Calling All Drink Lovers: Let Me Introduce You to Korean Makgeolli

Traditional Korean table setting with makgeolli and various side dishes

🍶 Calling All Drink Lovers: Let Me Introduce You to Korean Makgeolli

Makgeolli (막걸리) is Korea’s oldest traditional drink — a cloudy, slightly fizzy rice wine with over 2,000 years of history. Once the choice of farmers after a long day in the fields, it’s now found in trendy bars across San Francisco, LA, and New York.


🌾 What is Makgeolli?

It’s made by fermenting steamed rice with a natural yeast starter called nuruk. The result? A creamy, tangy, slightly sweet drink that’s rich in probiotics and way easier to drink than strong spirits.


✈️ Why Are Americans Falling in Love with Makgeolli?

  • Natural Wine Vibes: Unfiltered, fermented, and full of good bacteria.
  • Easygoing ABV: Usually around 5–6%, making it light and friendly.
  • Instagrammable Looks: That cloudy swirl? Pure visual joy.
  • Global Curiosity: It’s a foreign, traditional drink — mysterious, fun, and surprisingly tasty. Curiosity leads to discovery!

At Jilli in San Francisco, people sip makgeolli tasting flights paired with kimchi arancini. Yeah, it’s that hip now.


🍽 How Real Koreans Drink It

Makgeolli is best enjoyed with savory snacks like:

  • Potato pancakes (gamja-jeon)
  • Kimchi pancakes
  • Green onion pancakes (pajeon)
  • Tofu with stir-fried kimchi
Rainy day view through a window, perfect for enjoying makgeolli and jeon

Especially on a rainy day, with the sound of raindrops outside — that’s the full Korean experience. Personally, I usually drink beer with my wife after the kids are asleep, but once in a while, makgeolli just hits the spot. And for me? Banana makgeolli is my absolute favorite. 🍌


🌀 How to Mix It Right

Before opening the bottle, it’s a good idea to turn it upside down for a moment to loosen the sediment, then gently shake it before pouring. But hey — some people prefer not to mix it at all and enjoy the clear top layer first. Try both ways and see what you like best!


🏪 Where to Find It in the U.S.

  • Jilli (San Francisco): Stylish and modern with tasting flights
  • Hana Makgeolli (NYC): The first American makgeolli brewery
  • H Mart or local Korean stores: Take a bottle home and pair with jeon


🧡 Final Thoughts

Makgeolli isn’t just a drink — it’s a moment. A cozy, fermented, fuzzy kind of vibe. And the fact that this Korean tradition is now gaining fans halfway around the world? Honestly, it makes me proud.

So… would you try it? Would you drink it from a bowl like a true local? Let me know below!


And hey — maybe next time, I’ll show you how to make real-deal kimchi pancakes (kimchi-jeon) to pair with that makgeolli. 😉

Location: 미국

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Flying Off the Shelves – Why Fire Noodles Are Taking Over the World

Image
Flying Off the Shelves – Why Fire Noodles Are Taking Over the World If you've ever searched “Korean spicy noodle challenge” on YouTube, you've probably seen people crying, sweating, and even screaming over a bowl of instant noodles. The culprit? Korea’s infamous Fire Noodles, or “Buldak Bokkeum Myeon.” 🍜 What Is Fire Noodle? Launched in 2012 by Korean food company Samyang, Fire Noodles are ultra-spicy instant ramen known for their bright red sauce and intense heat. The name “buldak” literally means “fire chicken.” It’s not just a name—it’s a warning. 🧨 Not Really a Korean Obsession Contrary to popular belief, most Koreans don’t eat Fire Noodles that often. It’s not a national obsession. But on Korean livestreams, it’s a different story—you’ll see “food fighter” challenges like eating 10 or even 20 packs in one sitting, all for virtual donations. Sometimes, the viewers suffer more than the hosts. 😎 Personally Speaking... I’m actually one of those Koreans who love ...
Read more

Why Everyone's Talking About Dogs – From Superhero Krypto to Korea’s Puppy Craze

Image
Why Everyone's Talking About Dogs – From Superhero Krypto to Korea’s Puppy Craze The Krypto Effect Have you seen the new Superman movie? Everyone’s talking about Krypto, the superhero dog who totally stole the show. Well, turns out, Koreans are also going through a bit of a dog craze right now—though it’s less about flying and more about cuddling. Korea’s Rising Pet Culture In Korea, the number of pet-owning households has skyrocketed. More than 1 in 4 homes now has a furry friend, and small-breed dogs like Maltese, Poodles, and Shih Tzus are especially popular. There’s even a new word here: “petfam,” short for "pet family." Dog Cafés and VIP Treatment You can find entire cafés dedicated to dogs in Korea. Yes, cafés—not for humans, but for dogs! These dog cafés are a mix of playground, salon, and spa. Some even throw birthday parties for their canine customers. It's Krypto-level pampering. ▲ Many dogs in Korea are treated like family membe...
Read more

🇰🇷 A Complete Guide to Public Transportation in Korea for Foreign Visitors (2025)

Image
🇰🇷 A Complete Guide to Public Transportation in Korea for Foreign Visitors (2025) If you're visiting Korea for the first time, you’ve probably heard that the public transport system is clean, safe, and efficient. But once you arrive, you might find yourself wondering: “Which card should I buy?”, “How do I transfer?”, or “Where do I recharge my card?” This guide covers everything you need to know — transportation cards, subways, buses, transfers, apps, etiquette — to make your trip smooth and stress-free. 💳 Transportation Card Comparison (Simplified) 1. T-money Price: 2,500–4,000 KRW Transfer: ✅ Supported Rechargeable: ✅ Yes (at convenience stores, subway stations) Best for: Long-term visitors, students 2. T-money Travel Card Price: 4,000–5,000 KRW Transfer: ✅ Supported Extra: Includes tourist discounts (replaces Korea Tour Card) Rechargeable: ✅ Yes Best for: Tourists 3. M-Pass Price: Starts at 10,000 KRW (1-day) Tran...
Read more