It’s been two and a half weeks since I boarded the KTX and moved my life up to Seoul from Busan.  To say that the transition was a bumpy ride would be an understatement, but I’ve had a lot of support from my parents, my friends back home and in Busan, as well as new friends and colleagues (not to mention superiors) who have helped in many ways (most notably cracking the whip on my landlord to fix my water as well as getting me a sweet new armoire).

When I moved to Busan I never really felt like I had been displaced.  I settled into a new routine, and compared to my crazy schedule in Canada I had an enormous amount of free time.  Now that I’m in Seoul I have this very strange feeling of unrest.  I think it has to do with the fact that my apartment had been left in such disarray by the previous tenant.  The place was pretty filthy when I moved in, the water heater had a problem (I had limited water pressure even when it was set to freezing cold), and had nowhere to hang my clothes so I really just couldn’t find anything.

My apartment felt like a great representation of my new life.  I was a mess, I couldn’t find anything, and I wasn’t sure where to even begin fixing it, so the best solution was to leave.  I’ve adventured around the city every chance I’ve had, and if we’re letting coincidences make metaphors, living within a stone’s throw of Lotte World (the Korean Disney World – Cinderella castle included) I really do feel as though I’m living in Neverland.  I’m constantly in a dreamlike state, but never quite feel rested.

Over the past two weeks I have worked a lot.  I stayed late each day and completely overhauled the organization of my lesson plans and classes.  While this was certainly not asked of me, nor was it expected, I hope that my students will feel less stressed if I can dictate our daily schedule with a clear timeline and daily objectives.  I hope I’ll feel less stressed once my kids can all complete the majority of their work each day.  I’m teaching or spending time with the kids from 9 AM – 3:45 PM or 4:30 PM without a break or prep time (ie. time alone to think properly without at least 3 kids constantly screaming “KATE TEACHER”).  I really like this school.  I really like the kids.  I enjoy the autonomy and creative expression available to me.  I really like my colleagues.  I’m just…tired!  When I was working 9-7:30 in Busan, I’d have a pretty significant chunk of time in which to get out and enjoy some fresh air, go to the gym, or enjoy a healthy lunch.  In the afternoons I would have 10 minutes in between classes to mentally change gears from one class to another.  Here, I teach all day (which was certainly not what my recruiter had described) and when I get to the gym after work it’s so busy and the machines are so old I have no motivation to crush a workout.  I’m having an interesting time just figuring out not only how to settle back into my healthy routine, but simply how to feel settled.

I’m also having intense moments of “Fear of Missing Out (#FOMO).  There are so many groups on Facebook geared towards expats in Seoul and Korea at large.  There are meet-ups and language exchanges and running groups and pub crawls and trivia, and, and ,and, and, and…all the photos coming up in our group chat of friends from Busan.  Girls – I miss you.  Please come visit.

Seoul Fashion Week was on my radar.  I’ve corresponded with several designers who have asked for my mailing address, however my mailbox has remained empty save for some unpaid bills from the previous tenant and fridge magnet ads for delivery chicken.  I’m disappointed that I seem to have been forgotten about by people who were previously interested in my work and in me showcasing theirs.  I’m not in Busan anymore – the Seoulcialite is back in Seoul.  Let’s figure it out together, everyone!

This weekend I am meeting up with another local blogger/ vlogger named Star (of 87pages and YouTube fame).  When I moved from Vancouver to Toronto my first World Mastercard Fashion Week came out of sheer, dumb luck.  A friend of mine from high school works in fashion and was visiting her Vancouver suppliers during fashion week.  I was lucky enough to be offered her place and ended up in the front row at Lucian Matis at the Royal York Hotel back in 2012.  I had no idea that this would be the springboard to 5 more blurry fashion weeks in Toronto before even considering Korea.  The PR game is a funny one, and I haven’t yet mastered it in my brief and busy time in the capital  Hopefully tomorrow all will right itself and I’ll finally meet Star in person, I’ll be on the list, and we’ll street style the day away between shows.  We’ve been corresponding for MONTHS on Facebook and have even booked a WinK trip to the Jindo Sea Parting together, so this meeting is well overdue!

I know that I can’t do it all, but I want to.  I’m trying to do it all.  I want to soak up every last bit of this wonderful, diverse city, but I also feel like I’m riding a constantly moving merry go ’round and step back every time I’m about to get off.  In the spirit of never having a free moment, I applied as a volunteer for the Lotus Lantern Festival not fully understanding quite what a commitment it would be.  With a Temple Stay next weekend and choreography next week (yes, you read that right) it will be a very, very busy time in the coming months.  I can’t wait to tell you all about it…if only there were more minutes in a day!

Everybody in Korea gets excited when they look at the calendar and notice that one of the days is written in red. These special ‘red days’ are national holidays, which means that salaried workers get a day off work and children get a day off school. One of the ‘red days’ in May is Children’s Day.

Children’s Day in Korea is celebrated on May 5^th. This date, 5/5, has a certain symmetry to it, and is therefore easy for people to remember. Although many countries around the world have a day designated as ‘Children’s Day’, the dates vary from country to country. For example, Hong Kong celebrates Children’s Day on April 4^th, the USA celebrates it on the second Sunday of June, and Brazil celebrates it on October 12^th. The only country other than Korea that celebrates Children’s Day on May 5^th is Japan. Moreover, many countries that celebrate Children’s Day don’t designate the day as a national holiday or do anything particularly special for it.

The History of Children’s Day in Korea

The origins of Children’s Day in Korea come from the 1920’s. During that time, students wanted to draw attention to their situation as a way of improving their social status. One of the main supporters of the movement was children’s writer Dr. Bang Jung-Hwan, who started using the word 어린이 (eorini) to mean children. Children’s Day was originally on May 1^st, but as this coincided with Labor Day, it was moved to May 5^th. The day became an official public holiday in the 1970’s. Koreans have been enjoying a day off work on May 5^th ever since.

Three days after Children’s Day, on May 8^th, is ‘Parent’s Day’. However, this day is not a public holiday. Traditionally, children give their parents carnations on parent’s day. As a result, many convenience stores and shops will have special displays so that children can easily buy flowers or other small gifts for their parents. The Korean word for Parent’s Day is 어버이날 (eobeoinal). The day was originally designated as ‘Mother’s Day’, but as there wasn’t a ‘Father’s Day’, the two days were combined to make ‘Parent’s Day’.

How to Say ‘Children’s Day’ in Korean

To say ‘Children’s Day’ in Korean, you can say 어린이날 (eorininal). This word is made up of the word for children (어린이), and the word for day (날). It is therefore easy to learn and remember. Children’s Day is a public holiday. The Korean word for ‘public holiday’ is 공휴일 (gonghyuil). Children’s Day falls on May 5^th, or 오월 오일 (owol oil) in Korean.

Things to do on Children’s Day in Korea

As parents in Korea often don’t have much time to see their children due to overtime or working on the weekend, many families make an extra effort to do something special on Children’s Day. Children’s Day also falls in May, which usually means that the weather will be good for outside activities as it is warm but not too hot or humid. Parents will often take their children somewhere special and treat them to snacks or ice cream on Children’s Day. Places like amusement parks, zoos, and parks are especially popular places for Koreans to take their children on May 5^th.

Amusement Parks 놀이공원 (noligongwon)

Visiting an amusement park is a popular activity on Children’s Day. Two of the most popular amusement parks in Korea are Lotteworld and Everland.

Everland is located in Yongin, near Seoul. It can be reached by taking the ‘Everline’ monorail that connects the park to the Seoul subway network. However, it may be quicker to take an express bus to the park. Everland contains a zoo, a safari park, and many rides (놀이기구 – noligigu) and rollercoasters within its large grounds.

Lotteworld is located at Jamsil subway station, and half of the amusement park is inside, making it a good choice if the weather is bad. The amusement park also contains an indoor ice rink, and is next to a department store and large mall. Seoul Land is another amusement park near Seoul. It is near Seoul Zoo at Seoul Grand Park (대공원 – daegongwon) subway station in Gwacheon.

Zoo 동물원 (dongmulwon)

A trip to the zoo is also a popular activity on Children’s Day in Korea. There are zoos in several Korean cities. Seoul has two zoos: the main zoo at Seoul Grand Park (대공원 – Daegongwon), and a smaller zoo at Children’s Grand Park (어린이대공원 – Eorinidaegongwon), which is near Konguk University in north east Seoul. If you want to learn the different names of animals in Korean, then a trip to the zoo is a great way to practice these words. Quickly learn the names of the animals the night before, then you can practice the new vocabulary all day and make strong memories. Here are three animals to get you started:

Lion – 사자 (saja)

Tiger – 호랑이 (horangi)

Elephant – 코끼리 (kokkiri)

Picnics 소풍 (sopung)

Another popular activity is having a picnic. The parks along the Han River are likely to be full of families on Children’s Day. People will put up a small tent so that they can rest in the shade and enjoy snacks while children fly kites or ride bikes. There are many convenience stores along the river to purchase snacks from, but many people also order food and explain their location to the delivery men who ride on motorbikes looking for the person who placed the order.

As well as these common Children’s Day activities, there are many other things that you can do with your day off. You could go to a baseball or soccer game (there are K-League soccer matches on many national holidays including Children’s Day), go hiking up a mountain, or take a one-day trip to the countryside. You could even stay home and intensively study Korean, after all, learning the Korean alphabet only takes 90 minutes, so you could make a lot of progress in one day.

How will you spend your day off on Children’s Day? Let us know in the comments below!

Let’s talk coffee. Not only is it the magical elixir that somehow makes getting out of bed slightly less painful – it’s also one of the world’s most purchased beverages, and there is no shortage of coffee shops to get your daily fix!

Korea’s coffee scene has exploded over the last few years and shows no signs of slowing down. New cafes seem to open on a daily basis, and they all claim to have the best cup of coffee.

How do you know where to begin? Use this article to help you navigate the world of caffeine – whether you’re seeking the best latte, the frothiest cappuccino, or the boldest iced coffee, the shops below will certainly have something for you. Read on for our recommendations, and be sure to give us your feedback in the comments below!

Korean Coffee Shop #1: Flat 274 in Buam-Dong

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How do you take your coffee – cream and sugar, light and sweet? What about with a side of life music and local art? If so, Flat 274 is the coffee shop for you!

Aside from making out-of-this-world caffeinated beverages, Flat 274 is a mecca of constantly rotating local art, ranging from photographs from local artists, paintings, and pottery. Flat 274 is a true celebration of Korean culture, and is the perfect spin on the traditional “coffee shop date” if you’re looking to take your special someone to someplace a bit more interesting than your run of the mill café.

The coffee shop is also a showcase for the musically talented – if you drop in on any night featuring music from Korean singers and guitarists, you’re in for a treat.

Korean Coffee Shop #2: Sahara Café in Sango-Dong 

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com

Conveniently located near Soongsil University, Sahara Café is the perfect place to post up with a strong cappuccino and a laptop to take care of the homework you’ve been putting off this week.

It’s not only a place for taking care of business, though – the café is lined with hundreds of books for your reading enjoyment, and is a great location for indulging in some lazy afternoon reading. Take a trek out to this quiet university neighborhood the next time you simultaneously need a mid-day caffeine boost and a quiet place to work or think.

Korean Coffee Shop #3: Coffee in Sinsa-dong (Garosu-gil)

Photo credit: http://modernseoul.org

Ikovox coffee is a gem of a café hidden amidst the bustling shopping district of Garuso-gil. Rather than busting out batch-brewed coffee, the coffee aficionados that man the counter at Ikovox brew each cup of coffee by hand, making sure that their guests end up with the perfect cup of Joe based on their own unique tastes and preferences.

Make sure to stop by Ikovox if you’re in search of quality coffee for home-brewing, as well – their wholesale beans are extremely reasonable (and taste amazing)!

Korean Coffee Shop #4: Jeon Gwang-su Coffee House – Bukcheon

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There are those that are serious about coffee… and then there’s Jeon. A true veteran in the world of caffeine, Jeon has been in the business of making amazing coffee for over a decade, and he has his own barista school for the most serious caffeine devotees!

Whether you’re interested in stopping by for a cup of unbeatable, world-class coffee or you’re interested in a full-immersion 18 month course that’s meant to shape and test your barista skills, swing by Coffee House and see what all the fuss is about.

Korean Coffee Shop #5: Café Coffee Mashineun Goyangi in Anguk-dong

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com

Café Coffee Mashineun Goyangi, or “The Coffee Drinking Cat,” has so much more to offer than the standard coffee shop menu of latte, cappuccino, and drip coffee. Don’t get me wrong – the baristas at this café make a mean cappuccino.

Beyond that, though, guests at this colorful coffee paradise have the opportunity to order single origin coffees from countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, which ensures that each guest can end of with the perfect cup of coffee, whether they’re a fan of citrusy, medium-bodied African roasts or spiced, bold Asian varieties.

There are also top notch juices, teas, and smoothies if you’re winding down for the day and could go without caffeine. We personally recommend their cinnamon-spiced chai tea – over ice, it’s the perfect drink for warmer weather!

Korean Coffee Shop #6: Coffee Libre in Yeonnam-dong (Hongdae)

Photo credit: http://careyciuro.com

Coffee Libre has an interesting origin – the name itself is born from the Mexican luchador wrestlers, which explains the logo and imagery adorning the stark, crack-laden walls that give the building so much character.

The building was formerly a medicine shop, and the owners of Coffee Libre decided to embrace the motif and left indications of the former Chinese apothecary scattered throughout the space. This combination of themes and décor makes for a fun, lively space for guests to enjoy a cup of strong coffee (all roasted in the shop)! Getting to the shop is a little bit of a trek, but you’ll immediately thank us after taking your first sip of pure caffeine heaven.

Korean Coffee Shop #7: Jamggodae in Samcheongdong

Photo credit: http://www.pinterest.com

Jamggodae is proof that sometimes, simple is best. This café has three different roasts of coffee to choose from, and the baristas individually brew each cup of coffee to perfection. The prices are also super reasonable for high quality craft coffee, which makes the shop a popular location for anybody who needs to post up for several hours on the mismatched, cozy chairs to get some work done. Make it a point to stop by and try their Dutch iced coffee – it’s a delicious brew with hints of chocolate that will convert even the most adamant coffee-hater!

With summer already upon us, the days are getting longer, and we need all the help we can get not getting tired before the sun sets. Check out the shops on this list for a cup of coffee that you won’t regret, and let us know where your favorite Korean coffee shop is in the comments below!

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If you have a Korean boyfriend or girlfriend, then you are going to want to call them by a special name. Terms of endearment can help you feel closer and show your feelings. In English, people often call their partners ‘honey’.

Today, we are going to learn how to say ‘honey’ in Korean. Learn the word for ‘honey’ and help make your relationship even better!

*Can’t read Korean yet? Click here to learn for free in about 60 minutes!

‘Honey’ in Korean

The word for the type of honey that bees make is 꿀 (kkul), or 벌꿀 (beolkkul). 벌 means ‘bee’ so this second word is literally ‘bee honey’. Even though your boyfriend or girlfriend is undoubtedly very sweet, don’t use these words to call them honey!

If you want to call your girlfriend or boyfriend ‘honey’, then you should use the word 여보 (yeobo) or the word 자기 (jagi). Ask your partner which one they prefer and use that word to call them by. The English word ‘honey’, written in Korean as 허니 (heoni), is also sometimes used.

A Word of Caution About Romanization

Although using Romanized Korean words can be a useful way to pick up a few words, it can only get you so far. If you truly want to learn Korean, then it is a good idea to take the time to learn Hangul, the Korean alphabet.

