Traditional liquor with a modern twist
By W team
Makgeolli’s original taste is superb but there have been efforts to introduce modern, transformed versions of the traditional drink. And it’s not only makgeolli; soju and distilled liquor are also being blended in their own ways by creative “suljips” (bars). Here are three places W recommends for a taste of unique versions of traditional liquors.
Soobul
The Gwanghwamun branch of Soobul, a modern “hansik” (Korean food) restaurant, is gaining reputation for drinks created by its staff.
The most popular drink among customers is the “6 Gang” which is a mini-set of six fruit cocktails made from traditional Korean alcohol. The base of the cocktail is made with Hwayo, a dry distilled Korean liquor. The cocktail has three layers – the bottom is fruit extracts, the middle sparkling soda, and the top Hwayo. Because the cocktail is specially made this way, customers are advised to drink them bottoms-up to savor the intended taste. The first taste is bitter then becomes sweet towards the end.
The six flavors are plum, apple vinegar, omija, mulberry, raspberry wine and pomegranate. The vibrant colors of the drinks make them ever more appealing to the eye.
Another recommendation is a makgeolli set called “173.” There are three flavors - mulberry, mugwort and roasted grain. The base is composed of makgeolli “wonju” or undiluted rice wine. The drink is sprinkled with crispy pieces of rice crust which adds sweetness. Roasted grain was W’s favorite.
Soobul has other branches but only the Gwanghwamun branch offers a creative variety of drinks.
Address : 31, Saemunan-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Phone number : 02-6262-0886
Opening hours : 11a.m. – 3 p.m., 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. everyday
Mowmow
Mowmow in Itaewon is a restaurant that serves makgeolli in a unique way. It mixes makgeolli with fruits and grinds it with ice to make a makgeolli “slushy.”
The most popular drink at the store is green grape makgeolli, which has a sweet yet sour taste. The makgeolli is less of an alcohol drink and more of a slushy / shake mixture, making it easier for non-drinkers to enjoy. The relatively low alcohol level allows you to savor the taste of the fruit mixed in the drink rather than get drunk. The makgeolli is served in a transparent glass pitcher which is available in two sizes, 500ml and 1L.
Slushy versions of makgeolli are available in other flavors such as apple mango and citron and there are cocktail versions of the makgeolli available in honey, strawberry and blueberry flavors. Non-slushy makgeollis are available in flavors such as wheat, white lotus, and corn.
Address : 118-71 Yongsan-gu, Itaewon dong, Seoul (Itaewon), 373-4 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul (Hongdae)
Phone number : 070-4078-8862 (Itaewon), 02-333-8998 (Hongdae)
Opening hours : 12 p.m.-2 a.m., 3 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Gadget Suljip
Gadget Suljip is a small pub in Hapjeong-dong where you might want to drop by after a long day of work.
It probably has one of the largest selections of makgeolli, which vary according to season and the owner’s taste. Currently there are 12 types including both original makgeolli and others that mix ingredients such as apple, honey, citron, blueberry and chestnut.
You can opt for a set menu that offers small portions of six (18,000 won), eight (24,000 won) or 12 types (35,000 won), or simply order your favorites by bottle. Among the best at the shop are the Goheung citron, Gongju chestnut and Dangjin white lotus makgeollis.
Address : 375-1, Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Hapjeong) 324-7, Sangsudong,
Mapo-gu, Seoul (Sangsu)
Phone number : 010-3724-7850 (Hapjeong), 02-323-0232 (Sangsu)
Opening hours : 6 p.m. - 3 a.m. (closed every other Sunday)