Choga Brewery

Hancheong Cheongju

한청

Hancheong is a 15% ABV cheongju (clear Korean rice wine) from Gangwon-do, brewed with Cheorwon Odae rice, a variety prized for its clean flavor and the distinct terroir of the Cheorwon plains near the DMZ. The palate is tidy and transparent, with restrained sweetness and a bright, fresh character that avoids the heavier profiles of some higher-ABV cheongju. Added fructose and refined spirit round the edges, while lactic acid provides a subtle structural backbone. Hancheong represents a modern, accessible style of Korean clear rice wine that prioritizes drinkability and food compatibility over showcase complexity.