Understanding Hangul can help you notice grammar points and articles, and separate these from vocabulary, making it easier to learn both. It will also help you with your pronunciation and intonation, and the best thing is, it is very easy to learn. In fact, Hangul can be learned in just 90 minutes!

If you want to learn some more essential phrases, check out this article or try our full Korean course.

Alternate Uses of ‘Honey’ in Korean

While the word 여보 only means ‘honey’, the word 자기 can mean ‘honey’, but it can also mean ‘self’, ‘myself’, or ‘oneself’. For example, you might hear the phrase 자기 소개 (jagi sogae). This phrase means ‘self-introduction’, not ‘introduce your honey’.

As the word for ‘self’ is usually used in formal settings, and the word ‘honey’ is usually used in informal situations, it should be easy to tell which one is which based on the context.

Sample Sentences

Formal / Polite:

The word ‘honey’ is not usually used in formal situations like interviews or presentations, just as it wouldn’t be used in these situations in English.

You may wish to talk about your partner in the third person when speaking politely or formally to others. In these situations, it would be better to use a term such as husband (남편), wife (아내), boyfriend, or girlfriend (read the article: How to Say ‘Friend’ in Korean to learn how to say ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’ in Korean).

Informal:

When talking to someone who you feel is your ‘honey’, use informal Korean.

자기, 내 열쇠 봤어? (jagi, nae yeolsoe bwasseo?)

Honey, have you seen my keys?

자기야, 나는 집이야 (jagiya, naneun jipiya.)

I’m at home, honey.

오늘 하루는 어땠어 여보? (oneul haruneun eottaesseo yeobo?)

How was your day, honey?

Now that you know how to say ‘honey’ in Korean, go out and tell your loved one that they are your ‘honey’.

*Want more Korean phrases? Go to our Korean Phrases Page for a complete list!

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Ready for some spring celebration?

May is known in Korea as the month of holidays as it contains Children’s Day, Parent’s Day, Teacher’s Day, and Buddha’s birthday. However, out of these, only Children’s Day and Buddha’s birthday are national holidays, or ‘red days’ as they are known.

Today, we’ll tell you all about Buddha’s birthday!

When is Buddha’s Birthday in Korea

Buddha’s birthday is celebrated on different days depending on the country that celebrates it. Buddha’s birthday in Korea falls on the eighth day of the fourth Lunar month. This means that the actual date of the holiday changes from year to year. In 2016 it falls on May 14^th (which, to the disappointment of workers across the country, happens to be a Saturday), in 2017 it falls on May 3^rd, and in 2018 it falls on May 22^nd.

The Korean word for Buddha’s birthday is 석가 탄신일 (seokga tanshinil), although it is sometimes also known as 부처님 오신 날 (bucheonim oshin nal) which translates roughly as ‘the day when Buddha came’.

Buddhism in Korea

Buddhism is, along with Christianity, one of the two main religions of South Korea. As a result, there are temples all around the country where you can visit to learn more about the religion. It is also possible to do ‘temple stays’ where you can stay overnight at the temple and try to follow the routine of the monks who live there. Be warned though, these monks are early risers. If you like sleeping-in late then a ‘temple stay’ may not be for you!

Buddhism arrived in Korea in the fourth century and quickly spread. However, during the Joseon dynasty it was heavily suppressed, with the Joseon dynasty favoring Confucianism over Buddhism.

The word for Buddhism is 불교 (bulgyo) in Korean. Buddhists in Korea can visit temples and buy incense (향 [hyang]) which they can burn while meditating. It is also possible to pay monks to pray for you. Some people pay monks to pay for a set period of time for the health of their loved ones, or for their loved ones to do well on important exams such as the university entrance examination. This test is known as 수능 (suneung) in Korean.

Buddhist Temples in Korea

The most well-known Buddhist temples in Korea include 불국사 (bulguksa) in Gyeongju, which is one of the most impressive temples in Korea; and 해인사 (haeinsa) in Hapcheon, home to the Triptaka Koreana printing blocks. Both of these temples are in Gyeongsang province in the south-east of the country.

