Learn and Craft Makgeolli in a Traditional Brewery

Join Joe Kim, a certified sommelier, for a unique hands-on experience in a traditional Seoul brewery. Over two hours, you’ll explore the rich history and brewing process of Makgeolli, a beloved Korean beverage. Craft your own Makgeolli, complete with blind tastings and light snacks. With a takeaway kit, you’ll deepen your appreciation for this cultural heritage. Uncover the secrets of this traditional drink and discover why it’s a beloved part of Korean culture.

Key Points

• Hands-on learning experience in a local Korean brewery, covering the history, ingredients, and brewing process of traditional Makgeolli.
• Led by a certified Traditional Korean alcohol sommelier, providing in-depth knowledge and cultural heritage behind Makgeolli-making.
• Participants craft their own batch of Makgeolli and engage in blind tastings to understand the differences between craft and commercial versions.
• Participants take home a Makgeolli kit, yielding about 1.5 liters, and gain an enhanced appreciation for the traditional alcohol-making craft.
• The class is offered in Korean, Spanish, and English, and is suitable for those 21 and older, with convenient transportation options to the central Seoul location.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Class Overview

The activity is a hands-on learning experience where you will learn and craft traditional Korean Makgeolli in a local brewery.

The class lasts 2 hours and is limited to 10 people. It’s offered in Korean, Spanish, and English. The price is $74.81 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The class covers Makgeolli’s history, differences between craft and commercial versions, ingredient selection, and the hands-on brewing process.

Explore the history, ingredients, and hands-on craft of traditional Korean Makgeolli in this immersive brewing experience.

Participants will also taste various Korean rice wines, including Makgeolli and Soju.

Learning Experience

Joe Kim, a certified Traditional Korean alcohol sommelier and Makgeolli Brewery owner, leads the learning experience.

The curriculum covers in-depth theory and history of Makgeolli, differences between craft and commercial varieties, ingredient selection, and tool usage.

Participants craft homemade Makgeolli and engage in blind tastings of craft Makgeolli and Soju.

This hands-on approach provides a comprehensive understanding of traditional Korean alcohol-making and the cultural heritage behind Makgeolli.

The class culminates in participants taking home a Makgeolli kit to ferment at home, yielding about 1.5 liters of the traditional Korean rice wine.

Class Benefits

Participants take home a Makgeolli kit to ferment at home, yielding about 1.5 liters of the traditional Korean rice wine.

The class benefits include:

1. Light snacks served during the session.

2. Comprehensive understanding of traditional Korean alcohol-making.

3. Experience the cultural heritage behind Makgeolli.

These perks enhance the learning experience, providing participants with a deeper appreciation for the craft and the opportunity to continue their Makgeolli journey at home.

The class is designed to be both informative and immersive, leaving attendees with a newfound knowledge and appreciation for this unique Korean beverage.

Location and Directions

The Makgeolli Brewery where the class takes place is situated in the center of Seoul, nestled within a Traditional Korean Market. To get there, participants can take the subway to Ahyeon Station (Line 2), Exit 4, and walk straight to Mega Coffee, turning left to find the market entrance. Alternatively, they can take the bus and get off at the Wedding Town bus stop, or simply request a taxi to drop them off at the bus stop.

| Transportation | Directions |

| — | — |

| Subway | Ahyeon Station (Line 2), Exit 4, walk straight to Mega Coffee, turn left, and find the market entrance. |

| Bus | Get off at Wedding Town bus stop. |

| Taxi | Request drop-off at the bus stop. |

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Suitability and Restrictions

Although the Makgeolli crafting class is open to a wide range of participants, there are some notable suitability and restrictions to be aware of.

The class isn’t suitable for:

1. Pregnant women, due to the alcohol content.

2. Individuals under 21 years of age, as the class involves tasting alcoholic beverages.

3. Those who aren’t comfortable with indoor smoking, as smoking is prohibited inside the traditional brewery.

On top of that, the use of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited during the class.

Participants are encouraged to use public transportation due to the tasting sessions.

Transportation Options

Conveniently, the brewery’s central location within the traditional market provides multiple transportation options for participants.

The subway is the most accessible, with Ahyeon Station (Line 2) just a short walk away. Simply exit at #4 and follow the directions to the market entrance.

A short walk from Ahyeon Station (Line 2), simply exit at #4 and follow the directions to the market entrance.

Alternatively, the Wedding Town bus stop is close by, making it easy to take public buses.

For those preferring a taxi, the driver can be instructed to drop off at the bus stop near the market.

With these convenient options, getting to the class is hassle-free, allowing participants to focus on the authentic Makgeolli experience.

Tasting Experiences

During the class, participants can look forward to engaging in blind tastings and sampling various Korean rice wines.

The tasting experience includes:

1. Sampling craft Makgeolli, which offers a unique flavor profile compared to commercial varieties.

2. Tasting traditional Korean Soju, a distilled rice spirit, to appreciate the nuances between different rice wine styles.

3. Participating in blind tastings to test one’s senses and discernment of the distinct aromas, flavors, and textures of the traditional Korean rice wines.

This immersive tasting exploration provides a comprehensive understanding of the cultural heritage behind Makgeolli.

Hands-on Makgeolli Crafting

After the engaging tasting sessions, participants dive into the hands-on Makgeolli crafting experience.

Under the guidance of the certified sommelier, they learn the proper techniques for selecting ingredients and using traditional tools. Participants actively measure, mix, and ferment the Makgeolli, gaining a deep understanding of the process.

The instructor shares insights into the cultural heritage and traditional methods behind this iconic Korean rice wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Taste Profile of Traditional Makgeolli?

Traditional makgeolli has a slightly sweet, slightly tangy, and slightly fizzy taste profile. It’s a well-balanced, refreshing rice wine with notes of yeast and lactic acid from its natural fermentation process.

Can Participants Take Home the Makgeolli They Craft During the Class?

Yes, participants can take home the Makgeolli they craft during the class. The class includes a Makgeolli kit that allows them to ferment about 1.5 liters of the traditional Korean rice wine at home.

Is There an Option to Extend the Class Duration for More Hands-On Experience?

Yes, participants can take home the Makgeolli they craft during the 2-hour class. While the standard duration is 2 hours, there’s no option to extend the class for more hands-on experience. The class focuses on the complete Makgeolli-making process within the allotted time.

Can the Class Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

The class can accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. Participants should inform the instructor ahead of time, and the brewery will make necessary adjustments to ensure an inclusive and safe learning experience for everyone.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in the Makgeolli Class?

The minimum age requirement to participate in the Makgeolli class is 21 years. The class is not suitable for individuals under 21 due to the alcohol tasting sessions involved.

The Sum Up

Dive into the rich cultural heritage of Makgeolli with this hands-on class. Craft your own batch, guided by an expert sommelier, and leave with a takeaway kit to continue your Makgeolli journey. Enjoy the traditional brewing process and deepen your appreciation for this beloved Korean beverage. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the art of Makgeolli-making firsthand.

You can check availability for your dates here: