traditional method results in a makgeolli characterized by its stronger acidity and deeper flavor compared to modern versions.
- Signature Brew: Geumjeongsanseong Makgeolli.
📌 Geumjeongsanseong Makgeolli Experience Programs
| Program | Duration | Fee (per person) | Booking Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuruk Foot-Treading | 40 min | 10,000 KRW | Weekdays: Min 5 people. Weekends/Holidays: Min 10 people. All bookings require 2 weeks’ notice. |
| Makgeolli Brewing | 20 min | 20,000 KRW | |
| Full Package (Treading + Brewing + Filtering) | 1 hour 30 min | 45,000 KRW |
Essential Tips Before Your Brewery Tour
Ensure you have a safe and perfect traditional alcohol tour experience. For more general information on Korean traditional alcohol experiences, please check the Korea Tourism Organization guide.
- No Drinking and Driving: All brewery tours include tasting. You must use public transportation or arrange a designated driver. Safety is paramount!
- Reservations are Essential: Most paid experience programs are run by advance reservation. Always check the official website or call the brewery in advance to confirm availability.
- Final Notice: Operating hours and availability may change due to prevailing health situations. Always check with the brewery by phone before visiting!
This weekend, embark on a unique Traditional Korean Brewery Tour and savor both the deep flavor and special cultural experience of Korea!