In Seoul there are two main temples: 봉은사 (bongeunsa), which is located near COEX in Gangnam; and 조계사 (jogyesa), which is in Insadong in central Seoul. Even if you are not religious, a visit to one of these temples can help relax you and relieve your stress. It is hard not to be impressed by the calmness inside the temples compared to the hustle and bustle of the city just a short distance away.

If you are in Busan, then just a short bus ride from Haeundae is the 해동 용궁사 (haedong yonggungsa) temple. It is built on some small cliffs by the sea, giving it a spectacular location and views that are well worth the visit.

Events for Buddha’s Birthday

Most of the events for Buddha’s birthday in Korea happen in the week running up to Buddha’s birthday, rather than on the day itself.

The main event is the lotus lantern festival. In the weeks running up to Buddha’s birthday, paper lanterns will start appearing all over Seoul. At this time, it is possible to see lanterns around Cheongyecheon stream, Insadong, and Jogyesa temple in central Seoul.

The highlight of the lotus lantern festival is a lantern parade through central Seoul. This parade usually takes place on the weekend before Buddha’s birthday, and in 2016 will take place on May 7^th. The participants in the parade first head to Dongguk University, which is one of the main Buddhist universities in Korea. They watch dance performances and ceremonies in the afternoon before beginning the lantern parade.

The Lantern Parade in Seoul

The parade starts at Dongguk University, and works its way along Jongro, the main street of central Seoul, before finishing at Jogyesa temple. It takes place in the early evening, but people start gathering along Jongro in the late afternoon in order to get a good view of the parade.

People wishing to view the parade should use the subway to arrive as Jongno gets closed to traffic in order to allow the parade to pass along it. Taking a subway to either Jonggak, Jongno 3-ga, or Jongno 5-ga subway stations will allow you to be on the parade route upon exiting the station. If you arrive early then there are plenty of things to do around Jonggak subway station, but Jongno 5-ga may be less crowded and thus better suited for any latecomers hoping to get a good view.

The parade usually starts at seven in the evening and goes on until around nine-thirty. The parade’s participants range from solemn looking monks to excitable university students, and the number of participants is in the thousands, making it seem as if the parade is never ending. As well as individuals carrying lanterns, there are also some larger set piece parade floats, with large illuminated paper drums, fish, flowers, and even fire breathing dragons! For visitors to Seoul in early May, the lantern parade is something that you have got to see.

The day after the lantern parade, there are a few other activities and cultural performances that take place on the streets around Insadong. If you are around the area at that time then these could also be of interest.

Although Korea has lots of festivals, the Lantern festival, located in central Seoul is very accessible. The lanterns also make for great photos, and will most likely be a completely new experience for visitors from outside of East Asia.

Buddha’s Birthday in Korea Wrap-Up

Buddhism, while only practiced by a few people, is still a major part of life in Korea. Why not use Buddha’s birthday in Korea as an excuse to learn more about this religion?

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When you think of Korea, what do you think of? K-Pop, kimchi, and Korean barbeque? What about alcohol? Korea is home to a wide variety of interesting (and delicious!) alcoholic concoctions that make enjoying a night out drinking with friends anything but boring.

Put down the beer, and read on for a list of must-try Korean alcoholic beverages that you should incorporate into your next evening out! Bottoms up!

Korean Alcohol #1: Soju

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It doesn’t get more Korean than soju, a quintessential Korean alcohol. That being said, Koreans aren’t the only ones who love soju – believe it or not, it’s the most widely consumed type of alcohol in the world!

Soju pairs well with a wide variety of popular Korean dishes, so it is considered by many to be a staple for a great, well-rounded dinner. However, be careful before you pour your third or fourth glass – soju is commonly 19-25% alcohol, so it is a much higher proof than beer and wine. Don’t let that scare you away, though! The distinct, sharp taste of soju is popular for a reason. Stop and pick up a bottle before your next dinner party and you’ll see what all the buzz is about!

