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Showing posts with the label makgeolli

Why Hiking in Korea Feels Like a Party at the Summit

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Why Hiking in Korea Feels Like a Party at the Summit "Why do Koreans go hiking so often?" It's a question I get a lot from foreign friends. On weekend mornings, it’s not uncommon to see people in full hiking gear boarding the subway. But hiking in Korea isn’t just about exercise—it's a mashup of trekking, camping, dining, and fashion! 🏞️ Korea Is Literally a Country of Mountains There’s a good reason Koreans love hiking. Korea is a peninsula with three sides surrounded by ocean, and about 70% of its land is mountainous. No matter where you are—Seoul, Busan, or even a small rural town—you’re likely close to a hiking trail. Nature is always within reach. 👴 Seniors Rule the Mountains Mountains in Korea are often filled with hikers in their 60s and 70s. Their stamina is no joke. While young foreigners huff and puff uphill, these seasoned climbers breeze past with a smile. And once they reach the summit, it's buffet time! Homemade kimbap, boiled eggs...

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

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🍶 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 tasti...