Korean Alcohol #2: Bokbunja

Time for a quick wine lesson! As I’m sure you’re aware, wine is made from grapes, and the different flavors in different types of wine come from manipulating the fermenting process to enhance different properties of the grapes’ flavor. So, what would happen if a fruit like blackberries was used instead of grapes? A delicious beverage called bokbunja is what happens!

That being said, the similarities between bokbunja and wine stops there. Bokbunja has a much higher alcohol content than a standard glass of red or white wine – a glass of bokbunja averages 15-19% alcohol, and a glass of wine averages between 9-16%. Due to the high acidity of the blackberries, bokbunja is a delight to drink with lightly seasoned seafood dishes.

Bokbunja also has a less-known property that makes it a huge hit – it’s been linked to a rise in testosterone in men, making it a delicious aphrodisiac. Pick up a bottle of this tart Korean alcohol the next time you’re cooking fish, crab, or octopus for your date and you’ll be in for a treat!

Korean Alcohol #3: Maeshilju

Image source: http://petitworldcitizen.wordpress.com

Are you a fan of sweet dessert wines? If so, maeshilju is the drink for you! Maeshilju is a super sweet Korean alcohol made from green plums fermented with a sweetener, like light brown sugar or honey. The alcohol percentage of this drink is sitting at a decent 14%, which means you’ll be able to enjoy a few glasses without falling over or running into walls.

Maeshilju doesn’t pair particularly well with dinner because its sweetness can be overpowering, but a glass after a meal makes for a fantastic dessert. Break out some maeshilju the next time you’re hosting a dinner party and would like to bring the dining experience to a well-rounded finish for your friends or family. They won’t be disappointed!

Korean Alcohol #4: Makgeolli

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Makgeolli is the original Korean alcohol – it’s much older than the other alcohols listed on this list, but it’s still a favorite in Korean bars and restaurants for good reason!

Makgeolli is a think, sweet rice wine that is sweet and tangy with a touch of carbonation to pull the drink together. In recent years, makgeolli has started becoming popular with the younger crowd when paired with a fruit cocktail to make it slightly sweeter. There are a ton of different types of makgeolli available for purchase – some renditions add additional flavors, while some renditions pride themselves on using pure, organic ingredients for an all-around smooth and unbeatable taste (at a slightly higher price). Shop around and find the makgeolli that you prefer, and take part in a tradition almost as old as Korea itself!

Korean Alcohol #5: Dongdongju

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Dongdongju is a less-popular (but still delicious!) variation of makgeolli. Makgeolli is made from rice, and as a result is thick and can be full of sediment if it’s unfiltered. Dongdongju is its unfiltered cousin – your standard glass of dongdongju will have rice particles in the bottom of the glass, adding an interesting texture to an already interesting drink. Aside from the difference in thickness and texture as a result of the filtering, dongdongju has a very similar flavor profile to makgeolli, so if you’re a fan of makgeolli give dongdongju a try!

Korean Alcohol #6: Sansachun

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Sansachun has been considered a “medicinal alcohol” for over 400 years – supposedly, sansachun is the drink to pour when you’re stressed or anxious, as it’s supposed to calm the nerves and soothe the body. Sign me up!

Brewed from hawthorn berries, sansachun is slightly sour and is said to enhance appetite if it’s consumed prior to eating, which makes it a popular pre-dinner drink. Use sansachun to unwind the next time you’ve had a long day, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Korean Alcohol #7: Cheongju

Cheongju is literally “clear liquor” in Korean, and true to its name, it’s a clear Korean rice wine. Think of it as a very mild, slightly sweet soju. The difference in taste comes from being fermented at least twice (rather than once), and the difference in the fermentation process produces a mild, sweet beverage that appeals to many drinkers who find the taste of soju too intense or unpalatable. If you gave soju a shot and you didn’t know what all the fuss was about, try cheongju for a dialed back drinking experience that you’ll be sure to enjoy!

Getting to know the food and drink of a particular culture can be intimidating if you don’t have a point of reference. Hopefully this list helps you navigate the Korean drinking scene and have some fun! Do you have a favorite Korean liquor that wasn’t on this list? Be sure to tell us about it in the comments!

Main Photo: Graham Hills

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